Real-Life "Crash" Results

[musher51]

I'm sorry to report that my Genesis is no longer pristine. Due to an unusual set of circumstances -- including eight inches of fresh snow and an Alzheimers-riddled parent who chose a bad moment to act up -- I was unable to stop at a red light last week and struck an '02 Honda Civic. The left front corner of my car hit the right front corner of the Honda at ~6 MPH. Arrgghh!

At first blush, it didn't look like my car sustained any damage at all, but I blew out a gaping 18" x 12" hole in the plastic bumper of the Civic, creating a new and expansive view of his engine compartment and front wheel (estimate: $2350).

After cleaning up the snow and ice on my car, I realized that I did, in fact, twist my front bumper a bit, but you really don't notice the damage unless you look very carefully. The Honda owner was absolutely incredulous at the stark contrast between how our cars looked!

I've decided to let my insurance company fix both cars (my first claim in 33 years), and while I don't have an estimate on the Genesis yet, I suspect the entire front bumper assembly and perhaps the left-front quarter panel will need to be replaced, so ironically, it could cost $4,000? $5,000? more? to repair damage that's barely noticeable.

I'll try to post some pictures if I get the chance. While I'm sorry to be the one to generate this particular datapoint, it's safe to say that Genesis handles low-speed impact very competently.

 

[OneShot]

Sorry to hear about your accident. Although bodywork is expensive, I don't think yours will be all that bad. They'll probably put it on a frame machine and pull the bumper and fender back to the original position. After a little metal and plastic work they'll paint the affected areas and blend them into your existing paint. Pick a good bodyshop and let them know that you are going to be extremely picky, that before you release payment you will painstakingly inspect the car. Don't release payment until you are 100% satisfied, no matter what assurances they give you!

 

[moose66]

Sorry to hear about your car. Fortunately that is the only news you have to report after this incident. Like OneShot said, be very, very particular about the repair work. You want it fixed, but fixed right! Good luck!

 

[PINGGOLF]

eeeekkkk!!! I hate to hear that bud. Glad you are ok though!

 

[jwaters943]

Sorry to hear about your accident, but happy that no one was injured. Keep us posted and I'm curious to see your pics.

STAY SAFE OUT THERE PEOPLE!

 

[carver2011]

Sorry to hear about your incident. A deer ran out in front of my Santa Fe back in October and total repair cost was around $6,000. That included a new front bumper, grille, driver side headlight, driver front corner panel, horn, and radiator.

 

[musher51]

I got an estimate yesterday, and to my surprise, it "only" came to $1414 (versus $2350 for the front end of an '02 Civic). The parts subtotal is remarkably modest -- a front bumper for $350, molding for $17 and a chrome strip for $62. Not sure yet if the front left park sensor needs to be replaced (the display indicates it's not operative). The rest is labor.

I must admit I was expecting a higher number. I'm a bit nervous 'cause the Genesis is so new that body shops don't have any experience with them. Four estimators crowded around my car when I pulled in (the first Gen that any of them had seen), so I'm gonna monitor this repair job closely to make sure it's done right.

I'll post pictures as soon as my wife finds the camera's battery charger.

 

[moose66]

Was this the first of the 3 estimates normally required by insurance? Not that I have a lot of experience with this, but I have always been told by a good friend who is in the insurance industry, to take your car to a repair shop that repairs high end cars. Not just the one the Hyundai dealership may recommend. Although that doesn't always gaurantee the best work, it is worth the effort. Especially if insurance is footing the bill. Again, good luck!

 

[ConceptVBS]

Sorry to hear about your accident. It sucks that it happened to a brand new car. I feel for bud. But look at the bright side thank god no one got hurt.