My new S450 Gor rearended at a stoplight
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 368
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From: Iowa
2019 S450
My new S450 Gor rearended at a stoplight
Young Lady hit me in the rear while stopped at stopsign. 800 miles on it. I am pissed.. She hit me awful hard. All systems work.
Anybody know if there could be hidden damage in addition to the plastic bumper assembly. Am also wondering if it will reduce the value of the
hicle as I will have to put a damage disclosure on the title.
Anybody know if there could be hidden damage in addition to the plastic bumper assembly. Am also wondering if it will reduce the value of the
hicle as I will have to put a damage disclosure on the title.
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Joined: Dec 2008
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2015 S550, 2017 GLS450
Unfortunately, it will show up on an insurance report (if repairs are covered by insurance), and this will also show up on Carfax or other reporting system. If it is minor damage, it's best you keep good records of the repair so that any potential buyer can be informed that it was only a bumper replacement with no structural damage.
All collision damage tends to reduce the value as a potential buyer of a Carfax report can't tell how bad a collision was based solely on the report. Collisions that cause airbag deployment (which gets reported) cause even a greater depreciation.
Other than age and condition, the things that seem to cause automatic lower resale pricing are 1) prior damage 2) number of owners 3) absence of maintenance records. And cars from California seem to price highest as they were not subject to road salt, snow, and moldy humidity.
That really sucks to have your beautiful new car take a hit. It's a shame that insurance payments don't include additional depreciation loss.
All collision damage tends to reduce the value as a potential buyer of a Carfax report can't tell how bad a collision was based solely on the report. Collisions that cause airbag deployment (which gets reported) cause even a greater depreciation.
Other than age and condition, the things that seem to cause automatic lower resale pricing are 1) prior damage 2) number of owners 3) absence of maintenance records. And cars from California seem to price highest as they were not subject to road salt, snow, and moldy humidity.
That really sucks to have your beautiful new car take a hit. It's a shame that insurance payments don't include additional depreciation loss.
Last edited by bkdc; May 27, 2019 at 11:24 PM.
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
AS bkdc already mentioned, it will show on Carfax as collision damage and potential buyers or dealer taking it in trade always assume it was worse then the actual thing.
Rest assured, there is internal damage you don't see but still there it is and has to be taken care of.
Your resale value will be affected, you must fight for diminished value compensation, get a lawyer.
Rest assured, there is internal damage you don't see but still there it is and has to be taken care of.
Your resale value will be affected, you must fight for diminished value compensation, get a lawyer.
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Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Venice, FL
2018 Ford Expedition EL, 2019 Tesla Model 3 LR
You need to make sure you file a Diminished Value Claim along with the accident claim to compensate you on your loss of value due to the accident.
Please take this serious and you can get many many thousands of dollars for your accident.
I also hope that you went to a hospital to get checked out and document any and all pain and discomfort that you are now having as a result of her rear ending you while stopped at a stop sign.
Please take this serious and you can get many many thousands of dollars for your accident.
I also hope that you went to a hospital to get checked out and document any and all pain and discomfort that you are now having as a result of her rear ending you while stopped at a stop sign.
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2006 E320 CDI 2014 C63 507 Coupe 2012 E550 4M 2016 E63s Wagon
Given the age and value of the car you might be better off to just eat the repair cost to keep it off the records. Ideally maybe the other driver would want to pay to keep it off her insurance record as well.
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From: Birmingham, AL
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
My car has a trailing $15,000 loss of value due to a Carfax report on a non-collision incident that happened a year a half ago. My wife hit a dead animal in the road and it caused me to have to have a new front bumper, new radiators , new exhaust pipes due to blood contamination and belly pan damage among a few other things!!!! Do as the others are telling you and make sure you get paid not only for the damage repair but also the loss of value. It's ridiculous how much that accident just cost you. Get a lawyer. What will appear to be only a $1500 claim could actually be a $10,000 loss.
Last edited by MBS63AMG; May 28, 2019 at 09:50 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Iowa
2019 S450
Thanks so much for the input! I am going to go for dimished value but I have no idea what to ask for. I got estimate for the damage today at Abra and it looks like
$2500.00 for the rear Bumper but they have no Idea what they will find once the bumper is removed. I am bringing it in for repair next Tuesday. They will need the car for 4 days and I get my old S550 to use for a loaner. My insurance gives me OEM parts. The dimished Value issue is going to be tough to decide what is correct ammount to ask for. If this all goes to looking bad I suppose a lawyer is next on the list. What a mess... My insurance is paying all the bills and will get it from the other partys insurance.
