Someone hit my Marauder today

[CoreyM75]

So I take my Marauder to my children's school to pick them up. I come back with them and another parent who is a typical ditzy soccer mom tells me that she hit my car while trying to park her Suburban.
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt153/2000-cvpi/2003%20Marauder/20141103_155902.jpg (http://s607.photobucket.com/user/2000-cvpi/media/2003%20Marauder/20141103_155902.jpg.html)
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt153/2000-cvpi/2003%20Marauder/20141103_155835.jpg (http://s607.photobucket.com/user/2000-cvpi/media/2003%20Marauder/20141103_155835.jpg.html)
http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt153/2000-cvpi/2003%20Marauder/20141103_155824.jpg (http://s607.photobucket.com/user/2000-cvpi/media/2003%20Marauder/20141103_155824.jpg.html)

It looks like the bumper cover, turn signal lamp, head light, and grill are damaged. I kinda think that the front fender is also bent behind the bumper cover. So what does everyone think? I know it's not a write off, but it's bad enough that there is enough damage to almost get there.

Some questions for those wiser than myself;

Can I request the body shop to return any replaced parts?

My car had never been damaged before, how do I determine the diminished value? There are about 6 DTR's for sale in the US as of today.

Thanks everyone, my wife is almost as upset as I am, she actually likes the car now after going to Marauderville.

[RubberCtyRauder]

do you think it will be totaled by insurance co?..fender if damaged is replaceable, bumper cover fixable, light repalceable..paint work..I see under $2000 damage.

[CoreyM75]

Their insurance is Geico, the lady on the phone tried to say that it's possible that it could be. But I think that there is some damage under the bumper cover, based on the way it looks, the bumper is pushed towards the grill, enough that it cracked the grill. I know that she was driving fast according to one of the other parents that saw her pull in.

[RubberCtyRauder]

UNder the bumper is a plastic bumper deform absorbtion thing and the maruader one is not avail. but a crown vic one can be modified to use pretty easily. Don't let some geico lady on the phone tell you it is totalled..She is not the adjuster and you can decline their offer. You will prolly have to use aftermarket headlight, grille turn signal as they are just not avail.any longer unless a member here has or ebay...there some decent brands..TYC and Depo for lights.

[MERCULES]

IMHO I don't see this car being written off, but I see more then $2,000 in damage, closer to $3,000, it can add up in a hurry. Car Fax would end up showing minor damage, no towing required, value will not be diminished for resale.

Sorry to see the damage, I know how frustrating it can be, and very inconvenient.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Island Cruiser is right..and airbag did not deploy..another huge plus. The threshold for totallilng a car is generally 60-70% of value..so if car is worth $10k for example..and the total repair adds up to $6k or more, it will likely be totaled at that point. Even if it went to $3k repairs...not even close yet to the value of your car..not my example.

[MOTOWN]

Car isn't close to being a total loss , I cant see any damage to your headlight just looks like it got knocked crooked , bumper cover just needs a respray , side marker is done, and whatever underlying damage that isn't visible.

[Mr. Man]

Why is the ladies, who hit him, insurance company in a position to say anything about the repair to his car, she hit him?

[champ1173]

That suckssssssssss! It's good to hear that she didn't just drive away. It doesn't look that bad. It's definitely fixable! It seems like a bunch of MMs are getting hit here lately. :(

[03blackvegas]

This is a mild case of something I mentioned recently, even after everything gets replaced or repaired, your car will not be the same as it was. The main issue will be the front bumper, first the repair need to be done correctly, then the color match needs to be done correctly, then the colorsanding and buffing has to be done so the texture matches the car. Can all this be done well enough, yes and no, yes for 90% of the people 90% of the time, but no to anyone who has a keen eye. Also the factory paint on bumpers has a Flex agent, most repaints don't bother adding flex agent. This is why I hate to see a original car get hit, it will never be the same.

[chief455]

I recently had near identical damage to mine, but my fender was crushed too. My bumper was not pushed in either, but the damaged cover was saved. Just that was $1100 on the estimate. My hood was easily saved.
A good body guy can fix that so well only you will know it happened. Except Carfax.
Is the header panel unharmed? Of all repop items that stand out, that's it. They fit horrible. The gap at the front fender is obviously not factory. To me, at least.
Mine was $4200 and insurance paid in full.

