A&Q about Lotus
Q:
I was in a busy parking lot tonight in Santana Row. I turned in a row of parking trying to get out. I get stuck behind a Toyota Tacoma. I wait a few seconds, then decide that guy's not going anywhere so I'll go around him. I stick it in reverse, put the clutch in, look back: pedestrians. Look forward, Huge SUV backing up into me. Bang, no time to do anything. Crap... the Tacoma decided to back up after he spotted a spot that just opened up on my left. I just felt the car wobble a bit, and that was it. No time to hit the horns or anything; damage was done.
So, I get out of my car. First thing the guy tells me is "All cars are rated for 3mph bumps, so shouldn't be a big deal"... Umm, is that your excuse? I told him my car has no bumpers and has a federal exception to the bumper rule. Anyway, I took down his information.
The only damage -- that I only noticed later -- were stress marks in the passenger side headlight cover where he hit. You can't tell unless you're really looking for something... if you've never seen stress marks in plastic, it looks like hundreds of really narrow but long fractures in the plastic, all in the same direction. I can't provide pictures cause they just won't show. Anyway, it's not at all noticeable, so I'm just gonna let it go. Otherwise, no scratch or damage
btw, anyone know how much the part cost in case I change my mind and decide I want to make a claim? Would they even grant me that claim or just laugh at me? It really isn't noticeable unless you explicitly look for it, and then again only at certain angles.
I'm lucky I was in neutral; otherwise it could have been $$$
A:
no!
D'oh!
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I would make a claim and then if it really wasn't that bad and there wasn't any other damage I just wouldn't fix it and pocket the money.
A:
sorry about the car. The only damage was to the headlight?? Wow, you're lucky the clam was spared.
A:
Sorry to hear about your accident. First thing first, are you o.k.? That is the most important thing. You never really know what the damage is until you get an estimate.
Just a note, stress cracks do spread. Also, when you take the star shield off, if you do have star shield, you will see a lot more cracks because the star shield holds everything in its place. It really does act like a bra. Once it comes off, you will see more visible cracks, definitely.
Also, if you wish to make a claim, you can use the at fault parties insurance. If you want to use your insurance, the damage needs to exceed your deductible for your insurance to handle the claim. It is always better to make a claim and have it on record against the party that hit you. You have 3 years before the statute of limitations runs out for property damage claims.
If you have any more questions or concerns, give Specialty Car Craft a call at 310-838-5551. We are Lotus repair specialists. Ask for Steve.
A:
I was reversed into a two weeks ago and suffered slightly more damage - cracked indicator lens (A$380), scuffed paint (~A$1,500 to dismantle and respray), plus very scratches on the headlight cover... now the big one - the headlight is sold as a single unit and the cover is not supplied individually - A$2,800
Total for small bump ~ A$4,700 (US$3,400)
Not sure how much the light will be in the US but this should give you an indication.
The upside is the driver came into the shop I was in and asked if it was my Lotus - can't fault his honesty.
A:
Originally Posted by PedalPounder
So, I get out of my car. First thing the guy tells me is "All cars are rated for 3mph bumps, so shouldn't be a big deal.
A:
If it really is just the headlight cover I would have the dealer or repair shop check it out and make sure that really is the only damage. Then get a price on a new headlight cover from the dealer and labor charges. Then call the guy and tell him he can pay you the money if he doesn't want you to report it, otherwise, report it. It sounds like it could be about $500.00 possibly, so I would definetely get the money. Plus, the cracks may spread and look much worse in the future.
It sounds like you were lucky. If it was only the headlight cover, then it should be an easy fix. Once you crack the clam and/or damage the paint, this is when it gets really expensive and is sometimes difficult to get back to original. A headlight cover is like having to replace a tire or windshield; it is a good part to have damaged if it happens.
A:
Originally Posted by SpecialtyCarCraft
...Also, if you wish to make a claim, you can use the at fault parties insurance. If you want to use your insurance, the damage needs to exceed your deductible for your insurance to handle the claim. It is always better to make a claim and have it on record against the party that hit you. You have 3 years before the statute of limitations runs out for property damage claims....
