My max was a hit and run victim last week and I am in the process of getting it repaired. The ins. company wants to replace the rear bumper with an aftermarket product and wants to blend the paint on the rear quarter panel after they repair the damage. For anyone that has had to deal with an insurance company, is this normal? Should I push for a Nissan bumper and a complete repainting of the affected quarter panel, rather than blending? Thanks

 

I got rear ended couple weeks ago, replace everything with OEM parts.
I don't know if you can make an argument with that, it probably depends on your insurance company's policy.

But you do have the right to have your own selected body shop, if you can get a estimate from any of them with OEM parts, you should be able to fix it there.

Good luck!

 

That seems a little odd; when some dork hit my old Maxima a few months ago, the shop repainted the entire fender, then blended the paint into the door for matching.

Typically on a used car insurance companies will only use used parts, so you're probably stuck with that - but haven't heard the non-OEM statement before (maybe the same thing?).

I did learn though, that despite their specific TERMS AND CONDITIONS insurance companies will relent a little when you discuss problems with them, so by all means call and complain (politely). They'll probably throw a litte more $$ at the problem for you.

 

They always do that, and I heard from bodyshop folks that some insurance companies push more for cheaper parts than the others. Since you are the one who is paying the premium, it is your choice on what parts to use. Insist on using only OEM parts (site safety and fitment reasons), but re: paint, I would get an independent estimate for your own bodyshop. Just talk to a specialist what is better in your situation, blending in or repainting. Remember, when you come to pick up your car, if you are not satisfied, dont sign anything.

 

I am going to fight the OEM thing. How about the blending thing. Certainly other people have had body panels repaired. Did they repaint the whole thing or blend. One more up-scale body shop (I saw alot of Porsche's and BMW's) said to get the paint to blend they had to do an "up and over", meaning they would paint the roof and other rear quarter panel. Does that sound like they are just trying to jack up the bill to y'all?

 

don't worry about the way they are going to paint. You are concerned with paint matching- there is a lifetime warranty on all insurance repairs. As I told you, once the car is done, make sure you are satisifed with it, if not, dont sign any papers and have them redo it.

 

What a pain this whole things has become simply because a driver could drive down the street without hitting a parked car! Got to love DC drivers.