I had a tree company back into my front bumper and gouge the driver's side with a small dent. I got 6 estimates with varying prices. Three of the shops said my cameras will need to be programmed/adjusted professionally once they reinstall the lower bumper after repairing it. The other three said this adjustment is not needed since there are no cameras in the lower bumper and only the repair is needed. My question is does my truck need this program/adjustment or are they just adding to the bill? The tree company wants to pay out of pocket rather than go through insurance so if this isn't needed I would rather go with the lower price.

 

There are cameras in the front bumper? I thought it was the grille?

 

I don't see any in the bumper, only in the grill, mirrors etc. that's why I don't understand why this adjustment needs to be done.

 

do you know if the front grille is being removed? If it is then the alignment should be done

 

I removed my grille and put on a new emblem and the camera was fine afterwards

 

Looking at the estimates it doesn't look like the grill is getting removed.

 

I don't work for any insurance companies, but I have had several repairs through them. My advice is to look out for yourself.

When you got through the insurance company you have more protection. There are usually lifetime warranties on the repairs. They have recommended repair shops that they work through. Those shops want to keep that business coming so they have a much higher incentive to keep the insurance claims customers happy.

I have done it both ways. The company I work for damaged my truck bumper and they didn't want to file a claim. A couple of years later the rear bumper had rust spots bubbling up all over. I had no recourse as the shop that did the repair was out of business.

Going through the insurance company when I hit a dear, the radiator had to be replaced over a year later. I contacted the insurance company, and they took care of it.

It is in your best interest to go through the insurance company.

 

The owner of the tree company just came out and looked at the damage. Because of the prices of the estimates, he had to talk to his partner before making a decision on whether he wants to go through insurance or not. Their a big company so I don't think there will be any issues. At least I hope not. I did find a back page on one of the estimates that looks like it's printed from Alldata that states anytime the front bumper is reinstalled after a collision repair that a Static Calibration is necessary for surround view and active parking assist.

 

A $1,000 damage can result in a premium increase totaling $3,000 over the next five years. Happened with mine.

 

I think the grille has to come out to remove the bumper. This might be factored into the time/labor to R and R the bumper.