Zucc

It will probably not show up on carfax unless there was a Police report. Like the others have said, keep the before and after pictures just in case.

spittingcobra

I really feel for you. I had my Boxster rear bumper hit like yours. The bumper was a total replacement and after the paint job, I couldn't see any visible difference. I am sure yours will work out so you cannot notice the difference. I don't know how things make it to Carfax but when my car was finally totaled, the settlement report contained the accident and the cost to repair even though there was no police report.

This Yahoo answer on diminished value compensation might help. I specifically like the part where one person said "If your damage is only to the bumper, and the bumper gets replaced, there really isn't any dimunition of value here."

Best wishes.

EricUSC

A bumper can't be paint metered, so nobody will be able to tell that the bumper was repainted if it's done properly. File with insurance only and do not file an accident report to your state DMV and make sure your neighbor doesn't file an accident report either. Also, tell the insurance companies not to file a DMV accident report on your behalf. When reviewing Carfax reports, I've seen accidents from police reports and state DMV reports.

82_930

I had that happen to my Boxster, just drive the car to make the bumper warm, then take a blow dryer to it to warm it more, put a suction cup to it and it will pop right out, no paint damage!

fskof

So what is the latest? Did you get an estimate yet?

403portside

Yup. Dropped off at the body shop today. Looks like $2K for a new bumper, prep, paint, etc. Saw another 997 C2S there getting worked on -- made me feel a little better.

kevinthickey

Similar thing happened to me about 2 months ago. More damage than you had but still nothing structural. The person who rear ended me had Nationwide and I am currently applying for diminished value through them. The requirements to apply are of course complicated and they request a ton of paperwork...I still think it is worth trying. What do you have to lose?

I just pulled a carfax and nothing has come up yey. Does anyone know how long it typically takes? And does the body shop trigger the carfax update or does a police report? In my case, no police were involved.

kevinthickey

yet* Sorry for the typo!

403portside

Great question. I asked the body shop about whether they send info to Carfax and he said, in no uncertain terms, NO WAY.

He said that insurance companies are required to report claims over $750 to the DMV, and in turn it's the DMV that actually sells data to various 3rd party sources.

911 Crazy

Ouch! Good luck

403portside

Kevin,

I talked to my insurance company and found out that the DMV may send an SR-1 form which is usually the first step in the info possibility making it to carfax.

What I don't know is:

- whether an SR-1 is sent to me, as I'm not the policy holder.

- whether a 'traffic' report is needed in a non-moving scenario, like mine.

- what happens if you don't fill out the SR-1

JW911

My rear bumper has been hit and repainted 3 times. And my front bumper replaced once. The first time I was horrified. Now I am an old pro and it doesn't faze me. I don't think diminished value applies to a bumper cover replacement. And I don't think it makes Car Fax either.

kevinthickey

Thanks guys. Nothing on CarFax yet for me, but the repairs were ~$10,000 so I assume it will make it's way there even though there was no police report.

Portside let me know if you find anything else out and i will do the same.

Thanks!

Mumbles

Fact is that 90% of what we worry about never happens.

If the car goes to a good shop you will be smiling from ear to ear....

I know they say sh%$ happens, but this really is just the s ....good luck

403portside

On my way to pick up the car. Nervous...