North bound 15 at Limonite, stop and go traffic on a Saturday afternoon it happened.

At the moment, I was stopped at a respectful distance behind the car ahead of me (I always do that, good habit). I looped up into my read view mirror and saw it coming and announced to Mr. "B" (Ed) that we are going to get hit. I took that deep breath the moment before and hoped he would stop in time but he dident. Derelict in a truck locked up his brakes and rear ended RARE HHR! We all pulled to the side and did the injury check. No one hurt at all. Derelicts words after asking if we were alright was that it was 100% his fault. He said was on his cell phone!

The impact was not too severe but enough to put paint scraps on my bumper and poke a hole in the bumper plastic.

We did the transfer of information and all that. Waited for the Highway Patrol but at the moment, I opted out for the report (I should have gotten one though, so I'm a derelict too ). The kid offered to repair my HHR cash and I said I would have to contact my insurance company to see what they had to say before I made a decision.


OK, so, here is my question for the group....

Let a shop replace the bumper?
Have an after market rear end put on if cashing out the claim?
Do I make the kid pay my deductible or file in small claims court for that money if I end up paying that?

I am not for doing a patch job. That is not an acceptable solution to me.


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/5/9/8/009.JPG

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/5/9/8/011.JPG

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/5/9/8/014.JPG

That sucks Sindy :thumbsdow :thumbsdow. Glad to hear you are okay though :thumb: :thumb: So are you thinking of a PTeazer rear bumper?

Sindy I would have your Dealer check it out. Just cause it looks small what else has been damaged?

That sucks! Stupid freakin idiots on their cell phones. I say let him pay for it all, wether you go for the stock or aftermarket bumper. You being sitting still you were not at fault, he should cover all. I don't know how it works there in california, but I wouldn't want to pay for someones stupidity. If you go with the aftermarket, make sure it fits right before you settle, you don't want to get into more work then needed. Hope all goes well for you.

Certainly should let the insurance handle it. There could always be more damage than what is visual. Not to mention most insurance companies offer a warranty on repairs if you use one of their recommended shops. After all that, Sue his a$$ for running into an HHR.

OMG Sindy...that's awful. If he doesn't want to turn it over to his insurance, I would make him pay whatever the damage is, including your deductible. If the insurance company settles with you, they will go after him for what they paid out, plus your deductible. At least that's what they do in Colorado anyway.

If you're thinking about changing the rear bumper...now would be the time to do it. Please keep us posted.

That sucks, Sindy. Sorry to hear about this.

Depending on how the CHP reacts and your State Laws, I would still make a police report. No injuries, just property damage...after the fact report.

If he is a derelict, he's going to weasle out or weasle and complain about the cost of repair. Any way you look at it, it's going to be grief.

Just the bumper cover costs about $400 (about $250 if you know someone) plus labor and any hidden damage.

We both have the same insurance company. He wanted to pay cash after I got estimates because he's turning the magic age when rates are reduced. He was 3 weeks away from that date!
The kind side of me was kind and gentle and said stuff happens and I really wasen't mad, which is true. I'm just bummed but it can be fixed, it's just a car, it's special to me, but it's still just a car.
The other side of me doesn't want to be inconvenienced by all the particulars that go into getting RARE HHR back to the way it was. That should not be my burden.

Snoopy... He was a remorseful young man, he Momma taught him right or he was great at the art of deception!

Holy CR*P! I'm glad to hear you all are alright! But sorry this happened. I've been in an accident like that where I saw him coming and braced for the impact--I broke the seat in my GEO Metro from the impact. Didn't feel the sore back for a few days, please make sure you are ok.

Nevertheless, it was great meeting you and Ed and the (still) lovely RARE HHR today...

So glad you are both Ok. That really sucks. I would just want it put back the way it was before, as soon as possible. If the kid is talking on a cell and does this he should have to pay more for his insurance.

Hey Sindy, sorry to hear, glad you're OK! The HHR...not so! If you could stand to drive it damaged like that for a little while, I'm sure the SS facias will be available soon @ the parts counter. That would be a SWEET replacement, much smoother looking than stock! But then I guess you'd want to change the front cover...then...you know how it goes! Good luck! :smile:

I can feel your pain there Sindy....

Ouch....Personally I'd let the insurance companies handle it and I wouldn't go aftermarket unless you plan on putting a full kit on.