[WhatsUpDOHC]

Get the ditz to pay for that schitz.

Hope that it turns out OK for you.

[Serge]

Was it a side impact? Looks like the whole bumper got pushed towards the passenger side. Doesn't look too bad though. Corner light needs replacing and bumper cover could be fixed. Plastic impact absorber is probably shot too underneath the bumper cover. Grand Marquis piece should be the same though. Labor and paint will cost more than parts.

[CoreyM75]

Why is the ladies, who hit him, insurance company in a position to say anything about the repair to his car, she hit him?
I talked to the Geico claims rep tonight. According to the Geico rep, they are paying for the repairs, and they have the final say on what parts are used. I disagreed, and she turned rude and defensive. I had to explain that there are only so many of these cars left and the rarity of the car. She had the stones to tell me it was just a Grand Marquis.

I guess that this is going to be more of a hassle than I thought.

[CoreyM75]

Was it a side impact? Looks like the whole bumper got pushed towards the passenger side. Doesn't look too bad though. Corner light needs replacing and bumper cover could be fixed. Plastic impact absorber is probably shot too underneath the bumper cover. Grand Marquis piece should be the same though. Labor and paint will cost more than parts.

Kind of, she was backing up to reposition in her space and managed to hit the car from her rear door and drag it along the car until she hit the car with her front tire.

I'm just worried that it will have more damage underneath the car than it currently shows.

[jsignorelli]

I have Hagerty collector insurance on my Marauder.

It is insured for a value I placed on it, not the insurance company. That is why they are called collector cars. I only use the MM for special events and car shows.

If hit, the insurance company of the person who hits you must repay Hagerty the insured value (If Totaled) or for the entire repair.

[Mr. Man]

I talked to the Geico claims rep tonight. According to the Geico rep, they are paying for the repairs, and they have the final say on what parts are used. I disagreed, and she turned rude and defensive. I had to explain that there are only so many of these cars left and the rarity of the car. She had the stones to tell me it was just a Grand Marquis.

I guess that this is going to be more of a hassle than I thought.It's Geico and every other insurers business to pay as little as possible that's just the nature of the beast.

If you know a lawyer you might want to talk to them. I'd bet a call to Geico from a lawyer would get them to see the light so to speak.

[Mr. Man]

I have Hagerty collector insurance on my Marauder.

It is insured for a value I placed on it, not the insurance company. That is why they are called collector cars. I only use the MM for special events and car shows.

If hit, the insurance company of the person who hits you must repay Hagerty the insured value (If Totaled) or for the entire repair.

Let's say your car through Haggerty is insured for 30K and someone does 20K damage to it. So you haven't reached Haggerty's threshold for totalling it but it would be well past the average insurers threshold. I find it hard to believe an insurer is going to pony-up and extra 10 or 12K because you have agreed insurance through your company w/o a fight.

[MyBlackBeasts]

Let's say your car through Haggerty is insured for 30K and someone does 20K damage to it. So you haven't reached Haggerty's threshold for totalling it but it would be well past the average insurers threshold. I find it hard to believe an insurer is going to pony-up and extra 10 or 12K because you have agreed insurance through your company w/o a fight.

It depends which company the claim is filed with. In the scenario you paint, if filed with Geico they will settle based on ACV (actual cash value at time of loss. What is best in this scenario is to file with Hagerty, they repair or total by their contract and then they subrogate with Geico to recover what they can.

[sailsmen]

I talked to the Geico claims rep tonight. According to the Geico rep, they are paying for the repairs, and they have the final say on what parts are used. I disagreed, and she turned rude and defensive. I had to explain that there are only so many of these cars left and the rarity of the car. She had the stones to tell me it was just a Grand Marquis.

I guess that this is going to be more of a hassle than I thought.

No Dude! It's your car, bring it to the body shop of your choice, give Geico reasonable notice, your body shop and Geico work it out. If your body shop rejects the parts it's Geico's problem.

Also tell them they are paying for an equivalent rental, which will go on their account.

They are legally obligated to put you back exactly the way you were before the wreck. This is basic stuff they deal with all the time.

Barring a unique law in your State that's how it works.

[Shaijack]

Billy is right.

