Just to let everyone know, I messed up my HHR last night. I ran over part of a truck tire. :( I could not believe the damage. Broke both driving lights cracked the bumper in several places. Also bent the air coils and radiator into the fan. This is the first car I have ever owned always trucks. Now I know why. Does any body know if I can get a bumper and replace myself or do I have to get it done in the shop. I am sending it to the shop to get looked at just in case other damage I am not aware of. Be carefull don't try to stradle or run over stuff.

That sucks. At least it was all lower areas. A couple of years ago, an F250 was going past up and a soaking wet queen size mattress flew up out of his bed. We went into that like a baseball going into a glove.

Sorry to hear
you can find bumpers on ebay all the time. i think there is one now on there. i assume you meant a front bumper.

i always avoid all large items in the road and large tire tread is one. i have seen others go over it and it seems like it likes to bounce and cause problems.

hope it all works out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-Chevrolet-HHR-front-bumper_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33640QQihZ017QQi temZ270015930658QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVWQQtcZphoto

USED 2005 Chevrolet HHR front bumper.
Great condition, very minor scratches. Owner replaced it for an aftermarket bumper.
Maroon in color.

I hit a tread a few weeks ago. I didn't see it until it was too late. I was lucky, only knocked my fog light loose, no other damage. Fog light will snap back.
You can oder a bumper cover at Chevy, have to paint it...
My rear bumper is about to be replaced...lady backed into me!
About $850.00 to do at shop.
Best of luck.

That sucks...sometimes you come up on that stuff too fast to be able to do anything about it. Keep us posted on how things go. :thumb:

thanks CJ never thought to check e-bay. That one looks like the same color What luck if I can get it!!! I guess I need to learn to avoid things, with my 4x4 I just run over them. If I don't buy the one on e-bay I guess I will just live with it for awhile. I pulled out the radiator away from the fan so it does not scrape. Took the fog lights off and put the covers back on. Cleaned the black marks off. Does not look to bad will send pict tonight. The only thing I am worried about the whole front-end ( fenders, bumper, and hood) seems to have about 2in of play. All I see are plastic brackets on screws to tighten.

Don't you have insurance?

there are 6 to 8 push pins and type things under on the sides that hold it on.
2 screws on each side by the radiator and tabs by the headlights that all hold the front bumper on and that is all.

Don't you have insurance?

yeah i hit one on my trans am and destroyed the bumper insurance covered it,

you know if you tell them a tire blew and you couldnt miss it on the road it may be under comprehensive and have no deductible

just a thought

or just tell them you hit a dog

Regardless of how it happened...still subject to whatever the comprehensive deductible is...unless it's a $0 deductible...which many companies don't even offer any more.

Comprehensive coverage is coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by fire and theft coverage, and covers damage to your car for anything other than a wreck, like tornados, floods, vandalism, theft, hitting a deer, etc., less the comprehensive deductible that you chose at the time you purchased the policy.

In many states, there is no deductible on windshields, because it's against state law to drive with a damaged windshield. But for the rest of your windows, you still have to pay your comprehensive deductible before they'll pay for any broken glass. You can pay more for Full Glass coverage to eliminate any deductibles for broken glass.

yes I do have insurance and I know they will fix it. Only problem is what will it cost in the long run. I have never had an insurance claim. Really hate the whole insurance scam. Law says you have to have it,but always get run around when you need it. Tried to make a claim once in the long run paid out of my pocket and got an out of court settlement, no insurance co involved on either side. Unless I find something else wrong (water leak, air cond not working) I will just fix it myself. nice to know the parts are available.

A comprehensive claim will not effect your premium like an accident would, there should not be an increase due to that type of claim.

yes I do have insurance and I know they will fix it. Only problem is what will it cost in the long run. I have never had an insurance claim. Really hate the whole insurance scam. Law says you have to have it,but always get run around when you need it. Tried to make a claim once in the long run paid out of my pocket and got an out of court settlement, no insurance co involved on either side. Unless I find something else wrong (water leak, air cond not working) I will just fix it myself. nice to know the parts are available.

I had a similar problem some years back when my windshield got hit by something and it put a crack in it. When I went to have my truck inspected I was told that the crack, by MS law, had to be fixed. I called my insurance Co. and told them what was going on and explained that I was not sure when or what had hit my windshield. The rep said I would need to have a date for the incident, so I gave her one (made it up as I was being honest in the beginning) and was told that there would be no problem with them covering the new windshield less my deductable. Hope this of some help to you. And BTW my insurance rates did not go up and my points did not change..

Generally, the only thing that makes your insurance go up is at-fault accidents, where you cause damage to another vehicle or your own or both. In my years in the insurance business, I did see companies send notices to people telling them they needed to increase their comprehensive deductible or be non-renewed due to an excessive amount of claims.