2004 Accord Rear Bumper

A lady rearended my silver 04 accord the other day and I was shocked
when I got out to find the bumper was just scraped, rather than dented
and pushed in. There are spots where the paint chipped but I don't
see that its dented anywhere. It is noticeable enough that I want it
fixed as I keep my car as near perfect as possible.

She did not want to use her insurance, she would pay the repair out of
her pocket. We've spoken on the phone since and I told her I'd get 3
quotes on repairing which I am about to do. I've read a bit here on
bumper repairs. Can the bumper just be sanded and re-painted or is it
necessary to get a whole new cover and have it repainted? Will there
be a difference between the two in the end product?

After I get the estimates and advice, I'll let you know what they say.

Thanks

 

Lucky. When I was rear-ended at relatively slow speed, it left 2 deep,
circular gouges... from the other car's front license plate screws!
Arg, if it weren't for the stupid front license plates, my bumper
would've have been perfectly fine with some touchup paint.

 

Check the crushable foam piece behind the bumper cover. If it has been at
all compressed, it must be replaced to protect you the next time someone
rearends you.

I had a bumper cover damaged on an '03 Accord and the total cost ran about
$850 with a new cover and paint blending into the fender and trunk lid. The
foam piece was also replaced as it had done its job.

Dave

 

I had the same experience with my '02 Pathfinder. there would have been no
damage but for the deep scrapes from the guy's license plate. They repaired
the bumper cover and repainted it. Total cost $495.

You should file a police report whether the lady wants to use her insurance
or not. Two of my daughters have had this same experience (at different
times) and when it came time to pay they got the old "f@#k off!" instead of
the check. You need the evidence to be able to claim against her insurance
if necessary.

 

We had a very minor rear-ender in a car wash line. Basically, the
bolts on the other vehicle's license plate frame bore into the paint
on the rear bumper of our 2003 Accord. We did get jolted pretty good.
We got two estimates. One for $500, and one for $350. We took the
lower estimate and they did a fantastic job of repainting the entire
bumper along with a new application of clear coat. If the foam had
been damaged I'm sure it would have been more. Same situation. The
other driver wanted to avoid an insurance claim, and they paid out of
pocket. Make sure they repair and repaint ALL of the bumper cover,
not just in the area of damage. Color matching is strictly a function
of the skill of the repair outfit, and the paint they use. If you
have a gold color, you will be better off with Honda factory paint.
It's very difficult to get the flop right in highly metallic paint
like the gold. Flop is how the metallic particles in the paint
reflect light. Paint can look like a perfect match under artificial
light, then look completely different out in the sunlight.

Dick

 

Thanks for all the replys. I got two estimates, one for $588 and one
for $618. The $588 estimate includes a lifetime warranty. Both will
take the bumper off, repair and repaint/clearcoat and replace the foam
piece. However, the person who hit me came over and says he has a guy
he wants to have do the repair. I am going to see who "the guy" is
before I commit to that, so stay tuned.

Also, the higher estimate said there were brackets that were bent and
would need replacing. I got under the car at home and the brackets
looked like they were both slightly angled. Anyone know about the
brackets? Thanks

 

so you do them a favor by not calling the cops or their insurance
company, and they want to repay you by having your 2004 accord fixed by
a gypsy repairman?

i wouldnt even bother seeing who "the guy" is. you already know hes in
cahoots with the guy that hit you, and will do the cheapest possible job.

id consider buying a neck brace, too

 

I find it best to just let your own insurance company deal with the
problem. That's why you have insurance. Whether or not you decide to
let him pay for it out of pocket, tell your insurance company what is
going on, and take their advice.

Dick

 

Great advice!