New Front Bumper 2011 Rav4

[LeaderBob]

Hi All.

Following a minor accident, and discussions with my insurance company i,m needing a new front bumper. supplied and fitted. Any ideas on cost would be appreciated. It may be cheaper than the excess and loss of no claims .

Thanks

[gjnorthall]

Assuming no damage to fog lights, radiator grille or screen-wash bottle - around £600 + VAT for parts, fitting and painting.

[LeaderBob]

Thanks for the quick response... Insurance company seem very keen to suggest that a 50/50 settlement is reached. Someone pulled out from where there was poor visibility straight into my path. Luckily i have a witness. Just thinking of options, as due to being an ex company car driver i could only get limited no claims. if your estimate is near the mark unless third party admits liability this may be the cheaper route over a couple of years once excess and rise in premium are factored in. Hopefully won't get that far but insurance company didn't seem that positive.

Thanks again

Bob

[gjnorthall]

The stupid thing about car insurance is that apart from NCB issues - premiums increase simply because you've been involved in an accident. It happens even if you were blameless or have protected NCB - it's a sort of actuarial thing that people that get involved in accidents, even not their fault, are more of a risk. Obviously it stays in place for 5 years when you no longer need to declare the accident - so the effect can mount up. This factor coupled with policy excess and loss of NCB, influences the decision to claim. Unfortunately in cases like yours, where the overall cost is modest and it's not entirely obvious - the insurance companies may settle knock for knock - each company pay's it's insured's costs.

[LeaderBob]

spot on gjnothall with you're estimate. Local Mr T quoted £675. result with claim as third party has admitted liability. Her insurance to pay Mr T and supply loan car. Thanks.

[gjnorthall]

As long as no paint damage beyond the bumper - a bodyshop would usually paint the new bumper beforehand so that the car is in and out the same day, just to fit the bumper.