PracTTical

so i, by no means, call myself a 'professional detailer.' I think i should start my anecdote with that snipit of information. I do, however, abide by the practices followed by most aesthetics enthusiasts. I don't mistreat my paint, i wash regularly, i use clean microfibers to dry, clean sponges to wash, two (or more) buckets. Sometimes i use filtered water (when i'm feeling meem-ish). I try everything i can to avoid unnessecary hazing, swirling, or scratching on the paint.

So i was driving around the other day and i was rear ended at about 5mph (or less). Just a sharp bump, nothing neck breaking at all. Below you can see that the damage to the bumper is minimal, but it should need a respray (and some finishing) to get it like new. The surface isn't smooth and you can see right through the paint in some spots.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/109200/photo-2.jpg">


So i went to geico this morning to have the car appriased for repair (his insurance provider). I bring my car in the bay and show the man my rear bumper. It was covered in the normal film of salt and road grime (about 3 days worth), making the damage hard to see. The first thing he does is take his HAND (over completely filthy paint) and wipe across the bumper. I cringed horribly as he did this. He still couldn't find the damage so he took a hose and rinsed it off, then went to the bathroom to get some <b>NAPKINS</b>. He came back with aforementioned <b>NAPKINS</b> and wiped almost the entire bumper dry. I could <b>HEAR</b> the napkin scratch my paint as he rubbed it in. He finally found the spot and quoted me $43 for the repair, one hour of polishing. It should be added that i had this bumper repainted less than 2 months ago, so it has no wax on it, it's been washed maybe 5 times (with new sponges), and before this morning, had NO other scratches aside the one from the accident.


Taking it to my trusted shop tomorrow to laugh with the guy i normally work with. He (and presumably you all) understands my insanity and obsession with clean paint.


That's my story, doesn't that SUCK??


(regarding the image, the brown paper bag has a donut in it, and i know that my license plate screws are absolutely miserable and they are being replaced, and finally my exhaust looks like ***, it's being repaired when it's above freezing for more than a week)

Phil G.

BEFORE he took the napkins to it. I would have been furious. If it needs a respray, fine, but if just going to polish it out, I'd be pissed. These adjusters just don't get it.

kjb99

what kind of donut?

muzzy996

Was wondering the same . . . LOL

muzzy996

Have your shop call the appraiser and say they couldn't buff it all out and a repaint is needed.

PracTTical

lol, starbucks glazed FTW!

PracTTical

before i had a chance to stop him, he was already at it...

Bendquattro

I would look for a new insurance provider.

ruknd

Call geico and complain. You do always have the right to an independent appraisal.