'16 Honda Pilot - body damage repair strategy

[parshisa]

Well, my significant other did a boo-boo, backed out of the garage with a steering wheel turned in the wrong direction. As a result - from bumper cover, bumper face skid, wheel arch plastic cover and mirror are damaged. All of these parts will require replacement. There's also a dent in the fender, but I think it's recoverable with PDR services. Now, I'm trying to figure out how to proceed with the repairs. Option 1: file a claim with the insurance, pay 1k deductible, get it all fixed, and then enjoy 50% increase premium (at least) come the renewal time. Option 2: source new parts, get the new bumper painted at the collision shop and fix the dent with the PDR - based on my estimates - 2k or so. Option 3: search local junkyards and replace bumper parts and the mirror (probably 1k+ or so), however most time consuming.

Which route would you recommend to proceed with? (ideally based on the real life example from your experience). Thank you

 

[The Critic]

First question: are you sure there is no damage under the bumper? A lot of these seemingly low speed collisions will result in bent mounting points under the headlight area and the replacement bumper will not stay clipped in place. Ask me how I know...

 

[parshisa]

First question: are you sure there is no damage under the bumper? A lot of these seemingly low speed collisions will result in bent mounting points under the headlight area and the replacement bumper will not stay clipped in place. Ask me how I know...

I absolutely am not. I’m across the Atlantic and won’t get to see the car for another 2 weeks. Good point indeed..

 

[Lubener]

Option 2A. I would get several estimates, depending on what is quoted, I might lean towards an out of the pocket total repair from a body shop. That is provided you plan on keeping it for a long time. If not, I would leave it as is.

 

[parshisa]

Option 2A. I would get several estimates, depending on what is quoted, I might lean towards an out of the pocket total repair from a body shop.

I’m guessing it’ll be at least 4-5k. Last year a lady back into my civic, crack in the clear coat of the rear bumper. Shop charges were 2k (just repair, not even replacement). Body shop prices are insane. And considering the residual cost of the vehicle is around 10k, not sure if this would make sense

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Check out https://www.car-part.com/ for places around you. You might find stuff like this as a one stop and change the fender, bumper, mirror all at once. My friend did that with his blue Civic Si, just had to shop around.

 

[SOUNDMAN5000]

I would get a written "Cash" price turn key estimate from a ( 1 to 3 ) trusted local body shop (s) that you or someone you know has used in the past. I would then ask for a even better cash price.
I would not EVER file an insurance claim on anything I did myself. I would get the best body shop price and perhaps open a new credit card with 0% then pay it off at 0% over the next 12 to 24 months... Some credit Cards will offer a $200-$300 cash sign on bonus and again will do 0% for a year or so...

 

[RBT]

If the car is not mechanically compromised you can check the yards for like colored parts and you can also check eBay. I would try PDR and a good buffing on that fender (if that is house paint from the garage door paint, speaking from experience with a similar incident with my wife, you would sometimes be surprised as what can buff out on the paint) - this seems inline with your thinking too. Good luck with it, that can be a frustrating experience.

 

[millerbl00]

Being a 2016 almost 10 years old. Replace the minimum to pass inspection and just drive it.

 

[JoelB]

Do you think she'll do it again? If so I'd say fix the mirror and make sure the bumper is secure and leave the battle scar.

 

[parshisa]

Do you think she'll do it again? If so I'd say fix the mirror and make sure the bumper is secure and leave the battle scar.

This is a third time the bumper taking a beating: unnoticed tow truck hitch (scraped right side of the bumper), hit and run to the front driver side and now this. Sounds like the fender have slightly misaligned causing the bottom front edge of the door catching on it, making a clunk when opening the door (this all is a second hand information, I’m thousands miles away).

But to answer your question, I’m not surprised this happened, and wouldn’t be surprised it happens again. Unfortunately

 

[parshisa]

If the car is not mechanically compromised you can check the yards for like colored parts and you can also check eBay. I would try PDR and a good buffing on that fender (if that is house paint from the garage door paint, speaking from experience with a similar incident with my wife, you would sometimes be surprised as what can buff out on the paint) - this seems inline with your thinking too. Good luck with it, that can be a frustrating experience.

I’m two weeks away before I can look at in person. I’ve got a polisher and capable of touching up and polishing if it is polishable…

 

[Chris142]

Being a 2016 almost 10 years old. Replace the minimum to pass inspection and just drive it.

Not everyone wants to drive a hoopti.