$2500.00 for the rear Bumper but they have no Idea what they will find once the bumper is removed. I am bringing it in for repair next Tuesday. They will need the car for 4 days and I get my old S550 to use for a loaner. My insurance gives me OEM parts. The dimished Value issue is going to be tough to decide what is correct ammount to ask for. If this all goes to looking bad I suppose a lawyer is next on the list. What a mess... My insurance is paying all the bills and will get it from the other partys insurance.
Last edited by platt-deutsch; May 28, 2019 at 10:40 PM. Reason: add sentence
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From: New England/Florida
2005 SL 500. 2015 S550. 2016 GLE400 2018 S560
Had a similar experience with my 2016 GLE 400. Got rear ended in stop and go traffic on 95 in Florida. Driver at fault had Allstate insurance. Called my dealer in RI who said something to the effect if Carfax report was filed Mercedes may not certify car if I try to sell it. Asked about diminished value of car. Quoted around $4000. Allstate said $1000. Took it to a company in Florida who specializes in diminished value reports. They got 5 reports from different Mercedes dealers in southern Florida ranging from $4500-5500. Allstate said all hearsay and take it or leave it on the $1000 offer. My brother (co-owner) is an Allstate agent for 35 years and knows people high up in Allstate management. Still wouldn’t budge on $1000 offer. Looks like lawyers are now getting involved. Thank god my S560 didn’t get hit.
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Joined: May 2019
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From: Tennessee
2015 MB S550 & 2020 MB GLS 450
Thanks so much for the input! I am going to go for dimished value but I have no idea what to ask for. I got estimate for the damage today at Abra and it looks like
$2500.00 for the rear Bumper but they have no Idea what they will find once the bumper is removed. I am bringing it in for repair next Tuesday. They will need the car for 4 days and I get my old S550 to use for a loaner. My insurance gives me OEM parts. The dimished Value issue is going to be tough to decide what is correct ammount to ask for. If this all goes to looking bad I suppose a lawyer is next on the list. What a mess... My insurance is paying all the bills and will get it from the other partys insurance.
$2500.00 for the rear Bumper but they have no Idea what they will find once the bumper is removed. I am bringing it in for repair next Tuesday. They will need the car for 4 days and I get my old S550 to use for a loaner. My insurance gives me OEM parts. The dimished Value issue is going to be tough to decide what is correct ammount to ask for. If this all goes to looking bad I suppose a lawyer is next on the list. What a mess... My insurance is paying all the bills and will get it from the other partys insurance.
With regard to your diminution claim, your insurance agent may be a good place to start to determine what documentation is required. It may be that a letter from your dealer will suffice, or you may need a formal appraisal. Just depends on what the other party's insurance will require.
As an aside, there is generally fine print language in your policy that prevents a diminished value claim in situations where claims are paid under your policy, like hitting a dead animal in the post above. Generally diminished value claims only apply if another party is at fault.
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From: Greater Cleveland area
2019 Dune Silver Metallic E-450 Mercedes Cabriolet NEW Mercedes 2020 GLC300 graphite gray SUV
The lawyers are the only ones who win in diminished value lawsuits. Insurance companies vary as to those that do or do not compensate for diminished value. I would also contact your state insurance commissioner if you don't get satisfaction first.
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From: Calgary
2014 S550 4matic, 2014 Corvette, 2016 Camaro SS 2011 Lexus RX350
With only 800 miles on a $100K car you should not get any push back on a 2 or 3 K diminished value claim but start at about $10-15 K no one would be surprised at that claim.
I had a bad experience on a new sports car. It turned out OK but that was with a dealer. (long story)
Don't sign for the car once it's fixed until you get something settled.
Elsewhere I've read about repaint bumpers not matching in the light car colors. Check it out inside and outside.
I had a bad experience on a new sports car. It turned out OK but that was with a dealer. (long story)
Don't sign for the car once it's fixed until you get something settled.
Elsewhere I've read about repaint bumpers not matching in the light car colors. Check it out inside and outside.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: San Francisco
2015 S550 Coupe
I recently had a similar no-fault collision repair and the other party had Allstate, but I still went through my own insurance. You have the choice of going through your own company (who will then get reimbursed from the other company, though you must initially pay for and then wait to get your collision deductible reimbursed) or through the other party's insurance. My feeling is that the other company has no motivation to adjust and pay for all the incremental repairs as discovered by your (chosen to be very thorough and reputable) body shop so why take the risk? Your own company wants to treat you right and fight for you.
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E55
Not every state recognizes diminished value claims. First off it is not as easy as everyone is saying and it also varies on the extent and type of damages. 90% of cars resold have bumper repairs and refinishing so a replaced refinished bumper will not get you any diminished value. New cars have touch ups. The car has to have substantial damages that effect resale of the car beyond what a normal similar used car would have. Damages will not be noted on your title but will be on Carfax. Horrible situation as it just ruins the new car purchase experience.