[8UWITH6]

I went to pick up my son last year at school and literally watched a woman bounce her SUV off another SUV directly in front of my Blue Marauder in the parking lot. She got out and acted liked nothing happened. The guy that was IN HIS VEHICLE that got hit didnt say anything to her. After she left I confronted the guy. Didnt she hit your vehicle?? He said, yes, but it wasnt that bad.

I PARK IN THE FAR CORNER OF THE LOT AND WALK UP TO THE SCHOOL TO PICK UP MY SON NOW.

Very sorry this happened to your car. Some people just dont care......... sad.

[Mr. Man]

It depends which company the claim is filed with. In the scenario you paint, if filed with Geico they will settle based on ACV (actual cash value at time of loss. What is best in this scenario is to file with Hagerty, they repair or total by their contract and then they subrogate with Geico to recover what they can.

So Haggerty ends up taking it on the chin if they pay and try and get monies from Geico which might only be KBB. Then in the long run Haggerty will charge more to renew the injured party's policy because now they have taken a loss. The party who was hit gets penalized for just parking the car in an unfortunate parking space. Doesn't seem right.

[MyBlackBeasts]

So Hagerty ends up taking it on the chin if they pay and try and get monies from Geico which might only be KBB. Then in the long run Hagerty will charge more to renew the injured party's policy because now they have taken a loss. The party who was hit gets penalized for just parking the car in an unfortunate parking space. Doesn't seem right.

Yes, that's the way it works. That's why you pay for a stated value policy so you don't lose out on an ACV settlement.

In a normal vehicle situation you would pursue Geico for the settlement. If things go south with the claim you would then turn it over to your own insurance to settle & take care of their client (minus deductible). Then your company would subrogate against Geico and if they recover 100% then they pay you the deductible back (or % of it depending on amount recouped).

[CoreyM75]

I went to pick up my son last year at school and literally watched a woman bounce her SUV off another SUV directly in front of my Blue Marauder in the parking lot. She got out and acted liked nothing happened. The guy that was IN HIS VEHICLE that got hit didnt say anything to her. After she left I confronted the guy. Didnt she hit your vehicle?? He said, yes, but it wasnt that bad.

I PARK IN THE FAR CORNER OF THE LOT AND WALK UP TO THE SCHOOL TO PICK UP MY SON NOW.

Very sorry this happened to your car. Some people just dont care......... sad.

I have seen the same thing before, some people have zero respect for others and their property. I parked as far back as I normally do, because most of the time no one bothers to park that far back. From now on I will park all of the way out in the far back of the lot.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I find it hard to believe that just becasue you have a ACV policy with hagerty for instance, that if another party damages your car that their insurance co. will pay based on the policy you have with someone else. At best, i see hagerty paying the difference (sort of like uninsured motorist, of course less your deductible) This happened on private property and prolly no police report and MI is no fault state.

I would want to see it in writing on my policy that other insruance compnaies will pay based on my policy with hagerty, and not every marauder is a limited mileage car that only goes out for shows and events.

[03blackvegas]

Welcome to the world of Geico, bend over and spread-em.

[CoreyM75]

The police wouldn't take a report, they said that it happened on private property and they do not do anything about it.

My car is kinda in between in mileage, 53k currently. It's not a show winner, but it cleans up very well. If it was any nicer the kids wouldn't ride in it.

[Bluerauder]

So I take my Marauder to my children's school to pick them up. I come back with them and another parent who is a typical ditzy soccer mom tells me that she hit my car while trying to park her Suburban.

Sorry to hear that this happened :( Hope you can get it fixed to your satisfaction. At least the soccer Mom owned up to the incident. Some won't. I had a woman "ding" my door in a lot while I was sitting in the car. She denied doing it and tried to laugh it off until I asked for her insurance information and told her the damage was about $500 to fix.


I would want to see it in writing on my policy that other insurance companies will pay based on my policy with hagerty, and not every marauder is a limited mileage car that only goes out for shows and events.

Why to you even care about ^^^^^ this ??? Your contract is with the insurance company that wrote your policy/agreement. They pay based on the terms of the policy. How much they collect from the "at fault" insurance company is their business and their problem. They will do what is necessary to collect as much as possible from the other company. They are NOT in the business to lose money. Even if they lose on some accidents, they gain on many others. This is how it works.

