Another accident - need advice

[dtxstang]

So last night I was sitting at a stop sign, waiting to turn left onto a relatively dark road. After all the cars passed, I began turning, and rammed into a car coming down the right lane of that road with it's headlights off. I couldn't see it till it was too late. Luckily no one was hurt, and the kid is taking full responsibility once I pointed out his lights were off. Also had a witness confirm his lights were off to the police.

Anyway, as it was dark, I don't have great pictures, but my front bumper, hood, both fenders are clearly damaged. Not sure if there's any damage to the lights, or just the wiring came undone, but my hazards were no longer working. Also, the car pulls heavily to one side and had to be towed. Not sure about any structural damage.

Got a couple questions for you guys:

1) Any ideas about what kind of damage I'm looking at?
2) Ford dealer vs independent body shop?
3) Since his insurance should cover this, is there any possibility of putting on a new fascia? Steeda? Roush? GT350? Any recommendations? .

I know it's just a car, and it's a blessing everyone's OK, but man really bummed right now...

Thanks for any input !

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[DFWStangGuy]

I'm no expert but here is my 2 cents:

1) Need pictures to have any idea of what kind of damage you may have
2) If his insurance is paying, I would have a dealership quote you to do the repairs if it's not totaled. Also, you can always get a second opinion from another shop to compare with the dealer quote.
3) You may be able to upgrade to Roush through a dealer by paying the difference for the parts or you might be able negotiate a deal for aftermarket parts with the insurance company if you can convince them that the parts are going to be lower in price than OEM parts through the dealership.

 

[Zathras]

Condolences. Where I live, there is practically an epidemic of idiots cruising around at dusk or even full night without headlights. How can they not know? Do they think it saves gas or something?

 

[Ctease]

Get at least 3 quotes. Some body shops don't like certain insurance companies. I've had several shops say "we don't work with that company"... "you can get the money from them and You pay us, but we won't waste time negotiating with them directly"

Talk to the shops, look at customer cars, demo cars and pick whichever shop makes you feel comfortable.

If you want aftermarket or GT350 front clip swap. This is the perfect time.

 

[HappySquirrel]

1) Any ideas about what kind of damage I'm looking at?

That's a question for the shop. All anyone here can give you is conjecture.

2) Ford dealer vs independent body shop?

As others have stated, get more than one quote. I would definitely get one of those quotes from a Ford dealer's body shop.

EDIT: Actually, I take that back. As long as the other guy's insurance is paying go with who you're most comfortable with. My first choice would be a Ford dealer. My Scion tc has been hit a few times. The first time I took it to a Toyota dealer and everything was fine. The second time I made the mistake of taking it to the shop my insurance recommended and a couple of years later the repainted section faded like crazy. I learned my lesson.

3) Since his insurance should cover this, is there any possibility of putting on a new fascia? Steeda? Roush? GT350? Any recommendations? .

Another question for the shops and/or insurance adjusters, but I think you should be able to pay the difference to get a different fascia. One time when my Grand Am was hit I paid the difference to have the shop fix some pre-existing scratches that were unrelated to the accident.

 

[RouteAbel]

Our cars are crazy expensive to fix. A headlight is $1200. Mine is being totaled for mostly body damage, non mechanical/non structural. Insane.

Good Luck.

 

[Dannyho]

probably should be sure to specify you only want them to use OEM parts. Ins companies like to push the body shops to use aftermarket or used parts to save money, and they're supposed to ask you first, but that's not always the case.

 

[JCFoster]

2nd using a Ford dealer. Wife hit a mailbox and did $2000 worth of damage (mounted on angle iron). Three year old vehicle and literally could not tell it had been damaged, perfect paint match, etc.

 

[JohnDoe]

If you have windshield tint... RIP IT OFF NOW

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