So 2 weeks ago I got rear ended and just got a 1800 dollar check in the mail for damages etc. Anyways, the only body damage on my truck is on the left rear corner lip, wich is not noticeable unless you take the bumper off. My question is, should I take the money and run with it? For example, I could use new rims, maybe a locker or two.... and custom sliders/bumpers.

What would you guys do?

Todd
95 4runner
EMU Coils, Tweaked T Bars, 1in RB Body Lift, 33in Tires.

 

This sounds so familiar! I was rearended this past winter by a dodge neon and it came to $1200 in damage on my 4runner. I asked for the check from his insurance company and I bought myself a TJM bumper, IPF Lights, a roof rack, and some other stuff. It's completely up to you. Don't feel like you're taking advantage of his insurance company by taking the money yourself and spending it on other things. Don't forget there is still damage to your vehicle which decreases the value if you were to sell it.

 

i was rearended too, but not badly at all.. so it was only 385 bucks.

i took the money

the only 'downside' is the insurance company devalues your car... so if you happen to total it at some point, it will be worth less since you didnt perform the work.

 

It's all a matter of preference, I suppose. If you hate the thought of ANY damage to your baby, get it fixed. If the new toys tickles your fancy more than the damage bothers it, then go for the toys! I'd see if there was a happy median and do a bit of both! I know this is unheard of, but SOME people DO save their money.

 

by the way, they probably gave you way more money than it cost to fix. you can probably get it done for relatively cheap and keep the rest.

 

Don't Take the bumper off then

 

did they deem your vehicle a total loss? i jsut got a check for $2100 from the company of the people that hit me... and i now have t ogo to dmv and get my truck a salvage title and have it inspected befroe it can be street driven again.....

 

A few years ago - I was rearended in my '94 runner ... VERY hard, but my trailer hitch took most of the brunt. Buckled up the left quarter panel very minimally noticeable, and a bit dented in on the rear bumper. Got a check for like $2500. Was debating whether to fix it or not.

Then, like literally 2 weeks later - WHAM! Rear ended again - not as hard but in the SAME EXACT PLACE LOL. This time it was an older Toyota pickup that rammed me - totalled his truck big time ... when the adjusters from his insurance co. came out to look at mine and I was sure to point out the minor buckle in the left QP to 'em .... (which happened the 1st time but I figured they'd never know and I could blame it again on this fella!). Couple weeks later got ANOTHER check for like $2500.

I'm still waitin' to get hit a 3rd time LOL. Never have fixed it and nobody ever notices it much

 

gman, you sure that your brake lights are workin? heh.

Mandownco: If the body damage isint bad, just take the money and invest it back into your truck.

I had the same thing happen in my old 4runner. Luckily I had a smittybuilt bumper on the back and the civic that hit me literrally lost 3 feet in the front of her car, and me, I got a little scratch on the bumper lol.