[MyBlackBeasts]

I find it hard to believe that just becasue you have a ACV policy with hagerty for instance, that if another party damages your car that their insurance co. will pay based on the policy you have with someone else. At best, i see hagerty paying the difference (sort of like uninsured motorist, of course less your deductible) This happened on private property and prolly no police report and MI is no fault state.

I would want to see it in writing on my policy that other insruance compnaies will pay based on my policy with hagerty, and not every marauder is a limited mileage car that only goes out for shows and events.

No, Hagerty collector policy is a stated value policy, not ACV. If the claim is filed with them they will pay per their contract and then go after the other party to try & collect as much back as they can. This is a lawyer negotiation. Will they collect 100%? Sometimes, not always. This is how it works (unless you are in a No-Fault state, which would suck - you never want to have no fault insurance)

[Serge]

A few years back some lady nailed my car in the parking lot. She was pulling in and bounced it off the side of my bumper cover. I was in it at the time and watched it happen. She got out and started to walk away like nothing happened. Damage wasn't much, just a scrape that could be mostly buffed out. Because she didn't acknowledge it I got pissed and asked her for insurance info. Then called up the insurance company which told me to get a repair quote. I went around body shops some of which quoted me close to $1000 in repairs. They wanted to replace bumper strip, blend the paint, add flex agent, the works. The insurance company sent a check for full amount, no questions asked.

I wouldn't take Geicko's offer. You car was hit so it should be up to you to take it to a body shop of your choice and have it fixed with OEM parts.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

I talked to the Geico claims rep tonight. According to the Geico rep, they are paying for the repairs, and they have the final say on what parts are used. I disagreed, and she turned rude and defensive. I had to explain that there are only so many of these cars left and the rarity of the car. She had the stones to tell me it was just a Grand Marquis.

I guess that this is going to be more of a hassle than I thought.

I would have asked to speak to her manager when she said it was just a grand marquis. Don't want to pass me your manager, Let me have my lawyer call you back in a minute.

I think I will start to carry a baseball bat nowadays. Someone doesn't want to acknowledge they dinged your car? Bat to the face.

[champ1173]

I talked to the Geico claims rep tonight. According to the Geico rep, they are paying for the repairs, and they have the final say on what parts are used. I disagreed, and she turned rude and defensive. I had to explain that there are only so many of these cars left and the rarity of the car. She had the stones to tell me it was just a Grand Marquis.

I guess that this is going to be more of a hassle than I thought.

This is where a Certificate Of Authenticity would come in handy.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I meant declared value/ agreed value. Why would you file a claim with hagerty for instance if the accident is somone else's fault and their insurance is covering. All it takes is two claims filed and you'll be dropped and now condidered high risk . Why would you open a claim if another is at fault and they have insurance.

And cool your jets , blue rauder , jeez Louise gettin a little feisty?

[kirk]

Why would you file a claim with hagerty for instance if the accident is somone else's fault and their insurance is covering. All it takes is two claims filed and you'll be dropped and now condidered high risk . Why would you open a claim if another is at fault and they have insurance.


Michigan's a no-fault state. Everybody files a claim on their own car. You get a max of $500 from the offender's company.

[MOTOWN]

Michigan's a no-fault state. Everybody files a claim on their own car. You get a max of $500 from the offender's company.

That only applies to vehicles in motion at the time of the accident , if the vehicle hit was parked at the time , the person who hit the parked car will pay for the damage thru their insurance company.

[gdsqdcr]

I have Geico.

I hit a deer a couple of years ago and they told me that they had to put aftermarket parts on the car. I worked with the bodyshop and showed them the letters from Ford saying that this is a unique car etc ...

The bodyshop ordered aftermarket parts, may have put them on so they looked real bad ... then took pictures sent them to Geico. Geico stated that since the aftermarket would not fit right, they were now authorized to put OEM on the car. My shop even got the nuts and bolts from Ford.

Geico is workable, it just takes a bit to work the system.

[CoreyM75]

I met with 2 body shops this morning, both gave me estimates of over 4,000 to fix the car with OEM parts. One shop told me that they will not use aftermarket parts because of the poor fit. I had come prepared with information that stated the lack of quality fit for the bumper cover and the second shop agreed after looking at it.

My opinion is that the car was original, and needs to be returned to the same condition that it was before the crash. Both shops said that the cover could possibly be repaired, but they couldn't guarantee that they could make it look perfect. The shop I think I will use had a tech that used to own a Marauder and he helped a ton with explaining the rarity of my car.

