I cannot believe it! My 2 day old 2009 FEHL is already damaged. I was heading out to the car to go to the grocery store and I see a car parking behind me. It seems like his front end is really close to my rear end. As I reach my car his license plate was leaving marks on my rear bumper. I was furious. I let the guy finish parking and he exams the damage. He initially said it wasn't him since he had a red car and it didn't leave any marks. I told him I just bought this car Saturday and there were no marks. I told him I stood there watching him do it. He changed his story quick. I feel sorry for him since it was an older gentleman with a handicap placard. I filed a claim on his insurance. I won't get it fixed since this is bound to happen again since I live in Chicago.

 

Ouch. I always hated the first scrape in the box when I had pickups. At least with a PU, you expect that.

At least you can still drive it. I'd get it fixed to remove the reminder of that incident.

 

It will only happen again. At least I was there when I happened to get the guy's insurance. I was going to put a hitch on it to protect from things like this. But, too late now. It is the first scratch/dent that really hurts.

 

Can you easily post a pic?

 

It is dark outside now. But, I will take one tomorrow and post it up.

 

If the car was 2 years old, you probably wouldn't even care.
I suggest you not make a big deal of it, and don't file for any insurance.

Your little ding will cost hundreds, and will raise the rates for everyone!
I know, it is frustrating, and you don't have to like it, but is it that bad?

Forgive and forget.

 

I would care if it was 2 years old and the bumper was free off scratches and dents. But, why should I let him off for not being careful. From the looks of his front and rear bumper he does this all the time. Why should he not have to pay the consequence for damaging other peoples property? I am careful not to hit other peoples car when I park since I don't want damage to my car or theirs. I asked if he wanted to pay out of pocket since it should cost that much. He insisted I go through insurance.

 

So you are filing an insurance claim but have no intention of getting it fixed? I guess a couple hundred bucks in your pocket might pay for that hitch or something and make you feel better about that first dent? Hey, to each their own but this sounds like a shakedown to me. It's cosmetic damage at worst and like you said, it will happen again.

In most places, if you get an insurance check and don't get the car repaired, your insurance company will decrease the value of your car in the event of other claims such as a total or theft.

 

I am not filing a claim with my insurance. Since he is at fault, I filed a claim with his insurance. If I go trade my car in, the dealer will deduct that he has to fix my bumper. I am just getting it up front what I will loose since he damaged my bumper. People should own up to their mistakes. If I were in his shoes I would just pay out of pocket for the damage. But, that is just me. He is at wrong and I was there to witness it.

 

I support you. The bad guy should be responsible for the damage. Too bad that so many people are not careful, especially when deal with other people's property.

I love my Escape Hybrid too. I was upset when the first time I got such a little scratch......needless to day yours only 2 days old...