[Stuttgart 235]

A deer ran into the driver side fender and I think its head hit the headlight. The rest of the front end is fine. The DRL and turn lamps don't work but main light works fine. I looked at the assembly and the housing was pushed back and the brackets cracked. Maybe wire got spliced too but I haven't removed the bumper. A DIY would cost more since the headlight is almost $1,400 + fender/paint job. My deductible is $500. But, the shop said they need the car from Tues-Mon. Seems kind of long and worried of joy rides.

Any suggestions? Junkyard for the headlight maybe? I can post pics tomorrow since it's running late. Any help is appreciated.

[xantdieselx]

Originally Posted by Stuttgart 235

A deer ran into the driver side fender and I think its head hit the headlight. The rest of the front end is fine. The DRL and turn lamps don't work but main light works fine. I looked at the assembly and the housing was pushed back and the brackets cracked. Maybe wire got spliced too but I haven't removed the bumper. A DIY would cost more since the headlight is almost $1,400 + fender/paint job. My deductible is $500. But, the shop said they need the car from Tues-Mon. Seems kind of long and worried of joy rides.

Any suggestions? Junkyard for the headlight maybe? I can post pics tomorrow since it's running late. Any help is appreciated.

You've got a nice car. Just pay the $500 and get it fixed right. Take it to a reputable shop and you'll be fine. Suppose you spend $500 on a used headlight, take the bumper off and there's more damage or the headlight won't fit right.

[SteveInfante]

There is always underlying damages with incidents like that. Take it to a reputable shop through your insurance company and you should be fine. They have adjusters that regularly stop by the shops unannounced and check on customers cars. The good insurance companies do anyway.

[Stuttgart 235]

Thanks. I have USAA and this is one of their preferred shops. I just don’t get the amount of days it will take. I worked fabrication before and painted and it seems like a 3 day job. Things should be fine and I’ll post my updates.

Thanks!

[gvstone]

You might mention noting the miles on the paperwork when you drop off the car... would deter anyone taking it on vacation!!!!

[SteveInfante]

Originally Posted by Stuttgart 235

Thanks. I have USAA and this is one of their preferred shops. I just don’t get the amount of days it will take. I worked fabrication before and painted and it seems like a 3 day job. Things should be fine and I’ll post my updates.

Thanks!

I have USAA also and have used the preferred shop. They even repainted my front bumper over a year later because the clear was flaking off in the spots where it flexed a lot. Rental car and all. Because I used the preferred shop they warranty the work lifetime.

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by xantdieselx

You've got a nice car. Just pay the $500 and get it fixed right. Take it to a reputable shop and you'll be fine. Suppose you spend $500 on a used headlight, take the bumper off and there's more damage or the headlight won't fit right.

Good advice. You have to pony up $500 anyway so why not get it done right and make sure there is no additional damage. Write down the mileage before you drop it off if you are worried about joy rides. Good shops don't usually go for joy rides.

[vietboyx1115]

Even though it's a preferred shop, that shouldn't mean you can't look around. I took mine to a BMW certified collision shop. The parts are warrantied 2 years and if you have paint issues its lifetime.

[Maynard]

Definitely take it to the pros - internal damage can be a real issue, especially if it tweaked the radiator support or a/t else structural; you are already seeing what the headlights cost, not to mention the aggravation of not getting things lined up right and aimed properly.

[SteveAustin]

I'd lower my Comprehensive deductible after turning this claim in - keep it in the $100-$300 range, it's not the expensive part of your premium. Hitting an animal is actually a comp claim and not a collision so the claim itself won't likely cause a premium increase. Just my two cents - and as others have noted, take it to a certified BMW center you won't regret it.

[Stuttgart 235]

Thanks for all the responses. It isn’t about forking out the money. Just wanted to see a about the length of the repair with the amount of damage. I asked a friend that does classic car restoration with his dad but he is busy. He said 2 days for them with the amount of damage. I’m assuming with getting the headlamp will take a few days. It’s been scheduled 👍

[Stuttgart 235]

Originally Posted by vietboyx1115

Even though it's a preferred shop, that shouldn't mean you can't look around. I took mine to a BMW certified collision shop. The parts are warrantied 2 years and if you have paint issues its lifetime.

I’ll call USAA about this, thanks!