Opinions on accident repair

[highlift]

Hi All

Some knucklehead hit my car over the weekend. Long story short, I was waiting at a light to turn left and this other car was turning left and coming across in front of me to do so. They decided to block the sun with a magazine which in turned blocked my car from their field of vision. This resulted in them cutting the corner and dragging their drivers side door across my front bumper. The impact was probably about 5-10mph and they left a good 18 inches of marks down their car. My car on the other hand didn't end up quite as bad. Needless to say, my once perfect car is no longer perfect.

I got an estimate today from a shop that I trust and have used. They told me replacing the damaged bumper cover likely won't be covered because it can be repaired and repainted. There is a gouge in the plastic thats not very deep and a few areas where the bumper has bulged or shifted. I really do not want any body filler on the car and any chance of there being abnormal gaps between the fender. However, it looks like there might not be anything I can do about that.

Should I concerned with them repairing the bumper? Does anyone have any prior experience with minor accidents and getting parts replaced rather than fixed? The other drivers insurance was USAA. The shop I went to is NOT a certified BMW collision center.

Any advice or insight would be more than appreciated.

link to hi-res picture of damage

View post on imgur.com

[highlift]

Originally Posted by Lute

If you want a perfect result push for the insurance company to replace the bumper. I have repaired bumpers before. If the shop is not absolutely perfect in how they repair it you may see some high/low spots, especially on a black car

I pushed hard for that when I got the estimate done. His point, which I totally understand, is that USAA is going to tell him that the bumper should be repaired and not replaced based on the damage. The written estimate does say OEM replacement bumper requested by customer but I don't know how much weight that holds.

Maybe you or someone else has suggestions on how I can help build my case for a replacement bumper rather than a repair?

[Deathboy]

Pre painted euro bumper from IND no reflectors they can paint and ship to you.

[highlift]

Originally Posted by Deathboy

Pre painted euro bumper from IND no reflectors they can paint and ship to you.

That might be a tough one.

[Deathboy]

It was just a suggestion. Take of damaged one, put on new one...Easy peazy.

[highlift]

Originally Posted by Deathboy

It was just a suggestion. Take of damaged one, put on new one...Easy peazy.

A good suggestion too . I don't think the insurance company will go for it though.

[THE TECH]

Pic doesn't work.