Most likely there are damages beyond your bumper cover as cars are designed to fold and absorb the impact. Once the bumper is removed and structure measured nobody can say 100% what the vehicle needs. If its just a bumper cover go on with your life its not worth the battle and you will not recover anything beyond your deductible back.
You were rear ended unless you were in reverse they are at fault end of story no matter what happened. Go back to the dealer or choose one that has a collision shop on premises not a sublet shop. Make sure they understand how picky you are and repeat several times how perfect you expect the repairs to be. There most likely will be a supplemental estimate written for the additional repairs needed. Make sure your rental coverage covers what they are charging you if they are.
Paying yourself and lying when you sell it is fraud and will get you in more trouble than the risk and also would you like someone doing that to you?
Your insurance Co will subrogate for your deductible back which in a rear end collision should be fairly quick.
Most likely there are damages beyond your bumper cover as cars are designed to fold and absorb the impact. Once the bumper is removed and structure measured nobody can say 100% what the vehicle needs. If its just a bumper cover go on with your life its not worth the battle and you will not recover anything beyond your deductible back.
You were rear ended unless you were in reverse they are at fault end of story no matter what happened. Go back to the dealer or choose one that has a collision shop on premises not a sublet shop. Make sure they understand how picky you are and repeat several times how perfect you expect the repairs to be. There most likely will be a supplemental estimate written for the additional repairs needed. Make sure your rental coverage covers what they are charging you if they are.
Paying yourself and lying when you sell it is fraud and will get you in more trouble than the risk and also would you like someone doing that to you?
Your insurance Co will subrogate for your deductible back which in a rear end collision should be fairly quick.
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E55
By the way the use of aftermarket parts was not from insurance Co's mandating them but from them paying for new parts and shops looking to cut costs and using them. Insurance Co's then saw what the industry was doing and they became what was considered an Industry acceptable repair. Insurance co's then pushed them, got sued and now were back to the start where they aren't writing them in most instances and the shops are still using them to save deductibles and other costs. Aftermarket parts cant be 100% exact and aren't but people seek them out for cheap repairs every day. There a non issue on a new S Class.
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Do not compromise and do not let Allstate (bunch of crooks) walk all over you.
They all do until a lawyer gets involved, they change their tune very quick and "suddenly" they want to deal.
A lawyer involved on your side is a potential huge expense for them and they will do everything in their power to avoid litigation.
$10-15k settlement is peanuts compared to having a lawsuit on their hands and they know it very well.
Initial intimidation tactics, bullying ("take it or leave it") are just SOP for insurance companies and a game of numbers, most folks just want to get it over with and don't want any additional complications so they settle to their own detriment.
A few, are not going to pay for someone else's deeds and get full, well deserved compensation but they have to work for it and be persistent.
They all do until a lawyer gets involved, they change their tune very quick and "suddenly" they want to deal.
A lawyer involved on your side is a potential huge expense for them and they will do everything in their power to avoid litigation.
$10-15k settlement is peanuts compared to having a lawsuit on their hands and they know it very well.
Initial intimidation tactics, bullying ("take it or leave it") are just SOP for insurance companies and a game of numbers, most folks just want to get it over with and don't want any additional complications so they settle to their own detriment.
A few, are not going to pay for someone else's deeds and get full, well deserved compensation but they have to work for it and be persistent.
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2023 E450 ALL-TERRAIN WAGON
Try contacting http://diminishedvalue.com/ I used them years ago when a previous car was hit in a parking lot.They were successful getting he money.
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
One more thing, try to get (from a couple dealers) in writing , their estimated percentage loss in value of the car with bad carfax vs lean report.
Also, a statement confirming MB would not certify a used car with with accident history which also affects resale value significantly.
Also, a statement confirming MB would not certify a used car with with accident history which also affects resale value significantly.
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: DFW
2015 CLS550, 2014 E350, 2014 GLK 350
I got a CPO S550 with a minor front end accident on the Carfax. It did seem to be very minor damage, maybe grill and possibly bumper replaced, something like that. So apparently they will CPO under some circumstances.
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From: Dayton, OH
2009 SL550, 2016 E350, 2019 AMG GT rdstr
Mercedes will definitely CPO a car that has been in a wreck. My ‘15 S550 was sideswiped by a box truck while I was sitting in a turn lane. The damage bill came to $28k. There was no frame damage and no airbag deployment. The car was leased and I returned it at lease end, six months later. The dealer bought it and sold it as a CPO. The carfax did mention the accident.
