123quattro

Get a new insurance company.

Mike Frye

I think more of an issue with our cars is the combination of two factors:
1) We're so damned low, most drivers in their SUVs and minivans can see clear over us and don't really notice the brake lights and
2) When most cars stop short, they nosedive and the back rises up. Our cars don't roll and don't "dive" much at all, and so it doesn't look like a panic stop from behind.

The driver behind isn't going by distance or their braking ability, only those of the car ahead of them.

Mongo

Where do you buy a GTS rear bumper at? I think I want one. My S4 cover has spider-webbed paint just above the bumperettes.

AO

Let me give you all a quick update...

Michigan is a no-fault state. That means my insurance will need to cover this. However, I have a $1,000 deductible and supposedly the mini-tort claim to go after this from the other drive is limited to $500. So that means no matter what, I'm out $500 because of this friggen moron!

So here are my options.

1. Get it repaired and pay the $500
2. Get two estimates (I'm guessing they'll be around $3,000) and then source the parts myself and do the work myself. There doesn't appear to be any sheet metal damage, so it should be bolt-off, bolt-on assuming I can get it painted. I might actually come out ahead on this one.
3. Hunt down the ***** who hit me and introduce Mr. Sugar to Mr. Gas.

6mil928

That sucks A$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. If I ever go mental I'm buying a trashed 4x4 and going to have a blast. That totally makes no sense! If I hit someone I have no responsibility for the damage? There must be more to this story?

Mike Frye

I had a similar situation with the guy that towed my car originally and I ended up going with option 2. I ended up settling after 15 months for less than the amount of the suit, but more than the cost of parts, and since I don't trust anyone touching my car anyway, it worked out. What a MAJOR PITA though. Court is a siege that will wear you down if you let it...

Dean_Fuller

I vote #3...but thats how I roll.

SharkSkin

Wait a minute -- I admit that I'm a bit of an idiot when it comes to insurance jargon. Here's the part I don't get: As I understand it, if you are minding your own business and someone comes along and damages your property, are they not responsible to make it as if the damage never happened(assuming the proof is there)?

Also, I thought most states viewed rear-ender accidents as always being the fault of the person to the rear, absent any extenuating circumstances(and such exceptions are VERY rare, e.g. bad stoplights on lead car, etc.)

I've been bitten by this myself -- in the early 80's some jackass was making a left on a green arrow and stopped in the middle of the intersection for no good reason. I hit him, and everything came out of my pocket. Despite his stupid maneuver, I was considered at-fault. (some of the blame might have had to do with my '67 Dodge R/T having a LOT more "go" than "whoa", but that wasn't relevant to the case)

So Andrew, you must have had a lot of questions for the insurance rep, in between a few choice words I'd imagine...

Can you help me understand why this is not 100% the other guy's responsibility to make it as if this never happened?

Big Dave

No fault insurance is a big, steaming pile of dog $hit. It's the main reason why insurance rates in Michigan are typically 2x what they are anywhere else.

It's supposed to save people money by avoiding litigation costs...which are supposed to result in lower premiums for everyone. I'd say that goal has failed miserably.

Yay Michigan!

backnblack

X2

123quattro

Yep, no fault is complete BS. The only downside for the guy in the F150 is that he may be ticketed for the accident. If he is at fault, his insurance company owes Andrew only $500. He can't be sued for damage to the vehicle. It's dumb. I hate it. Michigan also makes you carry medical coverage even with liability coverage here. Sucks for me. I have six cars. Why do I need to carry medical insurance on all my car policies when I already get it through GM? More BS.

backnblack

I agree Dave but then again you are a lawyer

Hey Andrew I know a painter
Matt

BC

You don't need any jargon from my 10 years of Property insurance experience. Big Dave has it - and his word choice is perfect. No Fault is a great micro-test of socialism at work, but this is the wrong forum for that - but rest assured the premiums are indeed at times twice as high as a fault state.

AO

Thank Matt! I'll need it!

You, sir, are one ****ing eloquent bastard!

6mil928

Awesome