Got rear-ended yesterday. Rear hatch door is slightly bent out of shape. The other guy offered to fix it. I can also go through insurance and file a claim, but the damage is very minor, in my opinion. If I give it to the guy to fix it, I will be left without a car for a few days. If I give it to insurance to fix this, it will take even longer. Additionally, I will have to deal with all the hustle, which is not worth it if it will take me a few hours to fix this bent on my own in the solitude of my garage.

I have never done this type of work before, but I have seen a few YouTube videos which are pretty straight forward ( ). I may not even need dent repair kit (https://www.harborfreight.com/crossb...kit-66957.html). I think a firm pressure with my foot and a few knocks with a hammer will do.

What do you guys think? This is my own opinion that comes from a person who has never done this type of work and doesn't know how much effort it may take. Any advice on additional techniques and tools is appreciated.

 

I have never taken rear hatch door apart as well. I found this diagram and it seems a few clips and a rivet is all it takes.

 

I’ve pulled a dent like that from a friends rear hatch , I used a 4 inch suction cup from HF , it popped out easily, I used a polyurethane body hammer to help the metal remember it’s shape , tapping very lightly on the creases from the dent.

 

Before you touch anything or start any repairs you need to get in touch with HIS insurance company. Since he's liable, then his insurance needs to pay you for the damages.
You did file a police accident report I hope ?
The hatch is not the only thing damaged. The bumper cover is also.

 

I agree get in touch with his insurance. The bumper cover replacement alone is a $1500 job. I know this because my wife got rear ended in the HHR and had to have it replaced.

I learned how to do this in my 20s. That video isn't bad but makes it seem a little easier than it actually is. Unfortunately you can't just push it out. If you do the creases will remain, just like the ones in the video. It has to be done slowly with a body dolly and a spoon to do it right. The crease on the lower right below the license is a complex bend and requires someone with some knowledge to get it out. Because of the labor involved, I don't think body shops even do this kind of stuff anymore, they would just replace the entire lift gate. A guy that specializes in dent removal can probably do it.

EDIT: I didn't see Old Blue's response. Yes, that's what I'm referring to, using a body hammer, slowly to keep the metal memory. Unfortunately its a one-shot deal.

 

Yes. The bend on the bottom edge of the hatch is not going to "pop" back in to place. You would need a professional to straighten that edge.
(FYI. I worked in a body/paint/mechanic shop for several years back in the 1990's)

 

That appears to be the retaining clips are dislodged on the upper bumper

 

It seems like I will have to go the insurance route.

The whole story is a bit more complicated. I was working for Uber at the time of accident, so I am covered under Uber's insurance. The guy did not have his driver license and actual insurance card on him. He just wrote down all the information. This was my first accident of this sort, so I really did not know what to do, so I called Uber right away for them to guide me through the process. Two passengers in the car were involved in this accident, so there is no way my insurance wants to be involved in any of this. Uber customer support guy just took down all the information and told me that insurance agent will reach out to me in several days.

My mistake was not calling police to make a report, since the guy didn't have any legal information at all. The only information that I have of the accident is dashcam videos that capture the accident, his conversation with me and the passengers, and his face. I also took photo of his car and his license plate number.

To make my life easier, I decided to contact an accident lawyer and let them deal with Uber insurance and further investigation on this person.

I will hold off on fixing anything for now, since my car is still drivable and the damage is minor. Bumper is fine and can be popped back in with no problems.

 

You can still call the police, you can make a report. Any insurance company will require a police report. I thought California had some protection against uninsured motorists.

Hopefully, the passengers are nice people and let it slide because you could be in deep doodoo, Uber or not

 

He was driving without his license or insurance card? Isn’t that illegal?