Sorry to hear that but glad that you and Ed are o.k.

Yes we're glad you guys are okay, and that there wasn't any more damage done than this. It could have been worse. But like the others said going through your insurance is always better for you! Hope everything works out for you.

wow that is awful. Glad you are both OK. You need to have a body shop check it. I know from experience with our Sienna that inside the bumbers they have other pieces that may have been damaged. Get a full estimate (which means they may need to pull it apart) and if the kid doesnt pay the cash then turn it over to insurance....

Wow!! Imagine that......some one who agrees w/ CH!!:D

Ouch....Personally I'd let the insurance companies handle it and I wouldn't go aftermarket unless you plan on putting a full kit on.

Either factory replacement or whole kit.

I'm quite surprised you didn't beat the snot out of him.

A. Have dealer check for any additional damage.

B. If you get enough to mod it, do it. If not, Casper gets a new OEM bumper cover.

C. Thank God you and Mr. B are alright!

Sorry to hear that Sindy. Glad you both are ok. Most insurance companies require you to report an accident within 24 hours of the accident or else they'll wash their hands of it. Be careful of the whiplash thing. I got rear-ended while sitting still by a car going 45 mph. and he never braked. Totalled the car but I was ok. Didn't feel the neck pain until about 2 days later.

Hey Sindy,

Whats the verdict on the damage?

I swear I have almost been hit 5 times in the last week. Just people being stupid and not paying attention.

one guy was backing out of a parking spot, at speed, as I was already driving past. I saw him coming, no one in front so I nailed it. I watched in my side view as he missed me by less than an inch. and this was about a 65 chevy truck. big thick steel bumpers...the HHR would have been toast...

I'm suprised the CHP didn't cite him. Depending on his age he should of been using hands free, or no phone at all if he's under 21 I think. But at the least the new california law is you must be hands-free.

Really sorry to hear about the RARE HHR being hit. Make him pay you cash or take it out of his insurance. I wouldn't recommend using your insurance.

also, if memory serves, a police report is supposed to be filed for any combined damage over $500

You need to make sure that everything is thoroughly inspected. The bumper cover is just part of the energy absorbtion system, some of that stuff is toast after it absorbs the impact once. Sometimes this damage is more expensive than just the bumper cover.

I was in an accident awhile ago. The guy in my accident was at fault. He also wanted to settle without insurance involvment. Fast forward over 6 months. I was still trying to get my vehicle fixed and he was ignoring me.

There is a reason you pay an ungodly amount to the insurance company's every month. For Protection! Use the protection you pay for. Turn it in to your insurance company and let them deal with it. They will get you a check/repair as soon as they inspect it and then its their problem. Most likely its all on him, if he is at fault.

I freaked, I thought you got hit AGAIN Sindy!

Then I noticed the dates.

Well at least someone searched for something. Maybe... We know the brought back from the archives threads, but some of them are good to bring back like the paint chipping issue/runningboards. Could have a contest to see who can guess how many of those threads are out there..

Yeah, but it sure skeert me!

:scared: Scared me too. :scared:

I freaked, I thought you got hit AGAIN Sindy!

Then I noticed the dates.

I just got my car repaired last week. I was slow to get estimates and just didn't want to be without my car for a few days.

The first estimate the shop wanted to just patch the holes on the bumper. That was unacceptable to me. I didn't pay $22K+ to have a car that had a hole in the bumper to just be patched. Yeah, yeah, once fixed no one would know or even tell the difference, but I would know it was that way. So... I went to another shop and got an estimate for the entire bumper to be replaced.

Brand new rear bumper and I'm a happy camper! I was only without my car for 3 days.... and that was painful!

I just got my car repaired last week. I was slow to get estimates and just didn't want to be without my car for a few days.

The first estimate the shop wanted to just patch the holes on the bumper. That was unacceptable to me. I didn't pay $22K+ to have a car that had a hole in the bumper to just be patched. Yeah, yeah, once fixed no one would know or even tell the difference, but I would know it was that way. So... I went to another shop and got an estimate for the entire bumper to be replaced.

Brand new rear bumper and I'm a happy camper! I was only without my car for 3 days.... and that was painful!

and the cost was????

$950
parts, labor, paint, remove and replace special custom bumper pad.

