A scratch on a bumper costs $900?

Question

I was driving; and the car in front of me was going a U-Turn. I drove into them because it was un-expected that they were doing a U-Turn on a open road (illegal).

She is now pleading for $900 for a new bumper, when she had quite a old car; and it had scratches on it anyway.

What do you think of this?

Answer 1

that is to much for a bumper cover. depending on the value of her car, you don't pay more than it's value and deduct for previous damage.

Answer 2

What you say is just a scratch is probably actually a dent, which if not replaced, will need some bodywork to straighten, then the damaged area will need to be repainted and then more of the panel recleared and blended in, or if it's single stage paint, at least a large area of the panel repainted and blended in. Then a final wetsand and buff to smooth it all out.



Or, if the bumper is getting replaced, even if it's a used bumper, the whole thing will need to be sanded, painted, wetsanded and buffed, as well as removal and installation.



Even if she wasn't supposed to do a U-Turn, sudden stopping is not illegal, and you rear ended her so I'm affraid legally you were tailgating by not allowing enough distance to stop.



Reading all this back it does sound like I'm being harsh, but I'm just trying to be as honest as I can be. Lying and telling you what you want to hear won't help. From what you've told us $900 does sound a tad high, I'll give you that, but professional body work is expensive. It would have helped a lot to know what year, make, and model of car we're talking about here.

Answer 3

You could ask the lady with an old car if she would be willing to get another estimate for bumper repair. Chrome or nickle plated bumpers can be replated, which usually costs more than a new bumper. You cannot repair just a scratch in a bumper. I suspect the $900 demand is for a new bumper plus the labor to install a new bumper. Since you drove into the lady with an old car that already had scratches, then you have to pay for the repair. You are not allowed to run into anybody, stopped, turning, or sliding on ice no matter how old the car. YOUR FAULT, YOU PAY.

Answer 4

She is probably asking for a new bumper. Legally all she is entitled to is a bumper equal in appearance to her old one before the damage. An insurance company would require that a used bumper be installed. If someone wrecks their 10 year old car they get money for a 10 year old car. They don't get a new one.



I suggest you get an estimate from a few shops for a salvaged bumper replacement and tell her that's the offer. She is not entitled to profit from the accident and a new bumper would be considered profit. The legal term is "unjust enrichment".

Answer 5

Is it a metal or composite/fiber bumper? The composite bumpers are expensive. What about your auto insurance? That would limit it too you deductible. How big is the scratch? You can try and negotiate her down to just covering it with pain and letting her keep a couple of hundred.

Answer 6

I think she is trying to scare you into giving her money,let's call it extortion.Sometimes we are forced into defending ourselves from people like that.As unpleasant as it is,you may need to strike back at her to make her go away.Get up your nerve and demand that she pay for the "damage" to your car because she was in the wrong.She stopped short,made an illegal turn,and appeared to be drinking.Hopefully there is no proof either way in which case it's her word against yours.If she doesn't let up,then call your insurance agent and ask their opinion.