I have a 2006 H3 thats pretty much in mint condition. Unfortunately, someone hit the corner of my back bumper while it was parked in a parking lot. Luckily the damage is limited to just the impact bar and the step pad so I figured no big deal, will just order parts and replace it, right? Im trying to find where I can order it from but I see several different sites that have different names but look identical. Some say the parts are discontinued or unavailable, while others list them as in stock. Cant seem to get ahold of these places to get more clarity on the availability, does anyone here have any info on if they still make these parts or a reliable/reputable place to get these parts from?

Part numbers if anyone needs it
15794048 - Rear Bumber Step Pad
15906921 - Rear Bumper Impact Bar (w/trailer)

Also, I have checked places for used bumpers like ebay, or sites with junkyard parts. Noticed a lot of these have some pretty good wear and tear on them and the pictures don't really show up close details to make sure Im not paying $400-600 for something thats damaged. Im trying to avoid that route if possible.

 

I'd go to your local GM dealer and see if they show them in stock.

 

How much $ did you receive after you got hit?

 

I did this today, and the impact bar portion of bumper is discontinued with a stupid low availability. I managed to find one through them, but between shipping and part cost Im looking at 900$. And thats not including the step pad with they quoted 400$. I can swing the money, thats not necessarily a problem. Just way higher than what Im seeing as the common cost so that makes it a little uncomfortable. If I cant find anything else in the next few days, that's probably the route Im taking.

 

I didnt report it to insurance. I was going to, but after seeing the damage was limited and looking up the parts cost? Worst case scenario was looking like 1500-2000$ out of pocket so I decided against it. Between having to pay a deductible and then more than likely being slapped with a higher monthly premium after the fact (have 3 vehicles so I imagine it would hurt a little more), didnt seem beneficial to use insurance in the long run.

 

I don’t know what state you are in, but in most (and here in MI) insurance does NOT work that way. A claim does not cause higher premiums by itself. High risk activity, like speeding and moving violations etc. does. Besides, there are 40 plus insurance companies to compare rates with. One bumps you premium, another will under quote them.

Anyways, try Car-Parts.com.

Buying anything from the dealer is top dollar.

 

I wish that was the case, bud. Im in Indiana, and thats for sure a thing with insurance here. I know a few people who have been in accidents in the past few years, and afterwards their monthly went up. My kids mom got rear ended by a drunk driver at a stop light, and after her insurace claim? Her monthly went up by 50-60$ a month for a single car. I mean yeah, I could switch insurance if that happened but I went through a lot just to get the rates Im at now so even thats a gamble. If the damage was more extensive, I would have probably went that route. But a stock painted bumper I can swap myself makes all that not worth the headache.

 

I checked that website out a few days ago (along with Ebay), actually. Found a bumper that appeared to be in good condition close by me, the guy on the phone said it was in really great condition, no cosmetic flaws. Showed up to look at it and saw a different story. Looked like they just ripped the thing off (bumper was atill on the mounting bar that had shredded pieces of metal on the bracket side) had visible rust on the finished side, scrapes, and small dents/scratches that you couldnt see due to picture quality and angles. Left a bad taste in my mouth since most of the pictures on that site arent of individual parts, just general pictures of the vehicle.

Saw some that looked really good, but not having close up clear photos from angles, theres no guarantee what your getting. Not sure I want to take the gamble of used parts through shipping at the moment. Im almost sure sending it back and getting a refund will be a pain more than likely. My H3 is in immaculate condition, enough that I dont want to settle on a whole lot of wear and tear so still trying for new parts right now.

Thanks for the recommendation though.

 

DO NOT CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT FAULT!
If someone hits your ride file a claim with their insurance company NOT YOURS!

 

I appreciate the advice, but that was never an option. I mentioned what happened at the start of the post, but I didnt really clarify. My H3 got hit in a parking lot, I wasnt in the vehicle when it happened and there were no cameras around. Came back to my vehicle having a dented bumper and a little debris from the other vehicle. Calling my insurance was the only option there. Hence why I chose the route I did.