Accident in my precious LC!

[DctrEvil]

Not even a year old and a guy runs a stop sign.... CRASH! No airbags deployed and everyone was OK, except my precious LC/LC. Severe front end damage, bent quarter panels and hood and the dash is lit up like a xmas tree. It runs and seems to be fine mechanically, but I can only imagine what damage is to be found in the font end! I bent his left front wheel in so badly that his truck was not drivable, but I drove home.

I'm 7 weeks from a planned overland camping and fishing trip in CO that me and a group of friends are planning! Just installed my drawer system and planning on sleeping inside.
I am very, very doubtful that with limited parts availability my LC will be fixed in time!

It just makes me sick to know that even a trusted local body shop will be all up inside this vehicle.... it will never be as perfectly put together as it was when it left Japan! I'm considering a Diminished Value claim, if and when all the repairs are to my approval. Even one perfectly repaired accident will hurt future selling value!

I'm covered by USAA which is usually great to deal with, and the guy's insurance, Progressive will be the one paying as he openly admitted to the policeman that it was his fault. USAA pushed me toward a couple of their "participating" body shops (ie. Crash Champions), but I think I'd like to take it to my Toyota dealer's body shop. It just seems to make sense.

Anyone had any recent experience with major repairs such as this? Parts being scarce, work taking forever!?

 

[gxsandiego]

Ouch! There have been a few of these on this forum and all came out pretty well. Body work is a lot different now. All parts should be replaced with new and color matching is not a big deal. In the end you will you will most likely get your truck back in as good a shape as it was in. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Bad1975]

That blows, glad your ok! We also have USAA and the other driver who rear ended my wife was also Progressive, took 7 days for the repair start to finish, replaced entire rear bumper and everything under it you can't see, painted the rear hatch after popping out a very small dent and painted the hitch where it got a scratch as well.

Had two wait an additional two weeks for a new half hitch cover Toyota originally sent the full one even though the shop ordered the half cover.

My opinion is good body shops do this all day everyday they are great at it. Toyota does it mainly as a side show. USAA will make it a bit of a hassle for you if don't use their preferred shops and it will delay the process. I initially planned to do the same (Have Toyota do it) mainly to speed up parts but after talking to the collision shop the owner told me they can get parts just as fast as Toyota and sometimes faster (Caliber Collision) who we've had the unfortunate opportunity of using 3 times all due to crappy drivers (all 3 of ours were progressive people who rear ended us). Spoke to USAA rep about it and he told us we sure could do that but the process would be allot different and delayed. The delays are due to non trusted quotes that have to be verified and approved by USAA adjuster and having to reapprove any additional parts during the process as found during repairs, whereas the approved shops quote approvals don't need a second verification by adjuster and follow on parts are instantly approved with funding from USAA. IIRC we were told at the time (couple months ago) that each quote and additional part request may take 2-3 days additional with possibly a little longer for the money to be sent.

I would believe the paint work will better than Toyota factory paint, mine sure was (no orange peel and proper thickness). The two repairs on the Tundra are going on 12 years and still look flawless.

 

[TimHerald]

I am so sorry. I have lived through it, but wrecked the day I bought my truck. Had it about 7 hours. They fixed mine all up, took a while, but it’s been as good as new. I sincerely hope you are able to get it fixed quickly and without a lot of hassle. It’s sure a pain. All the best of luck, I really feel for you.

 

[DctrEvil]

I am so sorry. I have lived through it, but wrecked the day I bought my truck. Had it about 7 hours. They fixed mine all up, took a while, but it’s been as good as new. I sincerely hope you are able to get it fixed quickly and without a lot of hassle. It’s sure a pain. All the best of luck, I really feel for you.

Very similar damage to mine! Glad to hear it worked out. Did you use Toyota or an independent shop?

 

[TimHerald]

Very similar damage to mine! Glad to hear it worked out. Did you use Toyota or an independent shop?

Actually both. My body guy had a friend at the Toyota collision shop. So he had them put the door, hood and fenders on to be sure of fit/finish (since tundras etc. have had problems with some parts not aligning perfectly) and that those parts were done “certified”, then he replaced all the bumper, grills, lights, sensors, added side molding, etc. and then painted it all. He is an incredible paint guy. Came back pretty perfect, then I had the roof and a-pillars done. I actually wish I had of just had him paint those while in the shop. My damage was over $15k…

I am sure yours will be done just right. My hold up was getting a few parts, it took about 11 weeks to get it back, but I think parts are way more readily available now. If you see a part is on indefinite back order- start a case with Toyota Brand Engagement and be strong with them that they cannot sell hundreds of thousands of a model and not have parts to support them. It helped, and I got on a priority wait list and got one major part as soon as the first ones hit the US.

