This sounds like one of those stories where lightning struck, caused a problem/illness. Years later, another lightning strike cures it. Kinda hilarious. Glad you are OK, and HHR is only scuffed. During the strike, you wouldn't be able to get a rear fascia anyway...

 

Order one from RockAuto

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...per+cover,1344

 

I’ll be honest, i kind of shrugged it off, but was just at the gas station filling up and decided to have a look underneath. It did a number in the spare tire area. It stayed just off the batter though. I’ll dog everything out and have a closer look when i get back from the track tomorrow evening.

 

Also with a hit that hard on the tailpipe it could have even damaged the flex pipe by the engine. Just throwing out some ideas of things that could have damage. I did work several years in a repair/body shop. Have seen some hidden stuff that you never thought could occur from a simple collision.

 

Ouch, bummer. & Agree to check out your whole ride.. Better safe than sorry..

Merc did get the most visable damage..

 

I would dig deeper too or have a pro look at it. I drove that same Merc years back and got sandwiched between two. No visible damage but my rear bumper area was flimsy.

 

You might double check the exhaust for kinks, or at least keep an eye on the temp gauge for awhile.