Grilled Raccoon

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

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!

Ummmm...no.

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?

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

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.

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

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

. . .

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?

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.

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.

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! ;-}

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