The parts that will have to be replaced are: bumper cover, foam under support, grill, headlight, turn signal lamp, and the front drivers bumper support and misc bolts, clips etc. That doesn't include anything else that they find when they take the cover off.

[CoreyM75]

After dealing with three different Geico employees, I will never use them for any type of insurance. They have been rude, condescending, and very unsympathetic. I had to get an second claims adjuster because I couldn't stay calm with the one that refused to believe that my car actually has value beyond a typical 10 year old Grand Marquis.

[RubberCtyRauder]

New bumper cover, foam under support, grille, headlight, are NOt avail. from ford anywhere..so they would have to be procured from members, ebay junk yards, the aftermarket front bumper covers I have heard from more than one here fit ok. You can't return a car to original if no original parts exist from Ford. I'm sorry for the accident Corey..but truth be truth..its used parts or aftermarket...ther is no secret stash of new parts in fords warehouse..except for a few members I know..

[CoreyM75]

Rubberctyrauder, I should have clarified that they were using OEM used parts in the quote. The first shop thought that they could call Ford and have new parts for the car sent from the local dealership. It took some explaining about the unavailable parts that are unique to these cars.

I am thinking that the parts hoarders aren't crazy after all, this experience has shown that they have a very valid reason for doing this.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Why does the bumper cover need to be replaced? If the fender isn't dented, it looks like a corner lamp and repaint of the bumper cover if anything? :dunno:

[jwibbity]

Why does the bumper cover need to be replaced? If the fender isn't dented, it looks like a corner lamp and repaint of the bumper cover if anything? :dunno:

was wondering about the bumper cover also? it looks pushed up near the grill but thats about it....

[03blackvegas]

Do not replace the front cover, it can, and should be fixed. The only reason to replace one, is if it was mangled beyond repair, yours is very repairable. Tell the shop to put their best Tech on the car, you'll be glad you did.

[03blackvegas]

If your bumper looked like this, then you would replace it.

[chief455]

Do not replace the front cover, it can, and should be fixed. The only reason to replace one, is if it was mangled beyond repair, yours is very repairable. Tell the shop to put their best Tech on the car, you'll be glad you did.
My case exactly.
Mine was repaired good as new, and body shop was paid $1100 for a repo cover.
He reminded me that while he did not buy the cover, labor to get it right wasn't free. It came out great. I bought a used silver fender, new headlight / signel light. Repop header panel because the light mounting points were all broken. I wish I fought for an original piece.
Hoarders = smart.
History repeats itself.
Anyone remember seeing NOS 67 Mustang fastback quarter panels for sale in the '80s for a grand? Who's smiling now.
I want a stock header panel, rear bumper and front bumper for Marauder.
Prepared should another incident occur.
Corey - it will be a painful 2 months, but you'll love your car again.

[crownvic97]

Hmm, stories like this make me glad to own a Grand Marquis. Parts from 98-11 fit it, very easy to find. Not nearly as cool, but a lot less stress!

I hope everything works out for you, your car is beautiful!

[8UWITH6]

Hmm, stories like this make me glad to own a Grand Marquis. Parts from 98-11 fit it, very easy to find. Not nearly as cool, but a lot less stress!

I hope everything works out for you, your car is beautiful!

^^^^^ thanks for your input???

[crownvic97]

^^^^^ thanks for your input???

Guess I'm an ******* for wishing him luck in having his very nice Marauder fixed?

[8UWITH6]

Nope. Your good sir. Your good.

[CoreyM75]

Hmm, stories like this make me glad to own a Grand Marquis. Parts from 98-11 fit it, very easy to find. Not nearly as cool, but a lot less stress!

I hope everything works out for you, your car is beautiful!

I kinda agree with some of what you said about the availability of replacement parts. If this happened to my Crown Victoria Sport, I could have found the matching parts in the right color at almost any junkyard near me. It would have been so much easier to get repaired. But, I don't have the emotional attachment with my Sport like I have with my Marauder. No matter how I fell before I get in and drive, I feel so much better after a quick trip in that car.

Thanks for the compliment, it's not perfect, but I wouldn't have another.

[tbone]

Let them total it. Take the money. Buy it back. Fix it yourself. Pocket extra cash.