Rear Bumper Damage/HOV Stickers

My wife was rear ended a couple months ago. It cost ~$750 to replace the rear bumper. The DMV will replace the HOV stickers, you just need to fill out the forms like you originally did, mark it as a replacement sticker and include a copy of the body shop recipt, don't forget the check for $8.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Harper @ Jul 26 2007, 08:04 PM) [snapback]485805[/snapback]</div>

Harper, sorry to hear of your situation. Can't help with the stickers. This sounds like a "minor" accident. What are the estimates and what is your deductible? I presume the police were not present and a report was not filed. Presuming you have collision coverage if you go through your insurance company they will pay for the damage to the other car and for your damage less your deductible. Since this is your first chargeable loss your insurance rate may or may not rise. It will on the next claim. If the total damages are a few hundred dollars over the deductible you may be better off in the long term paying out of pocket for everything. If you don't have the resources then file a claim. If the other party has already filed an insurance claim then you won't be any worse off having the insurance repair yours.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ Jul 26 2007, 08:29 PM) [snapback]485817[/snapback]</div>

Your actual "rate" shouldn't go up, but If you are considered more than 49% at fault you may incur a surcharge on your policy + you will most likely lose your accident free discount.

 

IMHO California insurance has always been screwed, and anything you do will increase your rates. You might be better off paying out of pocket, if the repairs are affordable, because I'll bet your rates WILL go up the next time you renew.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mcbrunnhilde @ Jul 27 2007, 12:03 AM) [snapback]485995[/snapback]</div>

It depends on the insurance company. 21st Century does not charge you with an at fault accident unless the damage exceeds $1,000.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Jul 27 2007, 05:35 PM) [snapback]486356[/snapback]</div>

I work for an insurance company and I'll just say that there are some shady things that they do, I dont know specifically what they do for collision coverage in California, but I do know that CA is known as having laws that are more pro-insurance company than consumer which makes the state a very profitable one, but it is also one of the most competitive because of increased competition. On the opposite side New Jersey is the most pro-consumer in their laws and regulations making it less lucrative and less competitive.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ravie @ Jul 26 2007, 07:27 PM) [snapback]485812[/snapback]</div>

No need to have a copy of the body shop receipt. It may certainly help.

I had my stickers replaced, all I needed to provide: the form, $8 check, and proof of BayArea Fast track (I'm in San Jose area, I don't know if you have to have the fastrack proof). I wrote note on the form: Front & Back bumpers were replaced due to an accident. 2 weeks and the new stickers arrived.

 

I backed into my neighbors rear bumber with my rear bumper. He had no damage but I had big dent in the plastic rear bumper. With a hair dryer to heat the bumber (not too hot) and reach in and push the dent out. I little touch up with factory touch up paint ($9.08). Looks like new.