Grilled Raccoon

Smacked a large coon with my 2005 at 55 mph last night. Poor fellow must have weighed around 60 lbs and he was big enough to lift my rear wheels from the pavement as I passed over him.

Grill that snaps into front bumper was destroyed. Bumper caved in below opening grill fits into and that portion of bumper is torn. Roadside fog lamp point downward and housing is ruined. Radiator is ok but steel frame it sits on is badly bent. This is all the damage I can see without putting the car on a lift. Visible portion of exhaust system is ok. Car sounds and runs fine.

Any wild estimates on what this is going to cost?

Reply to
Bill
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It should cost you whatever your deductible on your comprehensive insurance is.

Reply to
Michelle Steiner

Wouldn't that be collision, not comprehensive? Anyway, I think he really wants to know the dollar amount of the repairs might be regardless of who's paying them, and I'm guessing that's easily a couple thousand.

Thank goodness no one but the raccoon was hurt, Bill!

Reply to
Mike Rosenberg

Ummmm...no.

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

I was hoping to fix this for less than the $250.00 deductable and not spoil my flawless insurance record. The bumper is dented in two places. I was strong enough to pull one of the dents out be reaching into the opening where the plastic grill is mounted and giving it a good pull. It went "boink" and popped back into shape without damaging the paint. I'm not strong enough to pull the other dent out however if it pops out under hydraulic pressure, the only remaining damage to the bumper will be the 5" tear. If the tear can be repaired, then, I can ignore the bent radiator mount, buy the plastic grill pieces (center piece and piece that surrounds one fog light) and a new fog light housing. Anyone know if the tear can be repaired?

Reply to
Bill

Collision is only for colliding with another vehicle. Road hazards come under comprehensive. I know from experience.

Reply to
Michelle Steiner

Even if it is more than $250, you can always opt to pay for it yourself, and not let the insurance company know. Furthermore, it's been my experience that claims against comprehensive do not affect your policy.

Reply to
Michelle Steiner

Thanks for the explanation. The times I've collided with anything it's always been another vehicle.

Reply to
Mike Rosenberg

The tear is easily repaired, and bumper cover repair is CHEAP.

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

. . .

As long as no metal was bent, you'll be OK but I would recommend getting the wheel alignment checked. You might not feel the problem but testing will ensure you can fix any latent defect before it shows up in worn rubber.

GOOD LUCK! Bob Wilson

ps. Did the raccoon have a white cane and attitude?

Reply to
Bob & Holly Wilson

A few months after getting my Prius, it collided with a piece of flying rubber; a truck up ahead threw some tread. Other than a fender-bender in a parking lot seven years ago, I haven't been at fault in a single collision in my entire driving experience.

Reply to
Michelle Steiner

Thank you Bob, Elmo, Mike and Michelle for your thoughtful replies and useful information. I'll let you know what the guys at the local body shops (two in a town with a population of 350) have to say about this tomorrow.

The raccoon was jay-walking (running) without a cane. This roadway abounds with critters including deer, bear, turkeys. feral cats and an occasional horse or cow. For this reason I normally drive it at 45 at night but I was tired and in a hurry. The speed limit is 55 but frankly I should have been driving 45 and deserve 100% of the blame for this. I'm glad I didn't hit one of the larger critters.

Reply to
Bill

You better watch out. I saw the raccoon's mother on TV tonight, saying that it was YOUR fault. Her son would NEVER jay-walk but just couldn't hear your evil Prius! ;-}

Reply to
John H.

If her kid is such an angel why was he wearing a mask?

Reply to
Bill

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