Hello dear fit fans,

My fit(10 sport automatic) last week was involved in an parking lot accident. Passenger side of the front bumper near the fog light was dented. The depression was about 20 inches wide in diameter, 4-5 inches deep. There were scratches on the paint. The upper edge was bent out from the fender. Washer fluid tank was cracked due to the impact as well.

The other driver was determined to be fully liable for the loss. His insurance company Progressive( in texas) made an estimate based on the repair of the bumper.

My Question is : am I entitled to a new replacement with OEM part since the car is relatively new( bought in late July 2010)?

They said the bumper is repairable and the repaired area will be stronger since they are going to reinforce it with something.
I believe them on that. But I thought after the repair, the bumper becomes a repaired/reconditioned part which has less value than the part in the pre-loss condition. Am I right?

Please, if you have any insight or suggestion or experience in this matter, I'd appreciate it if you cans share it.

Thanks,
Jian

 

Why are you even dealing with his insurance company? Just get it repaired the way you want in a shop of your choosing and send them the bill. If they won't pay then mention that you'll take them to small claims court. They'll pay.

 

Take it to the shop of your choice and talk to the manager about his thoughts on repair vs. replace. Ask the manager to contact the insurance company and come to an agreement on repair costs. Keep in mind that any part can be repaired but damage can get to the point where it's cheaper to replace a part than it is to repair it. Likewise if the damage is minor and the shop and insurance company both agree it can be repaired "properly" then the insurance company has the right to pay the lesser amount. That is so long as your shop manager agrees with them. Repair or replace it's going to show up on carfax if I understand their method properly.

 

I think you have a right to a new part, no matter how they repair it, it will still not be as good as new.

 

Thanks guys for your replies.
I took it to the shop. The manager agrees that it should be replaced since it's a new car. If insurance won't pay for OEM new part, I can go to small claims court to sue them for loss of value.

 

You are not at fault and you have the right to ask for OEM parts to restore the car to its original condition. It would be different if you are the one trying to cut costs & stretch your $$--but the other party's insurance needs fix your car the way you want it.