Auto body repair & detailing: ford windstar back bumper and sensors, minor fender bender, park distance control

Question
Hello,
  I was in a minor fender bender where I hit a 2001 ford windstar in the rear. Not much damage was done, but to aviod insurance cost we decided to take care of it ourselves rather then going through our insurance companies. The other driver claims that the damage is istimated at $1300 or more. To me that is a ridiculous price for a bumper for a 2001 ford windstar. It was mentioned that the car had sensors on the bumper for reversal movement. Please tell me what to do about getting another lesser estiment. thanks

Answer
Peter,

Some plastic bumper covers can be quite involved. I am always at a disadvantage when answering this type of question because I don't have the luxury of actually seeing the damage. I can tell you some reasons why the estimate may be this high so you can guard against someone trying to take advantage of you. If damage exists to not only the plastic cover but to the styrofoam impact absorber and the steel reinforcement underneath, you could easily have $600 dollars in parts alone. Usually it takes a fairly severe impact to damage the reinforcement, more than just a few miles per hour. If any reverse sensor, or park distance control sensor is damaged you may be looking at between $75 and $200 for that part. There is a certain amount of overhaul labor and refinish labor involved also, paint materials etc. And many of these windstars have two tone paint so there is an extra charge for that also. The estimate could reach $1300 very easily based on these assumptions. If you are paying out of pocket insist on another estimate or perhaps two more, but remember-in most states the owner reserves the right to have the car repaired at the shop of their choice. Ask them to describe the damage in detail that the estimate mentions. Find out about about the availability of a used rear bumper assembly, that is the first thing your insurance company would do for a vehicle of this age. You may save up to a couple hundred dollars on this alone. In a case such as this I always recommend that people turn it over to the insurance company. You are likely to have this person or shop call once repairs are underway and tell you about the further damage they uncovered when they tore the car down and how it's going to cost $2600 instead of the original $1300. If you get the feeling that the other party is just out to get ahold of your $1300 and forgo the repairs on the car you should make sure that it is in writing that $1300 is payment in full. Beware of handling anything like this out of pocket, it can spiral out of control sometimes, the car may be in the shop for days as well and you could incur rental charges also. Good Luck- Mark