Hit a deer today. Best thing to do?

[mark82890]

So this is my first post here. I've been lurking for a while but now I could use some help from you guys. I hit a deer today and this is my first ever car "accident". I haven't called the insurance company yet because it didn't look like it would be too much work to replace and I don't want it to show up on a carfax report or anything like that for if I ever sell the car in the future. Is there any places online I could order a replacement bumper or should I just order one from the dealer? I'm pretty mechanically inclined so the installation won't be a problem. What would you guys do? Oh here's a pic:


20121106_181127 by mcphotography123, on Flickr

[Kimsey47]

Deer jerky and call insurance!

[mufasis]

I'm going to agree and say not to go through insurance. It looks like you can do this yourself. If this is what you decide to do. I would suggest finding the service manual, I think its around here somewhere. Next, time to start taking things apart to see exactly what you need to replace and then go from there. Anyone with more experience feel free to chime in!

[Kimsey47]

Zoomed in on my phone and I too agree that insurance may not be needed... Just have a estimate done and if there isnt anything internally damaged get a new front fascia. If you have internal damage then you may be better off w/insurance depending on the hidden bits.

[Subie]

I believe hitting a deer is considered a comprehensive claim. I don't believe such claims increase your insurance premium. You're looking at $500, minimum, plus a rental while your car is in the shop if you end up having to go that route. Depending on your deductible, it may be better for you to go through your insurance company. I was glad I went through mine considering it took the body shop three attempts to get it right; if I hadn't had my insurance company standing behind me, I'm not sure the body shop would have been as cooperative.

[wbradley]

Once you tell insurance it counts as an incident whether you file a claim or not. So you might want to do your checking and only tell insc if you fully intend to file a claim. Looks like bumper cover only. Even I could probably do the job. Gotta swap lotsa pieces though.

How'd Bambi make out? Oh dear,I'm afraid to ask!

[whaap]

There is nothing wrong with a carfax showing your car was involved in a collision repair when you have good documentation with photos and estimates and final bill showing how minor it was damaged.

Next, the question of insurance. I retired after working 25 years handling automobile insurance claims and I don't know of any insurance company that would let a comprehensive claim affect your rates. A collision loss is one thing but a comprehensive claim is looked upon as "no fault".

If you have any doubts, talk to your agent.

[RRnold]

Originally Posted by whaap

There is nothing wrong with a carfax showing your car was involved in a collision repair when you have good documentation with photos and estimates and final bill showing how minor it was damaged.

Next, the question of insurance. I retired after working 25 years handling automobile insurance claims and I don't know of any insurance company that would let a comprehensive claim affect your rates. A collision loss is one thing but a comprehensive claim is looked upon as "no fault".

If you have any doubts, talk to your agent.

Why hide the fact that it needed repair and risk missing hidden damages. It's not like they are going to total the car out to a salvage. If you have insurance, why use it and have it repaired the correct way.

[Indestruct]

Get a better looking bumper, perfect opportunity to lose the "stache"

[gmookher]

you dont need insurance for that

PM if you needs help or to chat bout how to fix..

[Pete156]

Your insurance rates should not change if you report it. An animal strike is no fault.

[SalM]

Originally Posted by Kimsey47

Deer jerky and call insurance!

My thoughts exactly.

[Kimsey47]

Originally Posted by SalM

My thoughts exactly.

Love some deer jerky! Might as well make the best out of the situation! The OP shows that the moose test video posted a few weeks ago holds true!

Seriously though, hope it doesn't put the OP out much to get his car repaired!

[mark82890]

It seems like there are some mixed responses between going through insurance or doing the fix myself. If I do decide to replace the front bumper myself, how much do you expect the painted bumper to cost? I figure if it would cost less than the deductible it would make sense to do the job myself. Would I only be able to get this part from the dealer? I haven't seen too many places online selling replacement BRZ parts. Thank you all for your responses!