Expert: Bennie719 - 10/23/2007

Question
The rear bumper of my 2005 Honda Accord was damaged in a rear end collision. The estimate from the body shop recommended by the other driver's insurance company includes a reconditioned bumper cover and "quality replacement parts" energy absorber. Can/should I appeal this to require them to use new parts?

Answer
Hi Robbie,
You should not accept reconditioned parts on a 2 year old car.
You are entitled to genuine Honda replacement bumper cover and energy absorber.
If the adverse company won't meet your demands for new Honda parts, then you should see if your own company will repair your car with new genuine Honda parts(less your deductible) which they will return when they recover from the adverse company.
Depending on your state of residence, some states allow recovery for 'diminished value'.  See if this applies in your state.
Since the Honda Accord is the most reliable vehicle available it holds a greater percent of it's value longer than any other car.  Here in California, a '92 Honda Accord with 190,000 to 220,000 miles on the odometer sells for $6,500 or more.
This accident will show up on any Carfax report.  If 'diminished value' is allowed in your state, a rough rule of thumb is 15% of the amount of damages as a cash payment.  I hope this information has been of help.  Please write again if I can be of additional service.
Your feedback for my answer will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area 10-23-07 6:03 PM PST