It was rainy and dark where I was driving. There was a black garbage can in the middle of the street. My choices:

hit another car head on
Slam on the brakes and get rear ended and then hit the garbage can.
swerve enough and pray to miss the garbage can.

I had no choice but to hit the garbage can in the middle of the street last night. I ended up cracking my bumper cover. $550 in damage. The problem is that It's not worth the insurance hassle to get the work done. So it's $550 out of pocket to get it replaced or look into an aftermarket bumper.

Can you guys help me out to find some aftermarket bumpers? Stillen offers one. I don't think it looks that good though. I appreciate any suggestions and websites.

Worst case, I will drive it around through the winter just in case it gets nasty here and have the factory bumper replaced in spring. It's just one of those things..driving a beautiful new car with a broken bumper

Legally I don't think I can go after the home owner for leaving their S$#t out in the street. I did file a Police report just in case the damage was worse. I don't want to file a claim b/c I don't want to pay more in insurance premiums. I have a $100 deductable which is nice, but the risk of higher premiums puts me in a tight spot.

Any suggestions as far as a claim?

 

File claim against home owner in small claims court, Doesn't cost much and worth a shot. I'm no lawyer, but I would think they would be responsible.

 

I would def. look into aftermarket for the bumper when you're ready to do it just to be able to make your max a little different from everyones. Its not that I don't like Stillens front end, I just don't think it is worth the money in replacing my perfectly good bumper. If I was in your shoes I would no doubt go with the Stillen front end unless a better looking bumper comes along the way.

 

I don't like any of the aftermarket bumpers offered yet. I'll be frank, I think the Stillen front facia looks like complete a$$

Ever take a tour of the factory (aka sweatshop?)?

 

Front bumper cover
Cover, Front
Part number: 620227Y025
List: $216.97

Should be able to get it online for $180-$190

Hope this helps.

 

I'm getting a good deal i think on the quote for parts. It's the labor cost that doubles to cost of everything. The problem is that they have to paint the bumber and do the clear coat and all that stuff. That's where the cost of this is. I appreciate the help though. Still looking for an aftermarket bumper cover. They are kind of pricey and I still would need to paint it. is that worth the $1k-1.3k?

 

1,3k!? whoa..... no way. There has to be a cheaper alternative. If you were near by I'd help you get the hookup. I suggest looking for a good shop near you that will do it for you cheaper than what you were quoted for on the labor.

 

that was with an aftermarket grill($700). The labor is about $300.

 

WTF?? A 700.00 grille? What is it solid gold??

 

This is no flame.. I deal with auto insurance...

If you hit something sitting in the middle of the road then it is your fault for out driving your headlights and you probably would not win in court.

The premium question depends on your claims history, time with your ins co and the laws in your state. If you have a good record then file a claim.. after all isn't that why you have insurance. If you won't file a claim on an incident like this, raise your collision deductible to at least $500 and reduce your premiums.

Banditman