No, it is not always better to make a claim even it is not your fault. Because once you do it will be on your record, and if you do decide to sell the car down the road Carfax will likely list this as a frontend damage, when in reality it is just a len (hopefully). So, if it is just the len find out how much from a dealer and call the dude yourself to settle it. If there are other damage go with the insurance claim, take some pics of the damage and keep it with the claim paper work incase you do ended up sellig the car someday and have to to prove to the buyer that it was indeed a minor repair.
A:
Originally Posted by PedalPounder
btw, anyone know how much the part cost in case I change my mind and decide I want to make a claim?
A lot - you'll want to make a claim.
A:
Originally Posted by swaq
I would make a claim and then if it really wasn't that bad and there wasn't any other damage I just wouldn't fix it and pocket the money.
+1
lucky you got off without a new clam, err lucky he got off without a new clam.
File the claim then put the money in a set of Ekologic's HIDs .
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damn sorry to hear, plastic lense is about $600 each....
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Sunday night I was getting some food to go from a local restaurant. My car was parked next to the building. While waiting inside the hostess was looking and asking questions about my car when she heard the alarm go off.
It turned out a waitress, who just got off of work, had backed out of her spot and bumped my car. She bumped my rear fender right on the side light on the fender/well. All she did was break the light. I didn't see any immediate damage and to tell you the truth I just didn't want to deal with the drama. I got all of her information and found out she was driving without a License and no insurance.
Currently I am traveling for work and will be taking my baby in to the Lotus of Durham and have them check it out.
For me this is just a reminder that we all need to be careful and that even though we maybe getting better at our skills stuff happens.
Everyone please be safe this coming week. I hope all have a great Thanksgiving.
Stephen
A:
I park in the farthest spot away from anyone when I can.
I always leave a car length between me and the car in front of me.
Just trying to avoid the crunchies...they can't always see us.
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Originally Posted by LARRY
I park in the farthest spot away from anyone when I can.
I always leave a car length between me and the car in front of me.
Just trying to avoid the crunchies...they can't always see us.
"Check out that cool yellow car Mom!" " Park next to it so we can see"
"Timmy watch the... BANG! ..door.."
m
A:
Originally Posted by LARRY
I park in the farthest spot away from anyone when I can.
I always leave a car length between me and the car in front of me.
Just trying to avoid the crunchies...they can't always see us.
The second line there is crucial. At a light or in a parking lot...absolutely anywhere...never stop right behind anything. I was once driving a Subaru Forester, not the biggest car in the world, with my friend following in my Elise. At a light he stopped right behind me and I couldn't see him in my mirrors, at least not after a glance; I wouldn't have known there was a car behind me if I was going to impulsively back up.
A:
I knew a guy that parked his car with the same care (way the hell away from everyone). His car was literaly in the exact middle of a parking lot 10% full and the size of a K-mart or Target parking lot. Some drunk guy hit it and took off. It was the only thing there was to hit, no curbs no poles, no lights, no other cars. They never did find the dude, Insurance totaled it.
As with door dings, accidents, and LIFE.
You do what you can, but when your numbers up, your numbers up!!!
Sorry to hear, hope all turns out well.
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Same exact thing happened to me. The front left light cover has stress lines in it.
I think we were told it would be $500 to replace the cover.
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Sorry for your loss.
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Originally Posted by megatron
No, it is not always better to make a claim even it is not your fault. Because once you do it will be on your record, and if you do decide to sell the car down the road Carfax will likely list this as a frontend damage, when in reality it is just a len (hopefully). So, if it is just the len find out how much from a dealer and call the dude yourself to settle it. If there are other damage go with the insurance claim, take some pics of the damage and keep it with the claim paper work incase you do ended up sellig the car someday and have to to prove to the buyer that it was indeed a minor repair.
no this is wrong, an insurance claim will not show up on carfax. i was involved in an accident in my boxster which caused the airbags to deploy and caused 16,000 in damages. carfax was clean. the only thing that carfax will tell you is the title history, whether or not it was a fleet vehicle, and major problems ie flood damage or salvage history. a minor claim will definitely not show up.