If you pay the deductible to get it fixed, the insurance company will subrogate to get your deductible refunded. If both have the same company, and he is actually insured, you should not have any problem at all. I would get the insurance company's recommendation on a shop so they will warranty it.
The bumper shocks might have gotten collapsed in the collision. They may look fine but not be able to protect you if it happens again. Let the insurance company adjuster decide if they need replacing. If he says they do, BE SURE the shop actually puts new one on there!

There are too many deadbeats out there with no insurance, no license, no skills at driving etc an when they cause an accident don't want the authorities to know about it. Many will say they will pay, then don't and you can get stuck, Always get the police report and your insurance company to pay for it, thats why you pay big bucks for insurance.

Isn't talking on the phone while driving against the law in California?

$950
parts, labor, paint, remove and replace special custom bumper pad.

So does something like this show up on CarFax?

I have read a thread on this site that talked about another component of auto insurance that allows a higher payment (other than just the actual repair cost) because of possible reduced future value of the vehicle at resale or trade in time. The thread is probably 6-8 weeks old. I didn't read all the post in this thread so perhaps someone has already brought it up.

its 9 months old...... Shhhh we all know what could sometimes happen after 9 months....

:nono: :rof:

:rof: :rof: :rof:

It happened again. Time for a new bumper again! Not my fault, again!

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/5/9/8/IMG_7291.JPG

:eek::eek: Casper needs a bodyguard!!!

Cr*p!
Where did it happen this time, Sindy!?
Are you ok?

@

About a year later. Ouch.

It is gonna cost a fair amount to repair that. Can the kid really afford that.

If it were me I would turn all info over to your insurance company and let them do all the work settling the claim. That is why we pay our insurance premiums. To protect ourselves You shouldn't have to pay anything out of pocket this way.

It happened again. Time for a new bumper again! Not my fault, again!

""The Same Kid on the Cell Phone" :confused:? "What are the Odds" :roll:! Hopefully everyones OK :smile:! Good thing about White is that it is Easilly Matched :thumb:!

Happy New Year,

Words fail me.

File a police report. It's the law, and the only way you'll ever get a dime for your insurance company or his.

Although insurance laws vary, if the kid has insurance, you won't have to pay a deductible. If he doesn't, then your insurance pays, and the deductible applies. If they successfully collect from the kid, they will refund your deductible. In Ohio, ununsured drivers at fault must repay the victims insurance company or risk suspension of their licence. Usually, if they miss more than one agreed upon payment, the insurance company files to have their license suspended. An individual can also file for suspension of an uninsured driver's licence.

NEVER agree to let the guy who hits you pay you "off the books." even if he owns a body shop. If he welches, which 90% of the time he will, you don't have a legal leg to stand on. Small claims court has no teeth for enforcement.

If someone blabbing on a cell phone hit me, they'd need a proctologist to retrieve their phone.

It happened again. Time for a new bumper again! Not my fault, again!

I guess those that hit you don't really believe in ghosts, and therefor can't see Casper.:D

So sorry to see it happen again.:(

glad your okay. sucks you have to go threw all this junk.
its never fun to deal with all this stuff...

id vote aftermarket bumper as the replacement :thumb:

The same kid didn't hit me! It's just that I got hit again!

Guy backing out of his driveway while I was stopped in the street as Mr B was getting in the car. Insurance is already in the works. Guy was 100% at fault.

Hey Renee, "aka SindyDix",

Yes I new it wasn't the same kid again :roll:! Was just trying to light'n up the moment a little :smile:! I know it just must be a PITA for as much as your RARE HHR means to you :bow:! Hopefully once this repair is made it will be a "LONG" while before anything un-expected pops up again :thumb:!

Happy New Year,

wow that sucks! Time to get the SS bumpers :thumb:

Same thing just happened last week, Walgreens Co. car rear ended my
Cobalt SS Supercharged. $7200+ damage. The driver claimed he wasn't on the phone, but admitted fault. Dealing with someone else's Ins. is a pain.
My wife's T-Bird was rear ended by a young girl, called the cops, exchanged info. While waiting for police the girl said her dad was a cop. He (cop dad) showed up at the scene, on the phone, I'm sure calling in a favor. We later find out the girl's license had been suspended, her insurance was not in force, she ran the stop sign which caused her to rear end my wife, yet she did not get one ticket. I filed a complaint with the police dept., they called me and sent a revised report showing
the girl would receive three citations. My insurance never got a dime out of her.

WOW, Glad to hear she got some tickets out of it...