Hey guys, so I don't really know where this post belongs, so I'm just posting it here. I got into an accident today and was wondering if anyone could throw out a ballpark figure for the cost to fix it. I'm just trying to gauge the price before I bring it it.

And regarding how it happened, I have no idea. I was in a left turn only lane, and not wanting to be there I changed lanes. Before changing though, I checked my mirror AND looked over my shoulder and no one was there. I moved about a foot and out of no where this Ford Windstar just ends up in front of me. I hit his rear quarter panel and he was scratched, but nothing compared to my ride.

Anyway, I was guessing around $1500, but it's my first Infiniti (just got it in December), and I don't know how much it'll run. Hazard some guesses.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mqjaUzNJGU6HOFYlbGaQBg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RyIfdLhXIHY/S5ah6K7_QoI/AAAAAAAAAgU/D585dwRNoA0/s144/2010-03-09%2009.30.11.jpg" /></a>

 

Assuming the headlight is fine, $1500 is probably accurate. If not, be prepared for me. Headlights aren't cheap.

 

Sorry to hear about your accident. It all depends on what body shop you goto. You could get it done for as cheap as about 1200-1500, but I am guessing you are going to get most estimates between 2000 and 2500. Also it does depend on if the headlight is damaged or not. Make sure you take it to a reputable body shop, its not a Civic

 

Thanks guys. The headlight is fine, it's just the plastic on the outside that is scratched.

 

Sorry to see that. Glad you are okay.
I have a small dent in my rear bumper, $1,900. I'm thinking you'll need work done on the passenger door too? I agree, it depends on the head light etc. But, I'm afraid it's going to be way more than $1,500. If you are paying cash, not insurance, negociate. I've seen some nice paint match from Anaheim Hills Auto body. But, they are probably too far from you. Might be a good time to mod the front bumper?

 

Door should be fine, but the front quarter panel/fender is bent. Ugh... I really didn't need this now. I've been having the worse luck with car accidents. Had a fender bender in Oct, my previous car got totaled in Dec which is why I got the G. Now this 2 months later. Thanks again guys, let's just hope this doesn't break the bank. I may just go through the insurance company.

 

General rule of thumb is, if it will cost more than your deductible, go through insurance.

plus do you have to pay for the other person damage?

 

While that may be the general rule of thumb, my deductible is pretty low ($250), so almost EVERYTHING will be more than it. The reason I didn't want to go through insurance is that I was in an accident last October, and when all the dust settled it was ruled that I was at fault. Thus, my premium shot up by 75%. I didn't want this to happen again now that I'm driving a G (my last car was an Accord). So, even if it did cost me $2500 to fix my G, and another $1000 for the other person, I would have rather done that then up my premium again.

Crappy thing is that the other guy already called his insurance company and they called me notifying the accident. The difference this time is that I have an attorney that'll handle everything. We'll see how it plays out, but knowing CA and their laws, I'm almost positive it'll be my fault again

 

Sorry to say, but whether you live in Cali or not, when you hit another car you'll be at fault unless you can prove otherwise.

The picture shows you'll need a new bumper cover and RF fender at a minimum. With paint, count on at least $2K in labor and materials. I'd also suggest you check the car's alignment, because that hard a shot could have bent or damaged a suspension component you can't see. No sense in wearing out tires down the road. You definitely need to bite the bullet and get your insurance involved...

 

Yeah, insurance is already involved. I was at a crawling speed when the impact happened, since I was changing lanes from a stopped position. The question is did I hit him, or did he hit me. Essentially, what I understand is we were both changing into the same lane, but he was moving faster than I was. We'll see what happens. Looks like I'll be driving around a busted G though for the rest of the week.

 

The problem is you try get out from a turn-left only lane which you're not allowed to do.

 

That damage looks exactly like mine did after a stupid lady backed into me. My damage was $1900

 

Do you really think your insurance premium is going to go up by more than $3500? My guess is by the time your first accident stops affecting your premium (usually it's 3 years) you would have come out ahead if you just ate the premium increase .

 

If you are not going to use your insurance, why are you paying for a policy with only a $250 deductible? Save money and get a $1000 deductible instead.

 

No worries guys, I AM going through the insurance, so we can put that part to rest. As far as the deductible, I consider myself very fortunate that I don't have to pay for my insurance. I was just trying to make it easier on my parents by thinking of going around insurance. In the end after talking to them about the situation, they decided that going through the insurance would just be easier. It's what we pay them for, right?