First ever fender bender is in X5M

[windtendo]

As the title says, I was in my first little accident this afternoon. Luckily it only involved my vehicle, and was in a parking garage. I was backing into a spot on the end and for some stupid reason there was a waist-height skinny yellow pole that didn't pick up on the sensors or in my field of view out of the back. Needless to say the small back left panel and bumper where the reflector used to be is scuffed and bent to hell.

Having never been in any sort of accident in my life, I don't have the first clue how to handle this. I know if I report to insurance then it will show up on carfax in the future, but I'll only pay the deductible. Not sure if insurance rates would go up with not having any tickets or no accidents ever would play into that. But I'm sure the cost to replace the bumper and panel wouldn't be cheap either. Where do I start with this? This is absolutely the worst feeling.

[jspdr]

Depends on your deductible. You should get an estimate to have some idea the cost to repair. If you decide to file a claim with your insurance, first you need to take pictures of the damaged parts, and all repair cost to prove it was a minor accident from carfax report. Regarding rates would go up or not that depends on the insurance company policy IMO.

[P1]

Can we see some pics? It becomes a mathematical exercise of what it wil cost out of pocket to get it repaired vs. only paying your deductible, possibly your insurance going up and this showing up on the Carfax, thus essentially making your vehicle worth less.

[windtendo]

Looking at where the small driver side panel meets the rear bumper, the fitment is now off. I don't see how this could not require replacing both. Got to be one of the most expensive trips to the movies.

Here's the damage...

[P1]

Does not look too bad. I see paint transfer which can/could be entirely removed by a good detailer.

[jspdr]

I had the exact whole bumper and 2 side panels painted and installed for less than $1000. I would not think it will benefit you to file a claim. What keeping you from getting an estimate. We are all guessing here

[windtendo]

Originally Posted by jspdr

I had the exact whole bumper and 2 side panels painted and installed for less than $1000. I would not think it will benefit you to file a claim. What keeping you from getting an estimate. We are all guessing here

Was this through a BMW dealership? I would think just the replacement parts alone would be over $1000.

[fatmatt0116]

just get it repainted, it will look good as new. I can't imagine this would cost more than 1300 or so, so you may just want to pay out of pocket to avoid insurance.

[jspdr]

Originally Posted by windtendo

Was this through a BMW dealership? I would think just the replacement parts alone would be over $1000.

No need to go through BMW dealership. It was just a paint job and installed. Apparently it does not look like you need parts, just buff, slightly body filler and paint.

[fatmatt0116]

I'm actually getting the rear bumper painted right now (in the shop). valet guys scratched it. I'll ask my guy how much he charged the insurance.

[windtendo]

Update: dropped the truck off today at a reputable collision repair shop that the BMW dealership refers everyone to. They gave me an estimate of $675, which includes repair of the clip holding the bumper and trim piece I mentioned earlier, sanding down the scuffs, and repainting the bumper and trim piece. If they have to replace the trim piece it'll add another $150. Definitely turned out to be a no-brainer and not filing a claim. They estimated 3 days and I'll have it back. So out of the door, with their estimate plus the possible $150 replacement part, a rental for 3 days, and tax, I'm guessing it'll be around $1000 for that trip to the movies.


By the way, for anyone that sees Prisoners, let me know how it went.

[texvette]

That is why we take the beater out in Houston usually. Been in many a situations
where arrived and a parking nightmare. Hated to leave the car. If local errands
in and out stuff. BMW. But if a long night like dinner or a play downtown. Its
beater time. Have friends who say take the car, meant to be used. They say that
till something happens and hit with a repair bill. One got a new car and ordred a
stipped no frills model because of this. My comment was your really not enjoying
a car you want either !!!!

[jspdr]

Originally Posted by windtendo

Update: dropped the truck off today at a reputable collision repair shop that the BMW dealership refers everyone to. They gave me an estimate of $675, which includes repair of the clip holding the bumper and trim piece I mentioned earlier, sanding down the scuffs, and repainting the bumper and trim piece. If they have to replace the trim piece it'll add another $150. Definitely turned out to be a no-brainer and not filing a claim. They estimated 3 days and I'll have it back. So out of the door, with their estimate plus the possible $150 replacement part, a rental for 3 days, and tax, I'm guessing it'll be around $1000 for that trip to the movies.


By the way, for anyone that sees Prisoners, let me know how it went.

Those parts are very tricky to paint because they are plastic. You should ask them what is the process, what do they do to prevent peeling. They should provide lifetime warranty if it peels in writing.

[MonacoJoe]

avoid filing a claim at all costs or going to dealer. will end up in your carfax report and that will chop a huge amount off resale even if it was minor.

[windtendo]

After calling yesterday they said the truck was in the paint shop and they expect it to be ready for me to pick up later today! I'll post pictures after pickup.

In response to a few comments, I double-checked that this work wouldn't go on the car's record. Also their is a lifetime warranty on their work so paint chipping shouldn't be an issue. The lower panel didn't need replacing after all too, so that saved me $150!