Expert: Michael Kakuk - 3/24/2010

Question
Hello from Canada Michael,

I have a paint scratch (no dents) on the corner of the rear bumper of a black Toyota 4runner. The scratch is about the size of a quarter and white so I assume the scratch goes down to the primer. Can the scratch itself be fixed or does the whole bumper need to be replaced?

Of the two estimates I received so far, they both claim the bumper needs to be replaced for $1000, which seems so extreme and out of balance in comparison. Might some auto shops suggest a maximum solution if its viewed as an insurance claim versus a private fix-it job?

Thank you Michael for any advice you can give me to navigate this repair in a fair way.

Kindest regards,
Angie

Answer
ANGIE.....DEPENDING ON THE YEAR OF THE 4RUNNER THE REAR BUMPER COMES IN 3 PIECES OR 1 PIECE.
WITHOUT SEEING THE PHOTO OF THE DAMAGE IT IS HARD TO GIVE YOU A SOLID ANSWER.
IF BOTH REPAIR SHOPS CLAIM THE COVER HAS TO BE REPLACED A $1000.00 SOUNDS TO HIGH.

IF THE SHOP KNOWS IT IS GOING TO BE COVERED UNDER INSURANCE THEY WRITE THE ESTIMATE ACCORDING TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY GUIDELINES. A WALK IN CUSTOMER WOULD RECEIVE AN ESTIMATE USING FACTORY PARTS.

THE FACTORY PART ESTIMATE WILL BE MORE THAN THE INSURANCE ESTIMATE...DEPENDING ON THE INSURANCE COMPANY THE SHOP MAY USE AN AFTERMARKET BUMPER COVER WHICH IS LESS EXPENSIVE THAN THE FACTORY
COVER.

MIKE