doh... BMW 740i accident

[scorp965]

-to-

My father has been driving my 740i since I no longer use it, apparently a VW passat merged right in front of him this morning on his way to work, and he rear ended the volkswagon; no police report was filed, both cars drove away after exchanging insurance info, and my dad went to work with the car in this condition.

The car is insured under my name, so I am trying to determine how to best resolve this; I would love for the car to be totalled, as I was considering selling it anyway, but it does not look like there is enough damage, and the car drives fine. The BMW is a 1995 740i with 120k, perfectly maintained, but the book value appears to be $8k regardless.

Does anyone have shop recommendations, with generous estimates, in Southern Orange County? It looks like the car will need a new nose panel, hood, headlights, electronic fan, and maybe some assorted plastic pieces, fenders appear to be okay. What guidelines are used as far as whether to repair or total out a car? I have heard it is best to ask that every panel that is damaged be replaced, that every scratched trim piece be replaced, and that you recieve compensation for 'market value', but I am not sure if this holds true when your vehicle is the one at fault? This car is on my policy with wawanesa, my father has insurance with the autoclub, and hasn't had an accident in a decade+

Any advise would be appreciated...

 

[Spinner]

sorry to hear about the accident. Honestly, It doesn't look too bad. I doubt they'll total it, but you never know these days. As for insurance, both are some the best companies to be with. I think you'll be ok. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.:smile:

 

[scorp965]

I took it to 'Spectrum Collision' in Irvine, they seem like the people to deal with in the area, they're also one of a half-dozen BMW certified repair shops... they are waiting for the insurance adjuster before they take it apart, but the guy said it could go either way, depending on what they find underneath; the car will also need a driver-side fender.

 

[Hugh]

I took it to 'Spectrum Collision' in Irvine, they seem like the people to deal with in the area, they're also one of a half-dozen BMW certified repair shops... they are waiting for the insurance adjuster before they take it apart, but the guy said it could go either way, depending on what they find underneath; the car will also need a driver-side fender.

I needs an encounter with some "Jewish Lightning" before the adjuster gets there.

(Disclaimer: Before all of you PC SoCal Madame Butterfly types get your panties all tied up into bunches, I'm Jewish which gives me the God given right to make all of the "Jewish jokes" that I deem necessary)