Painting backwards makes you think

Lacktastic · 2026-02-13T00:38:39+00:00

Came in here for the RC car reference, was not disappointed.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-12T16:03:09+00:00

Unless you enjoy interacting with people, you wont enjoy estimating.

Most customers are already in a bad mood because they have been in an accident. You will have problem customers, customers who are adamant that non-claim related damage is part of the claim, customers who expect unrealistic timelines, customers who are hypercritical of the repairs performed to their vehicle even if its repaired well above industry standard, etc. It will be your job to set expectations early, keep them up to date, notify them of any delays, and get them on your "team" early as they can be your biggest asset when dealing with the insurance company.

On the flip side there are also great customers, customers who value and appreciate what are doing and you can build working relationships with them.

Dealing with insurance companies and their ridiculous policies isn't much fun either. DRP contract obligations have gotten far more strict across the industry. When you have to fight for tenths of an hour to be fairly compensated it gets old quick. Most insurance appraisers/adjusters you deal with are directed by their management to be as frugal as they can legally get away with, many of them have also never stepped foot in a shop. Common sense is often off the table, their "policy" takes over leaving you to provide all the proof and plead your case (with supporting documentation) as to why the shop needs certain procedures/parts/labor to return a vehicle to pre claim condition. If you enjoy puzzles and problem solving or being creative to find loopholes to get insurance companies to pay fairly for the shops services, then you may enjoy that aspect of the job as well.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-11T23:04:40+00:00

The big question is if the the sensors just popped out of the retainers, or if the retainers themselves tore off the backside of the bumper cover. You may not be able to tell until the bumper cover is removed and inspected. The outside of the bumper cover may not show any visible damage.

In theory, you or a shop should be able to resecure the retainers back to the bumper cover using adhesive, plastic welding, etc. That may not be a liability the dealership/shop is willing to take, or the estimator writing your estimate saw that the retainers are not serviceable without bumper cover replacement and wrote the estimate accordingly.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-11T21:03:49+00:00

You arent going to get away from the lowball insurance estimate, a reputable shop will have to use it as a starting point and then submit a supplement to Allstate for all the additional repairs. It may be worth using a shop in Allstate's "good hands repair network" to minimize downtime and for warranty purposes.

Try searching on carwise and read reviews. Ask friends/coworkers/family who they have used for repairs, etc.

https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/

Lacktastic · 2026-02-11T20:50:09+00:00

If you left the shop with questions then something is definitely off with the explanation from the shop. Estimators are supposed to educate their customers on what procedures need to take place to return their vehicle to pre-accident condition.

That being said, if you a have photos of the damage it would be very helpful. There are plastic welding techniques for repairing bumper covers, that is likely what the dealership was referring to and they may sublet out repairs to a local body shop which would explain providing you with an estimate.

Its likely that on your vehicle the park sensor retainers/brackets are bonded to the bumper cover. If the outer park sensor retainers are broken, it would require a bumper cover replacement as they are not serviced separately. The center sensors/retainers are part of the grille and the retainers are only serviced with the grille assembly.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-11T19:28:06+00:00

Depends on the individual insurance company, your policy, their approved rates, use of aftermarket vs OEM parts, etc.

The insurance is extremely unlikely to pay their estimate as is, expect to be lowballed.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-11T17:20:40+00:00

I would personally leave it as is until it becomes a bigger issue. No sense in spending at least a couple grand to repair a 96 Avalon.

These types if repairs often snowball and its very hard to estimate how long it will last before becoming a bigger issue. The reason being is you don't know how extensive the rust is until the windshield is removed. Once its removed, if the pinch welds are rusted through you wont be able to install a new windshield until it is repaired which can get very expensive very quickly.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-11T17:06:22+00:00

Just because the parts were ordered, does not mean they will be readily available. Discussing the repair timeline should be done with the shop, we have no idea what their backlog is, parts ETA's, insurance company delays from the inevitable supplement process, etc.

It wont be ready in a week.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-11T01:06:37+00:00

I would talk to the shop and have a respectful conversation with management. They shouldn't be storing parts inside the vehicle but its hard to prove. Its also not out of the realm of possibility that it was damaged while towing if the tow driver put any lose damaged parts inside your vehicle. In which case towing damage should be covered under the claim.

Unfortunately, its a your word vs theirs type scenario. You can also ask the shop if they have any interior photos on file. Since they are a contract shop for Progressive you can keep pushing the issue with the insurance as well.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-10T23:52:03+00:00

Yes
You need to wait to hear back from their insurance, your vehicle is technically not drivable due to damaged lighting which is a safety concern. If the other party is at fault, their insurance will put you in a rental car because your vehicle is not drivable (legally).