 

[DctrEvil]

Actually both. My body guy had a friend at the Toyota collision shop. So he had them put the door, hood and fenders on to be sure of fit/finish (since tundras etc. have had problems with some parts not aligning perfectly) and that those parts were done “certified”, then he replaced all the bumper, grills, lights, sensors, added side molding, etc. and then painted it all. He is an incredible paint guy. Came back pretty perfect, then I had the roof and a-pillars done. I actually wish I had of just had him paint those while in the shop. My damage was over $15k…

I am sure yours will be done just right. My hold up was getting a few parts, it took about 11 weeks to get it back, but I think parts are way more readily available now. If you see a part is on indefinite back order- start a case with Toyota Brand Engagement and be strong with them that they cannot sell hundreds of thousands of a model and not have parts to support them. It helped, and I got on a priority wait list and got one major part as soon as the first ones hit the US.

Thanks @TimHerald ! I'm seriously considering using USAA's "trusted" shop as recommended by @Bad1975 above. It's a local place called "Crash Champions" and I've had them do some pretty good insurance work on my wife's Mercedes in the past. I'm not sure my local dealer's separate collision shop has the best reputation. Based on your recommendations, I'll insist on all OEM parts, push for the "certified" hood and quarter panel installation, and I'm no stranger to the Brand Engagement process (I used this to get a new windshield when they were on indefinite back-order and it worked!).

I really appreciate this forum and you guys taking the time to make me feel like I've got a community behind me!

 

[Matsayz]

Damn damn damn!

Luckily everyone is okay and most of the bumper parts are readily available. I’ve had two accidents, this car is a magnet I swear. The vehicle was in and out in about a week, just get it to the shop asap.

Definitely get diminished value, I got $1300 out of USAA for the guy who rammed me, better than zero. Be ready for them to raise your premium, I don’t miss USAA at all, use an insurance broker

 

[Blue Sky]

I hate to point out this silver lining but our LCs are so new, at least you will be getting OEM replacement parts and not cheapo aftermarket or salvage parts.

*Edit: Is there a legal way to spin the front bumper damage into an upgraded aftermarket replacement?

 

[TimHerald]

Thanks @TimHerald ! I'm seriously considering using USAA's "trusted" shop as recommended by @Bad1975 above. It's a local place called "Crash Champions" and I've had them do some pretty good insurance work on my wife's Mercedes in the past. I'm not sure my local dealer's separate collision shop has the best reputation. Based on your recommendations, I'll insist on all OEM parts, push for the "certified" hood and quarter panel installation, and I'm no stranger to the Brand Engagement process (I used this to get a new windshield when they were on indefinite back-order and it worked!).

I really appreciate this forum and you guys taking the time to make me feel like I've got a community behind me!

Sounds like the right plan. Progressive will try to cheap out on the non-OEM parts, so keep their feet to the fire and I wish you the absolute best of luck.

 

[Bad1975]

Sounds like the right plan. Progressive will try to cheap out on the non-OEM parts, so keep their feet to the fire and I wish you the absolute best of luck.

My advice here, don't even answer the phone from Progressive. They called me and my wife multiple times and then started texting us. I told them to go through USAA and no direct contact, USAA will only use OEM parts.

If the other party is at fault (USAA can confirm with you) don't accept Progressive as handling the claim, let USAA handle it and charge Progressive on their own, they will immediately waive the deductible in this case.

 

[Nor Cal Cruiser]

FWIW, Crash Champions is a big chain. Doesn’t mean they don’t do good work, but they’re not local.

 

[LCOceans]

I am sorry for this and glad it was minor in scope of things. These accidents have me thinking about what would happen if say you had installed an aftermarket bumper/winch. I assume insurance would pay for aftermarket parts so would not matter - you would be reimbursed fully including installation etc?

 

[LCOceans]

Same applies to suspension upgrades although maybe rare for them to be damaged in most accidents I assume?

 

[REB27]

Not even a year old and a guy runs a stop sign.... CRASH! No airbags deployed and everyone was OK, except my precious LC/LC. Severe front end damage, bent quarter panels and hood and the dash is lit up like a xmas tree. It runs and seems to be fine mechanically, but I can only imagine what damage is to be found in the font end! I bent his left front wheel in so badly that his truck was not drivable, but I drove home.

