Advice from collision experts

[Moorman]

Ugh, frail old woman that IMO has no business driving at all cut the corner and ran into me at a dead stop. ( https://photos.app.goo.gl/kpgmGpoBPz2K2Dxi7 )

If I'd had about 2 more seconds I'd have gotten into reverse, but didn't; she just popped out from behind a parked truck and didn't budge on her course.
Damage isn't too bad, headlight is now misaligned pointing upwards a bit, and damage to the bumper; hood looks fine. Looking for some guidance to get the best results on repairs as I have no experience in this arena.

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[bajanstefan]

Sorry this happened, on that note, welcome to the club. Happened a month ago, still no car cause front bumpers are backordered so I continue to wait. As far as repairs my insurance is covering all damages and there were a few shops in my area that could work on it.

 

[Loco38SUP]

Looks like a candidate for the Salvage Registry. ?

Those gray Supras are magnets for parking lot smashers. I would wait to give up the car to repair shop until major parts have arrived. No sense in leaving it in an outdoor corral for a few months while parts arrive.

-RJM

 

[Zupra1776]

Make her insurance fix it, find a reputable shop with good reviews, or contact a high end dealer in your area and ask who they use.

 

[Moorman]

Make her insurance fix it, find a reputable shop with good reviews, or contact a high end dealer in your area and ask who they use.

Her insurance is definitely paying for it, no dispute about fault. I'm just clueless about shops and the last thing I want is a new bumper that is a slightly different shade.

 

[bajanstefan]

Her insurance is definitely paying for it, no dispute about fault. I'm just clueless about shops and the last thing I want is a new bumper that is a slightly different shade.

I feel you, mine is OEM and Toyota sent over paint to my shop as well. They also replaced my clear bra, glad I found them when I did.

 

[Benjilis]

Sorry this happened, on that note, welcome to the club. Happened a month ago, still no car cause front bumpers are backordered so I continue to wait. As far as repairs my insurance is covering all damages and there were a few shops in my area that could work on it.

Possibly get an aftermarket bumper and pay the difference (if any) from insurance?

 

[bajanstefan]

Possibly get an aftermarket bumper and pay the difference (if any) from insurance?

Negativo on that, once the claim was started insurance will see it through and will only use OEM parts, liability and safety reasons. I had this chat with them about a week into the claim and they explained how they go about it.

 

[Tsuki]

Negativo on that, once the claim was started insurance will see it through and will only use OEM parts, liability and safety reasons. I had this chat with them about a week into the claim and they explained how they go about it.

Really? Usually the insurance company is fighting to save $100 by using aftermarket parts, and the body shop has to have the integrity to say 'no, OEM only'. What insurance company do you have?

Edit to clarify - I mean aftermarket, as in the junk knock-off parts, not aftermarket as in the good stuff.

 

[bajanstefan]

Really? Usually the insurance company is fighting to save $100 by using aftermarket parts, and the body shop has to have the integrity to say 'no, OEM only'. What insurance company do you have?

Edit to clarify - I mean aftermarket, as in the junk knock-off parts, not aftermarket as in the good stuff.

That’s what I’ve heard too but they insisted on it coming from Toyota through official channels. I offered to go aftermarket too and they said nope, I wasn’t gonna fight them knowing the parts would be genuine. I don’t know if it matters but the other driver was at fault so my insurance (Geico) is gonna go after them for full reimbursement all the way to getting me back my deductible.

Part came in by the way, getting the car back tomorrow. Also, again not sure if it matters but I’ve had them over 15 years now.

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