[Fiddy]

I hit a deer a little over a week ago in my 2004 D2. I went in last thursday to get inspected for insurance coverage, and I have found out that I'm expected to pay a $1000 deductible for the repair. In Alberta, there's no special agreement or state reimbursment for "Act of God" or whatnot. Thats the deductible.

Amoung other broken hits like headlight and fender, my front bumper has a smashed drivers side cover, and the mid plastic section was cracked in some spots. Not sure what its going to cost insurance to repair that. I'm guessing $700 with parts and painting, could be less, could be more. The bumper subframe seems ok. But here's why I'm hoping the cost to repair the front bumper exceeds $1400.

If I have to pay $1000, I'd rather not come out of this with just my back-to-stock repair. I've been meaning to build my truck into an (more) off-road capable rig, and I want to put on the ARB deluxe bumper (shipped to Canada, its about a $1450 cost). I'm hoping it would be cheaper for the insurance company to pay for the ARB product than rebuild with new covers and bits.

Has anyone successfully negotiated with their insurance to "upgrade" your vehicles through a repair so I dont feel like I'm just flushing away the $1K? I briefly discussed it with the body shop, and he really wasnt keen on coordinating that effort.

 

[jafir]

I know here most insurance policies for automobiles are actual cash value. So they can either fix it or cut you a check for the value of the damage. In that case you could just take the check and pay the difference yourself. It's unlikely that you'll get out for just the cost of the deductible unless you find a used ARB somewhere.

 

[Disco Mike]

I agree, if you can that is the way to go, then instead of paying that much for an ARB, have a shop make you a better metal bumper for less money. Here is what I did, nearly 11 years ago.

 

[Fiddy]

Hey guys. Thanks for the suggestions! That's extremely helpful. I'll give my adjuster guy a call this morning!

And Disco Mike, that looks like a real pro job. You found yourself a good shop!