skipro01

I have a 2011 LX 570 and even with my rear view camera and bumper sensors I still managed to hit a post on the far outside of the drivers side rear bumper. I hit it maybe going 5 MPH or less. I don't blame the camera or sensors because I was trying to help someone out by moving out of my space as there were many cars waiting to park. Scratched it a little and noticed a small crack on the inside edge of the tail gate. Could hardly see the crack but the scratch was very noticeable as it had blue and yellow paint on my white car. Took it in to 2 shops and learned that the bumper is one piece and there is no way to fix it. Also because it is a 3 stage paint, that so called good will move out of the parking space cost me $1250. That was for the bumper and paint job labor etc. One week to the day after picking up my car I had a Van slide into the back of me going again around 5 MPH and cracked and scratched my bumper and this time got the Trailer hitch as well. As you can imagine I was ticked, poor guy because I wasn't very understanding. His response to my unhappiness was, "Hey, it's not like I killed ya." I then apologized for my curtness and told him what I had just spend out of pocket the week before and he now had that cost plus a Trailer Hitch on top of that. He then became upset and stated that no bumper should cost anywhere near that. Told him it was Sad but true and if he wants to save money with his future accidents, "I'd suggest you don't hit a Lexus."
Note, when I took my car back to the shop, they asked me what ins co he is with, it is one of those that advertise on TV, they refused to have them pay so I put it through my own S. Farm.

2 lessons, don't think you can Fix you bumper and if the guy that hits you is represented by the 2 that advertise the most, the shop may not take your vehicle in for repairs.
Best, T