First Minor Accident

[JustinVGT]

I just had my first accident ever last week during that winter storm that we had here in the north east. Luckily no one was hurt, no other cars were involved besides mine, and it was not too bad. On my way home from class all the main roads were just wet from the wintery storm we had that morning. Once I got to my neighborhood, the roads were in worse condition, and worse than they appeared. As I was approaching to make a right turn onto my street, going about 10-15mph, it was too slippery to slow, stop or turn. My Vibe went straight into a pile of snow and ice. In the picture you can see how it drove up the pile and was suspended by the bumper mostly. I had to shovel the snow/ice from under the front to get the front tires to have contact with the road again. The damage doesn't look too bad, but will cost a lot to repair. I'm getting the estimates at the body shop tomorrow for my insurance. It broke the center vertical bar in the lower part of the grill and put another crack on the front of the bumper and some of the paint has that spider web look to it. Then some panels that are just behind the bumper under the engine compartment were broken and I have them tied with some zip ties right now. Thankfully the airbags didn't go. Oh, and last but not least, the small clip that holds the thermometer sensor broke LOL. The bumper will most likely be replaced and you know how those can cost over $1k. Too bad I can't get the GXP concept bumper. That would be awesome.I'm pissed that I ran into the mound of snow/ice, but there's nothing I can do now. Insurance will be covering it, but I would much rather be spending the money on my deductable on an intake or something else.Everyone, drive safe out there, and try not to injure your Vibe like I did.Later,

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[JustinVGT]

I wasn't trying to go 10-15 around the turn, trying to slow down before, but it was too slick. Now I am very very cautious with the snow. I've always been a careful driver, never had a ticket in my life, knock on wood.

[snowbeast]

justin,oh no...sorry to hear about the accident!! good thing you had a shovel nearby to excavate your vibe and get home. i can only imagine how your heart must have sunk while you assessed the damages....but i'm glad no one was hurt. hopefully, the repairs will be finished soon and the weather will warm up! thanks for the reminder to continue driving carefully in wintery conditions-lots of things happen when we least expect and at times when we may be least prepared. sorry you had to experience that.i agree with you about the GXP front styling-it would be sweet if you could get that!

[Cubanpete]

You are aware that your premium will go up, next year regardless of you hitting a car or not!

[JustinVGT]

Yes, I know my rates may go up. My insurance said it may, but it will depend on my previous driving history and some other stuff they said. If it does, hopefully not too much. I'll have to wait and see.Later,

[JustinVGT]

Took it to the shop this afternoon. Only took about 10 minutes for them to check it out. They are going to try to order the parts and he thinks he may be able to have it fixed on March 17. I wonder if there is going to be a longer wait on the parts, he didn't think there would be. Luckily, since it's such a new car, they will only be able to use genuine Pontiac parts. He said usually they use the non-orginal manufacture parts, but my car is too new. So, I'm happy about that. I sure hope they do a good job on the paintwork. I used to sell cars and saw some bad paint jobs out there. Since my Vibe is only about 10 months old, hopefully the paint will match well. Oh, and he estimated it will only cost around $800. I sure hope he is correct.Later,

[Lee]

That's pretty good! I had similar damage to my car and paid $2000.00 (Canadian) to fix! (they found some clips broken underneath the bumper that they did not notice until they took apart)

[ragingfish]

Just be glad it's mostly cosmetic and there is little (or maybe no?) mechanical damage.