Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 7/13/2009

Question
My vehicle is less than 2 years old and still under the warrenty. The rear bumper was partially projected to the position corresponding to the bump. The body shop wrote a repair estimate to replace the bumper. But, the insurance contracted appraiser wrote the low estimate to fix it. I do not think the projected position in a plastic bumper can be pushed in perfectly. The insurance said they would try to find a similar year used car and took off the same bumper to replace the damaged bumper in my vehicle. They said the replacement of a new bumper will require painting the entire bumper but the used car bumper does not need repainting. Do you think whether it is a good way to restore the car into the original condition or it is not good? Can you explain it? Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Ray,

Unfortunately, in most states, once a vehicle is either 1 year old or has more than 12,000 miles the insurance company is allowed to specify whatever repair they want that will be least expensive for them.

A used bumper is a good repair. It is from the manufacturer of your car of the same year.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh