First Minor Accident

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JustinVGT
Posts: 982
Joined: Sun Jun 30, 2002 1:45 pm

First Minor Accident

Post by 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,

Attached files
Justin 2003 Vibe GT - Mille Miglia Evo5 18x8 Wheels (now stock)- Magnaflow Cat-Back Exhaust (now stock)- Tein S-Tech Springs (now stock)- Injen CAI - Red Painted Calipers - Hella Supertone Horns - Polk Speakers - Bazooka RS8A-HP Sub - Kenwood Headunit - Still love my Vibe, but I've just turned it back into a basic daily driver.
JustinVGT
Posts: 982
Joined: Sun Jun 30, 2002 1:45 pm

Re: First Minor Accident (silverawd26)

Post by 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.
Justin 2003 Vibe GT - Mille Miglia Evo5 18x8 Wheels (now stock)- Magnaflow Cat-Back Exhaust (now stock)- Tein S-Tech Springs (now stock)- Injen CAI - Red Painted Calipers - Hella Supertone Horns - Polk Speakers - Bazooka RS8A-HP Sub - Kenwood Headunit - Still love my Vibe, but I've just turned it back into a basic daily driver.
snowbeast
Posts: 23
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2003 8:30 am

Re: First Minor Accident (JustinVGT)

Post by 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!
susanfrosty two-toned/auto/power/cargo box, nets, mat/seatback storage & first-aid/bumper protector/steel exhaust tip/pinstripe
Cubanpete
Posts: 315
Joined: Sun Nov 03, 2002 3:04 am

Re: First Minor Accident (JustinVGT)

Post by Cubanpete »

You are aware that your premium will go up, next year regardless of you hitting a car or not!
JustinVGT
Posts: 982
Joined: Sun Jun 30, 2002 1:45 pm

Re: First Minor Accident (silverawd26)

Post by 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,
Justin 2003 Vibe GT - Mille Miglia Evo5 18x8 Wheels (now stock)- Magnaflow Cat-Back Exhaust (now stock)- Tein S-Tech Springs (now stock)- Injen CAI - Red Painted Calipers - Hella Supertone Horns - Polk Speakers - Bazooka RS8A-HP Sub - Kenwood Headunit - Still love my Vibe, but I've just turned it back into a basic daily driver.
JustinVGT
Posts: 982
Joined: Sun Jun 30, 2002 1:45 pm

Re: First Minor Accident (silverawd26)

Post by 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,
Justin 2003 Vibe GT - Mille Miglia Evo5 18x8 Wheels (now stock)- Magnaflow Cat-Back Exhaust (now stock)- Tein S-Tech Springs (now stock)- Injen CAI - Red Painted Calipers - Hella Supertone Horns - Polk Speakers - Bazooka RS8A-HP Sub - Kenwood Headunit - Still love my Vibe, but I've just turned it back into a basic daily driver.
Lee
Posts: 86
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2002 4:52 am

Re: First Minor Accident (silverawd26)

Post by 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)
TraceyShadow, Two Tone, Auto, Moons and Tunes, Cargo Mat & nets, first aid pouch, storage pouch, Power Pkg, Theft system, Auto Pkg
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: First Minor Accident (silverawd26)

Post by ragingfish »

Just be glad it's mostly cosmetic and there is little (or maybe no?) mechanical damage.
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
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