I was out 4 wheeling in my 4x2 with a buddy in his Jeep. I got stuck on purpose, water level was above my exhaust pipe, I had a chain and hooked it up, I hopped back into my truck with the door still open, my buddy starts pulling because I gave him the "go" ahead, so he pulls and my door gets caught on a mound next to my truck and I yell for him to stop, and I just watch as the damage adds up ($$$ signs are ringing in my head). I am estimating over $2,000 for labor, paint and parts.

Parts are roughly:
Front Left Door - $387
Front Left Fender - $100-200

I would like to know what insurance would do for this, I have full coverage with a very good insurance company, I said I was at a car wash and I backed up to get better extension with the vaccuum inside my truck and the pole ripped the door back. I am probably going to pay outright with cash instead of notifying the insurance company. I am one of the unluckiest persons around here, I got in a bad car accident as you will see in my gallery on July 4th, about 2 months ago and now this. Anyone have any advice or helpful words, I am pretty bummed

 

You know what you are thinking about doing is fraud and a crime? I do not want to be mean to you or anything but you are asking people advise about committing the act.

Be honest about it, call your insurance company and tell them what "really" happened. Ask if there is anything that they can do for you. That's the best advise that any of us can give you, outside of a place to take it for an estimate.

- Chris

 

I don't think this falls under the category "unlucky".... Since you asked for some helpful words, you may just want to THINK twice next time....?? Just imagine the nice ATV you could have bought with the $$ it's going to now cost you....

You probably want to THINK twice as well about defrauding your insurance company... make sure someone takes pics of how far your jaw drops when their appraiser asks you why there aren't any paint scrapes on the rear edge of the door from the pole at the car wash.... You're asking for trouble and it obviously knows where to find you....

 

With the amount of fraud today involving insurance companies, I'm sure they would love to talk to whatever car wash you claim to have been at. Then they will be asking to see if there was any security tape and check out that pole. Also, I would not doubt that these companies search the internet looking for people discussing issues like this.

Oh and if you do go through with it, don't ever complain about how much it costs to insure a vehicle anymore. It's due to fraud and "luck" that our insurance is so high now days.

- Chris

 

that sucks i am sorry and i hope it all works out well with the insurance, i hate dealing with insurance companies i have had bad experiences with them

 

If you have full coverage, then all you have to do is tell them you got stuck and while freeing your truck from the mud, your truck was damaged. They will fix your truck for you, but your rates will go up since no other "party" was at fault for the damage, unless you blame your buddy for not stopping when the damage started, then he "could be" "at fault". Which would start a small war between both of your insurance companies with the "your word against his word game". If you don't blame your friend then You need to be honest, but you don't have to tell them all of the details, just it was stuck and damaged while freeing.

 

I would agree with the advice given above, do not commit fraud. You never know if your insurance company is looking for someone prosecute and set and example. Lawyers are much more expensive than doors and fenders.

 

Appreciate the advice and criticism as well, I ruled out calling the insurance company (I just can't afford 6k/year insurance as it is right now) a long time ago, so I went to a body shop and they gave me an estimate of roughly $2650.00 for everything with OEM parts, so I'm looking for used parts now. I know my way around "fraud" but I pay a high f*cking premium for a reason, I'd like to think my insurance company would help me out when I need it. Also, as I was leaving the car wash (after mudding and damage), I saw a sign about surveillence, so there went that idea (calling the insurance). I am well aware of what fraud can do and that, I believe, is a felony, and a felony not worth committing on my part. I now have quite a bit of money to fork up, but to be honest, I am turning 18 Sept. 17, and am inheriting a lot of money from my fathers death (Social from the Navy I believe), that will more than cover for this, but it's still a bummer and a big loss, I just hope this doesn't discourage me from getting an '04 4x4. Guess I will just have to learn from this stupid mistake like the others.

Also, what are the risks involved in getting your exhaust in water and what is best to do when it gets in water, turn off the engine while not using it, or leave it running so it keeps blowing that water out (my best bet).

 

$6000/year is insane! I have full coverage on a '05 Acura TL and a '04 F150 Lariat for $2200/year.

 

Just so you know, even if the car wash did not have a camera it would still be your fault, since the pole cannot move you would have to back into it. That makes it your problem. Besides what about morality? You complain about paying too much insurance yet your are willing to cause a small business owners insurance to go up.

Not to mention you post your intended activity on a public forum.

 

Always keep your rig running while the exhaust is under water, it keeps the water out. The risks are obvious, water damage, premature wear of all exhaust components due to rust. Your best bet with the body damage is to find a used fender and swap it out yourself, only a few bolts and your done. Same with the door. You can either look and find the exact color or, if your door panel/trim on the damaged door is ok, then you can put any color door on and switch out the panel and then all you need to do is have the fender and door (inside and out) painted. done. Should be 1/2 the price of the quote, or close to it. Good luck.

 

Full coverage would definately cover the damage but you would most likely be surcharged for an at fault accident.
I am glad that you decided not to lie to the insurance company as insurance fraud is one of the reasons you pay $6000 a year to help cover all the other people that commit insurance fraud.
When I was in my early twentys I got my dads suburban caught between two trees muddin and had to pay for a new door. The insurance would have covered it but he wanted to teach me a lesson I guess.

 

Not to totally jump on you for your even thinking of changing the version of events..

But - there would be very little difference in the rate increase (or cancellation) for either of the stories you use. BOTH would have you at fault causing the accident. They may not like it being off road but it's not as if NOBODY takes a 4x2 off road.

The BIG difference is the fraud as you wisely stated.

Glad no one was hurt, now get it fixed (I'd go used and do it yourself too) and turn 18 and try to be safe!

Take care and good luck.

 

Thanks a lot bud. I am glad to hear everyone stating to do it yourself, I think the paint would be the only trouble, not sure how much that would cost either. I could do the fender no problem, but the door might be tricky. I only need the door frame, not the windows, etc. I will use my current windows, inside panels/trim, etc. Taking out the power window and what not will be the tricky thing that I shy'd away from.

 

Jos, if you need OEM used parts , try a google search of "Auto Salvage Parts" or use this link to search slavage yards through out the world or state : http://www.car-part.com/. Heres what I've been working on wreck wise F-150 PROJECT TRUCK