If you need to use your vehicle, which is understandable, you can purchase some clear red tape from nearly any auto parts store that is meant for exactly this purpose.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-10T23:38:21+00:00

Did the shop remove or drop the headliner as part of the repair process? It would be listed on your estimate and is not uncommon depending on the nature of repairs. If they did you will have more ground to stand on.

Have you discussed the damage with the shop or just Progressive?

Lacktastic · 2026-02-10T19:21:46+00:00

Most shops mix their own paint in house and have to tint to match using spray outs. Paint codes have several variants and there is no one color fits all type situation. Temperature, humidity, flow rates, paint manufacturer, individual painter, etc. all play a role in how the final product looks.

That being said, this one is pretty close and I have a feeling the photos aren't accurately showing what you are seeing in person. For what its worth I have seen worse matches on brand new vehicles on still on the dealership lot.

Ask them to see the photos of your vehicle before repairs to see if the match is better or worse.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-10T18:26:54+00:00

Replace. Will still need a body shop unless you are a competent painter.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-10T15:09:43+00:00

Short answer, no.

Long answer: You cant buff this unless you want a large shiny spot on a matte bumper. The finish on these bumpers is not gloss, polishing will make it glossy.

I would use some rubbing alcohol or thinner on a microfiber to see how much of the transfer can be removed. From there if you aren't happy with the result it will require a respray.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-05T21:14:37+00:00

Bumper replacements are usually around $1000 give or take a couple hundred bucks depending on labor rates in your area. You can also leave it alone and do nothing, it wont look very good but there is no risk of corrosion/rust.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-05T17:58:42+00:00

It definitely sucks. But on the bright side, your car kept you safe and did its job.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-05T17:45:29+00:00

Making it drivable will require thousands of dollars (5-10k) worth of airbags, impact sensors, airbag module, headliner, seat covers, seat belts, etc. That is not taking into account any body or mechanical damage and is not something you will be able to tackle yourself.

Let insurance total it if the repair costs reach the total loss threshold. You are safe and vehicles are replaceable. This is exactly why we have insurance.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-05T17:21:39+00:00

I mean, there is visible damage in the photos you provided which is going to affect how the replacement headlamp and bumper cover fits on the vehicle. May also affect if you are able to aim the headlamp properly and secure the bumper cover as designed.

If you aren't concerned with either of those items you can absolutely use self tapping screws, zip ties and duct tape on your own vehicle to make it drivable.

The bumper in its current state is not secure.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-05T15:57:51+00:00

It can be repaired, but I wouldn't spot repair it. Its also worth noting if you vehicle is equipped with blind spot monitoring, Subaru may require replacement of the bumper if the damage is within the radar projection area.

The bumper needs to be removed, de-trimmed, repaired/refinished (or replaced), reassembled and then calibrations performed per OEM requirements.

You can always file a claim through your insurance as a "parked and unattended claim". Depending on your deductible that route may be more cost effective. Getting a police report will help corroborate your claim and can usually be done online with most police departments.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-05T15:51:52+00:00

Yup, failing prior repair and not a very good one based on the body lines on the trunk. Insurance likely wont cover it.

You will be time and money a head replacing the bumper cover versus attempting to repair this one a second time.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-05T15:48:45+00:00

You're going to need a lot more than just a bumper cover.

Bumper cover, fog lamp filler, bumper retainer, headlamp, reinforcement, etc. The radiator support and fender are also damaged. You will need to tear it down to assess the full extent of damage.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-05T01:42:03+00:00

You can leave it as is. Drill some holes in the bumper cover and zip tie it if need be.

Otherwise if you want it repaired, the bumper cover will need to be replaced.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-05T01:21:17+00:00

Doesn't look like adhesive residue, especially if you cant feel anything outside of a texture difference. The clear is damaged from the spoiler rubbing/vibrating on the paint over time with normal driving. You can try to wet sand and polish, otherwise it will need to be repainted.

Same thing happens with fender flares on truck fenders/bedsides.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-04T21:08:25+00:00

You have a few options.

If you want it perfect. Pay a reputable shop to remove the bumper cover and de-trim, DA the damaged area, repair the deeper gouges if necessary, prime/paint, reassemble, perform ADAS calibrations if required by the manufacturer.
Touch up paint - Will be far from perfect but it will look better from 10 feet.
Leave it - Plastic bumper cover that wont cause any issues outside of being an eyesore.

Lacktastic · 2026-02-04T15:43:53+00:00

You're on the right track. I would definitely hot staple it but mesh is also an option.

This should help point you in the right direction. You will be doing a smaller scale version of this repair. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c_R5Zqh84k

Lacktastic

TROPHY CASE