Backed Into - Need New Bumper?

[cthew0rld]

I got an estimate from a local well-rated body shop for $677 for a new bumper cover. My deductible is $500 so that raises a few questions:

1. Is a body shop required to indicate that they made a repair? I.e. will the repair show up on a Carfax or Autocheck if I don't go through my insurance?
2. Is my insurance rate likely to go up if I make a relatively small claim such as this? Is so it may not be worth saving $177 by going through Allstate.

allstate advertises 'accident forgiveness'. see if your policy has that.

 

[tibimakai]

I wouldn't bother with insurance companies, I would take care myself.
Did you check Ebay for these bumpers, some time ago, I have seen some for sale.

 

[tibimakai]

Also you could use something like this for now:
https://www.ebay.com (commissions earned)

 

[CX5racer]

Carfax and other services collect their data from the automated repair estimates written by insurance companies and body shops that include VIN numbers. However I believe in most if not all states a seller is required to disclose any accident damage when asked by a buyer. Just keep photos of the damage and repair estimate for any future buyer. This repair is minimal and does not involve any structural part of the car so there would be no reduction in value (known as diminished value) if repaired peoperly.