Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

If you were in a little fender bender and your front bumper was cracked, would you

A) shell out the $ for a whole new bumper right now

OR

B) glue it for as long as it'll hold up, THEN worry about replacing the bumper?


Situation: Rich was in a little accident today. He *thinks* someone rear-ended him then he hit the car in front of him. They were stop and go in bumper-to-bumper traffic (due to another accident on the road) with the setting sun directly in their eyes.

Rich's minimal damage is the most damage - the other 2 cars were higher off the ground and just have paint scratches. All 3 parties declined police involvement (they were already on the scene for the OTHER accident - same cause, by the way) and all 3 parties signed off that they will NOT be contacting their insurance companies.

Rich called the woman that he rear-ended to check up on her, make sure her and her doggy were OK, etc., and she reiterated that she is NOT involving the insurance company.

His [incredibly over-involved] parents are flipping out that he's considering NOT replacing his bumper at the moment - just gluing it for the time being.

Bottom line is that we really don't have ANY extra money laying around. This bumper could be anywhere from $400 to $1200 - we're not really sure, and the body shop is closed already. I owe on my taxes - he doesn't even have his W2 yet....we both have tuition, bills, the freaking WEDDING, etc.

I bet you're asking why he won't just put it through his insurance.....While his insurance deductible is only $500, he's under 25, he already has 1 chargeable accident AND a ticket from 3 years ago. His rates will increase, and he's afraid to be dropped. PLUS, the damage is on the front of his car, where HE hit the car in front of him.

So I guess I'm just trying to see what you guys would do.

Choice A or Choice B?
Thanks

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

P.S. - Rich is OK - he hit his knee on the dash, but otherwise, he's perfectly fine.

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

If it doesn't cost more than about $600, then I'd just shell out the $ now and have it fixed.

Glad he's ok

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

i had a little skid on ice a few years ago and cracked my bumper. like $1000 worth of damage. i haven't fixed it or glued it. So i completely understand. I also have a wedding and home to save for. Just glue it for now.

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

I'd wait on it. It isn't doing any further harm to the car, right? So don't worry about it. You guys have other things to worry about right now. Glad to hear he is fine!

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

Good thing he's okay and no one else was hurt!

Honestly, if I were in your position, I would NOT report it to the insurance and yes, I would glue the bumper on for however long it will hold - worry about it later.

However, it would not hurt to get an estimate now. It might not be as much as you think.

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

hey now! as a Libra I take offense to that!

I would shell out the money now, b/c I can't stand driving around with a banged up car

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

Mine cost $1000 just to have scratches buffed out and repainted when someone backed into me a few months ago. But gluing it doesn't sound too secure...Maybe they can do a cheap but more secure fix for less $$$$?


ETA: Is it cracked and falling off, or just doesnt look great? I wouldnt care about how it looked so long as it stays on well.

Message edited 2/5/2007 8:49:47 PM.

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

He got an estimate for an "insurance" repair- all new parts, paint, buffing, etc- and that was $1800.

He didn't think to ask for a PRIVATE PAY estimate. There is usually a significant difference (at least at the place we go to...) He is going to take it back there tomorrow.

The bumper isn't even CLOSE to falling off - its shatter-cracked, split in one spot. Could very easily be glued. Would not LOOK perfect, but it'll be stable and secure.

(Its a plastic bumper. Gotta love those LOWWWW to the ground Monte Carlos!)

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

Posted by Nicole728

hey now! as a Libra I take offense to that!

I would shell out the money now, b/c I can't stand driving around with a banged up car

Message edited 2/5/2007 8:58:34 PM.

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

Posted by BJandDan

I'd wait on it. It isn't doing any further harm to the car, right? So don't worry about it. You guys have other things to worry about right now. Glad to hear he is fine!

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

Duct tape can fix a LOT. I wouldn't get it fixed unless I had to - if it were unsafe or likely to fall off. I actually was rear ended by someone and they scratched up my bumper and I just let it go. It wasn't worth the hassle of getting the insurance involved, my car was not in pristine shape anyway and the girl who hit me didn't look like she had 2 nickels to rub together.

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

B. If he can drive the car with the bumper glued, then he should do that. his parents should realize that he needs to take care of this on his own.

glad he's okay.

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

i answered you on LIW

Message edited 2/5/2007 9:42:39 PM.

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

Most of the time, the plastic fascia is just decorative. The structural bumper is behind it. Since it's just cosmetic, I would leave it for now. Since he'll always be a Libra, you can have it fix after his next fender-bender....

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

I would leave it for now also...

Not sure if you read my post but on Sunday I backed into my husband's car while pulliing out of the garage. We are going to get an estimate to fix his car (which has dents and scratches) but I don't know if we will repair now or wait. (We are a little low on funds b/c of the holidays)...

And PS - In your FH's defense, I am a Virgo.

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

Posted by MrsNYPDsGirl

I would leave it for now also...

Not sure if you read my post but on Sunday I backed into my husband's car while pulliing out of the garage. We are going to get an estimate to fix his car (which has dents and scratches) but I don't know if we will repair now or wait. (We are a little low on funds b/c of the holidays)...

And PS - In your FH's defense, I am a Virgo.

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

I'm glad he's ok... that's the most important thing

As for the bumper, it probably is cosmetic if they were all stopped and he bumped the car in front of him. With everything else you have going on I'd probably just glue it.

As far as the Libra thing... I'm a Libra and never committed a moving violation... no tickets or accidents . My Dad taught me and was an excellent driver, Sagitarius, maybe that had something to do with it

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

Hey hey hey - I am a Libra and not a bad driver (although DH would disagree here). LOL!

If it were me, I would fix the bumper.

Re: Libras really are the worst drivers - Rich proved that stat today!

Ahem...Libra MALES may be the worst drivers, but not necessarily libra females.

ETA: I say glue the bumper and worry about it another time.

Message edited 2/6/2007 10:54:16 AM.