Minor Body Damage -- Need Your Tips and Advice
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 77
From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
Minor Body Damage -- Need Your Tips and Advice
Someone hit my other car at a low speed in the rear while I was at a red light yesterday. Even though it looked like just a small scratch, I got the driver's insurance information. That was a good move, because this morning, in better light, I noticed that the bumper was also indented a bit from the license plate bracket of the car that hit me. So, my rear bumper definitely has to be repainted to make it perfect again.
We both have the same insurance company (who's been my insurer for 26 years with no accidents), so I don't think they're going to give me a hard time. I found a good body shop and I'm hoping to just take it there on a Saturday, have them fix it while I rent a car for the week and pick up my car the next Saturday. I'll let the insurance co. know where the car will be before I drop it off.
Any tips, or advice to minimize my inconvenience and haggling with the insurance company would be appreciated.
We both have the same insurance company (who's been my insurer for 26 years with no accidents), so I don't think they're going to give me a hard time. I found a good body shop and I'm hoping to just take it there on a Saturday, have them fix it while I rent a car for the week and pick up my car the next Saturday. I'll let the insurance co. know where the car will be before I drop it off.
Any tips, or advice to minimize my inconvenience and haggling with the insurance company would be appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 431
Likes: 4
From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
Regardless of how fast he/she were going there is likely damage underneath and the energy absorbing function will have to be restored. The only proper way to check is to pull the bumper cover.
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/goss/2906.shtml
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/goss/2906.shtml
Last edited by 06e320cdi; May 20, 2010 at 02:39 PM. Reason: add link
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 77
From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
Regardless of how fast he/she were going there is likely damage underneath and the energy absorbing function will have to be restored. The only proper way to check is to pull the bumper cover.
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/goss/2906.shtml
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/goss/2906.shtml
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Someone hit my other car at a low speed in the rear while I was at a red light yesterday. Even though it looked like just a small scratch, I got the driver's insurance information. That was a good move, because this morning, in better light, I noticed that the bumper was also indented a bit from the license plate bracket of the car that hit me. So, my rear bumper definitely has to be repainted to make it perfect again.
We both have the same insurance company (who's been my insurer for 26 years with no accidents), so I don't think they're going to give me a hard time. I found a good body shop and I'm hoping to just take it there on a Saturday, have them fix it while I rent a car for the week and pick up my car the next Saturday. I'll let the insurance co. know where the car will be before I drop it off.
Any tips, or advice to minimize my inconvenience and haggling with the insurance company would be appreciated.
We both have the same insurance company (who's been my insurer for 26 years with no accidents), so I don't think they're going to give me a hard time. I found a good body shop and I'm hoping to just take it there on a Saturday, have them fix it while I rent a car for the week and pick up my car the next Saturday. I'll let the insurance co. know where the car will be before I drop it off.
Any tips, or advice to minimize my inconvenience and haggling with the insurance company would be appreciated.
Last edited by Barry45RPM; May 20, 2010 at 09:37 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 3
From: California
i535
The guy was rear ended, so no deductible, insurance of faulty side will pay not only repair, but rent of car while yours in shop. You should get equal rent car, it was GS350 in my case, because rent company didn't have Merc.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 77
From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
Yes, Dema is right. My deductible doesn't come into play since it the other (inattentive) driver's fault, and I got her license/insurance info.
I don't know what they normally pay for a rental while your car is being fixed, but I do have optional rental coverage of up to $50/day. I think the issue becomes whether they'll pay for 7 days of rental because they're going to claim the repair should only take 3 days (like anyone has ever had good body work done in 3 days).
I don't know what they normally pay for a rental while your car is being fixed, but I do have optional rental coverage of up to $50/day. I think the issue becomes whether they'll pay for 7 days of rental because they're going to claim the repair should only take 3 days (like anyone has ever had good body work done in 3 days).
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 18
From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
Yes, Dema is right. My deductible doesn't come into play since it the other (inattentive) driver's fault, and I got her license/insurance info.
I don't know what they normally pay for a rental while your car is being fixed, but I do have optional rental coverage of up to $50/day. I think the issue becomes whether they'll pay for 7 days of rental because they're going to claim the repair should only take 3 days (like anyone has ever had good body work done in 3 days).
I don't know what they normally pay for a rental while your car is being fixed, but I do have optional rental coverage of up to $50/day. I think the issue becomes whether they'll pay for 7 days of rental because they're going to claim the repair should only take 3 days (like anyone has ever had good body work done in 3 days).
