WHO backed into my car?? I will end you
 

So I had my car parked out on the street last night and when I found it this morning, someone had backed into the front bumper and fender!!:shakes head::shakes head::shakes head: AHHH!! Someone backed into it and then just drove away!! I just got the car about a month ago and I'm not happy about it at all. Auto body shop is quoting me something around 1200 to fix the damage. (It also broke the headlight bracket at the bottom.) 135 for the bracket. So, clearly, this is less than ideal. Ill be claiming it on insurance.

Now for my question. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on alternative options for front fender and/or bumper replacements. I always like to take advantage of situations like this. Maybe a front bumper that sits about stock height that is eurotheyne? I really dislike fiberglass. I don't want to do a full body kit, but maybe a front bumper that looks pretty stock and fits right. The hotwheels fenders might be cool, but the pictures Ive seen look like they have fitment issues. Any help or suggestions at all will be much appreciated........ and remember, don't park on the street if you don't have to.

ALSO, has anyone tried to replace OEM parts with aftermarket and have insurance cover it? any idea on whether or not this will work?

Ouch!
Usually if your in good with the shop doing the repair work they might be able the help, but what they look for is the final cost to be the same as buying the oen part and fixing it.

Also the only thing that it sounds like you could do this with is the front bumper...if it warrants a full replacement. Always push for full replacement regardless, there maybe some warpage or other crap going on. best bet is new.

Sorry to hear that. Personally, I would want to replace everything with OEM parts to resolve any fitment issues caused from the collision.

There are plenty of aftermarket front facia's to choose from so I would start looking at 370ztune.com (forum sponsor) for some ideas on the look you want. Your insurance will send out an adjuster to estimate the cost of repairs, so I would ask to see if they can just send you a check for the amount and then have it fixed yourself. A few estimates from different places would help them decide on an amount and its really up to you to decide what parts go back on the car. You could have a shop replace a panel with a salvaged panel from a different car for example. Note that the insurance estimate will only cover the cost to revert the car back to how it was before the accident.

ouch.... insurance will give you an amount they will cover. if the new facia is within that price they will usually cover for it. if it's over you just pay the difference.

some insurance will write you a check. you have more flexibility if they do this.

thanks for the help guys! I really appreciate it.

Does anyone know if the zele is made in anything other than fiberglass? and if it is fiberglass, will it spider and crack like the normal stuff? I seem to have found some info saying its some sort of a carbon weave or something. Thanks

Fiber reinforced plastic to be exact.
Front Aero Bumper | Zele Performance Parts - NISSAN 370Z | Zele Performance Global Website

I took advantage of a similar but less damaging situation and decided to get the Nismo fascia! :) It's painted and ready to go, just need to find some time to get it installed!

Fiber reinforced plastic to be exact.
Front Aero Bumper | Zele Performance Parts - NISSAN 370Z | Zele Performance Global Website

thats a great idea! is the nismo lower than base model height though? will it look weird without the full kit?