Tonight on the way home, I hit and ran over an 18-wheeler tire in the middle of my lane on the highway. It tore up my bumper and radiator (and some other brackets and what not under my car) and bent my hood from what I could tell. I had it towed so we'll see what the final word is tomorrow most likely.

My question is, I've read other threads where people had similar accidents and they were able to get aftermarket parts installed while only paying their deductible (or maybe they paid the difference between stock and aftermarket parts?). How do I do this? I was planning on putting on a Nismo bumper sometime down the road but now seems like the perfect time. What's the procedure?

If it makes a difference, I have full coverage through USAA.

 

Some, not all, insurance companies will cut you a check for the estimated damages to your car. It's up to you of you want to buy crack, weed, or whatever. But seriously, it depends on your insurance company. Some will only send the money to a certified mechanic and you will never see a dime.

 

After talking with the claims guy, this is what I think is going to happen. Does that make it impossible to get a Nismo bumper, or just much harder?

 

If they just end up paying the body shop, just talk to the owner some after market parts are less then the OEM so if they end up getting them for less they may do it after all if they make money why wouldn't they?

 

Just asked for a quote from Strafe Automotive for a Nismo bumper shipped here with expedited shipping. How much do you think a body shop can get an OEM bumper for?

Thanks for all the info.

 

Two years ago a shop gave me a quote of 450 but you can get a used one for 150

 

Yea at this point you just need to ask the shop if they'd be willing to do this. I would imagine if it's cheaper for them, they would do it.

 

This is between you and the body shop, tell them what you intend to do and see if they'll go along. If not go some place else, they're working for you!
Gary

 

I spoke briefly with the shop and with USAA and I should be able to go the Nismo route. As far as i can tell, USAA will cover whatever the shop quotes them for a bumper and I'll have to pay whatever difference there is.

On a side note, has anyone had any experience with ABRA body shops? They seem to have good reviews.

Also, since my hood and bumper will almost surely have to be replaced, will they need to repaint my whole car or can they blend those two panels? This is obviously my first time with any incident like this...

 

Doubtfull that try will reprint your whole car unless for some odd reason they can't match it. I don't see that happening thought.

 

Wow dam iPhone autocorrect lol. You know what I meant though..

 

Sure did. A new paint job is wishful thinking i assume. That'd be a nice surprise though!

 

how it works for me, either my insurance sends the check to my shop & I tell them what I want (aftermarket/oem) or I get the check & buy what ever i want then install it. You pay the price diff tho.

 

USAA will send a check to the the body shop, or to you, your preference. What is really nice is that if you do the work yourself, they still pay you the same amount.

 

Hmmm if that's the case, I may be able to come out with a Nismo bumper while paying less than my deductible out of pocket. I still haven't heard from the shop regarding an estimate but I should have one by the end of the day.