I'm 7 weeks from a planned overland camping and fishing trip in CO that me and a group of friends are planning! Just installed my drawer system and planning on sleeping inside.
I am very, very doubtful that with limited parts availability my LC will be fixed in time!

It just makes me sick to know that even a trusted local body shop will be all up inside this vehicle.... it will never be as perfectly put together as it was when it left Japan! I'm considering a Diminished Value claim, if and when all the repairs are to my approval. Even one perfectly repaired accident will hurt future selling value!

I'm covered by USAA which is usually great to deal with, and the guy's insurance, Progressive will be the one paying as he openly admitted to the policeman that it was his fault. USAA pushed me toward a couple of their "participating" body shops (ie. Crash Champions), but I think I'd like to take it to my Toyota dealer's body shop. It just seems to make sense.

Anyone had any recent experience with major repairs such as this? Parts being scarce, work taking forever!?


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Sorry for your hassle but glad no injuries.
My wife’s FE was hit in left rear door at a stop light by a Progressive insured last July (vehicle was a month old). I chose not to involve my carrier as we had been nonrenewed by previous carrier for too many windshield claims…. Total PITA, had to sue other driver in Small Claims Court to get everything OEM paid for and diminished value. I used Toyota body shop because car was so new I figured parts availability would be difficult, and it was, took 4 months to get the job done. Would use a really good independent body shop if, crossed fingers, ever need that work done again.
Bright side for you is LC is now a year+ out so parts are certainly more available. But definitely check your state law on diminished value as Progressive will never voluntarily offer it.

 

[DctrEvil]

Limped it down to the collision center today and although they still have to do further, deeper inspection, early estimate - $9K. Was able to pick up a large SUV, paid for by the claim and I expect I'll be driving it for quite a while. No estimate yet on completion date.

The collision center and USAA said that they will attempt to use OEM parts as much as possible, and my hope is that there isn't large aftermarket support yet for cheaper parts, hopefully they'll be forced to use Toyota parts... I'll keep this updated.

As everyone above suggested, I gave my statement to USAA and the other driver at faults's insurance (Progressive) and they've both determined that I'm not at fault, so everything will be covered by Progressive. Although I'm allowing USAA, not progressive, to handle everything and so far that's been the most seamless way with rental and repair shop integration.

After I'm happy with repairs, I'll plan to open a Diminished Value claim with Progressive. I have no idea how to do or how much this should be, but I'll start researching.

 

[TimHerald]

Limped it down to the collision center today and although they still have to do further, deeper inspection, early estimate - $9K. Was able to pick up a large SUV, paid for by the claim and I expect I'll be driving it for quite a while. No estimate yet on completion date.

The collision center and USAA said that they will attempt to use OEM parts as much as possible, and my hope is that there isn't large aftermarket support yet for cheaper parts, hopefully they'll be forced to use Toyota parts... I'll keep this updated.

As everyone above suggested, I gave my statement to USAA and the other driver at faults's insurance (Progressive) and they've both determined that I'm not at fault, so everything will be covered by Progressive. Although I'm allowing USAA, not progressive, to handle everything and so far that's been the most seamless way with rental and repair shop integration.

After I'm happy with repairs, I'll plan to open a Diminished Value claim with Progressive. I have no idea how to do or how much this should be, but I'll start researching.

That’s good news as a start. Push hard on OEM, but you are right, there aren’t a lot of after market parts available. Hope it is as quick and painless as possible.

 

[DctrEvil]

2 weeks from accident update - once the front damage was further inspected, one of the radiator mount was bent and some additional work and parts have grown the repair estimate from 8K to 17K. I think the 8K estimate was just whatever was readily visible, but a better tear apart inspection showed what they needed for the full repair. The repair includes pretty much the whole front bumper and all sub-components, wheel wells, both front headlights, hood, right fender and all the mouldings and parts around these. Nothing from radiator and back into engine bay appears affected.

It looks like they are ordering all parts through "Bob Howard PDC" in Oklahoma City. They appear to be one of the largest parts sources for the country. Parts are rolling in slowly, as I'm not surprised. The shop has given me a completion date of August 29th, so I'll keep updating the thread for anyone that might go through this with an accident.

The bumper, grill, hood and fenders total nearly 125 different parts and so far everything that they've received is OEM, so I'm very happy about that. The hood's ETA is 2 weeks, so hopefully I'll be able to update the thread with good news in 2-3 weeks.

 

[TimHerald]

Wow exactly my situation. The radiator bracket was my big hold up but I think they started moving now. Glad it shouldn’t take too long. They put mine back together and 0 problems at 2000 miles. Glad nothing in the engine was damaged.