[jbp8653]

Headed home Sunday night on I75 South in my 17' ZL1. I was behind a 18 wheeler about 10 car lengths when I heard a big bang. At the same time I seen a round object flying through the air in front of me. It was the tread of one of those 18 wheels on the semi. In a fraction of a second it hit the front of my car with a big bang. I thought I had run over it so the first thing I did was check tire pressure's and all was ok. At that point I figured all was ok. Car was going down the road just fine. Got home and took a look. Front grille destroyed. Bumper cracked in several different places. Drivers side fender very slightly dented wheel well area. Was pissed. I work for a very large dealership group in Tampa area so I went to Chevy store body shop. Going to take about 1800.00 to fix it. Insurance would pay it but I think I am going to not put in a claim and just bite the bullet. I guess things could of been worse!!!

[JasonGofast]

Sorry to hear that. I got pretty upset over my windshield getting cracked and needing to be replaced. I've never once had an issue with my old beater of a daily. It seems like the world is out to get you when you step into something nice. Only so much you can consciously avoid, sometimes shit happens and it sucks.

[SSDan]

Before eating $1800.00 - I'd check with my insurance company to see if they would cover this as a comprehensive loss for flying debris. If covered that way it should not be a chargeable accident. Just a suggestion.

[cdrptrks]

Also if you have a dashcam and can pull the truck's license plate, maybe the semi would be at fault and their insurance would pay for repairs.

Not sure maybe you could consider it a hit and run for insurance purposes (if you have uninsured motorist coverage) which wouldn't impact your rates but the driver might not have known that his tire damaged your car.

I feel your pain...my stock front splitter got damaged by an invisible piece of blown out tire laying on freshly paved asphalt while I was driving at night last year.

[jbp8653]

Originally Posted by SSDan

Before eating $1800.00 - I'd check with my insurance company to see if they would cover this as a comprehensive loss for flying debris. If covered that way it should not be a chargeable accident. Just a suggestion.

it is absolutely covered. I just didn't want to make a claim for that amount of money. I also have a ZR1 and a 19' GMC 4x4 truck that my premiums are pretty friendly. I don't want to mess with that by possibly making a claim.

[Mark R]

Probably a retreaded tire. They are super dangerous, especially to motorcyclists. I think the federal government ought to ban them. I see them all over the freeway.

[jbp8653]

Went to body shop. They are going to paint it today. All repairs done. When they took front bumper off they found more damage underneath to a rubber panel. Big gouge taken out. Cheap piece to replace. With any luck it will be done by Friday. All this because of a truck tire blow out...…...LOL

[ember1205]

If you have a dash cam, the responsibility moves to the trucking company and your insurance company will go after them (referred to as SUBRO or Subrogation). It would not impact your premiums.

It is NOT your fault, flying debris (you tell the insurance company that it fell off of the truck in front of you, you were following at a more-than-safe distance, and it struck your car BEFORE it struck the road) should be covered without impact to your policy premiums as well.

Alternatively, this is going to cost you $2000 out of pocket before you're done as you'll possibly be paying for a rental as well. How much of an impact to your premium do you think you would take IF it were to impact it? And how long would it have to remain in place before it costs you more than that same $2000?

[jbp8653]

Originally Posted by ember1205

If you have a dash cam, the responsibility moves to the trucking company and your insurance company will go after them (referred to as SUBRO or Subrogation). It would not impact your premiums.

It is NOT your fault, flying debris (you tell the insurance company that it fell off of the truck in front of you, you were following at a more-than-safe distance, and it struck your car BEFORE it struck the road) should be covered without impact to your policy premiums as well.

Alternatively, this is going to cost you $2000 out of pocket before you're done as you'll possibly be paying for a rental as well. How much of an impact to your premium do you think you would take IF it were to impact it? And how long would it have to remain in place before it costs you more than that same $2000?

Good point

[nancygrl]

Originally Posted by jbp8653

Went to body shop. They are going to paint it today. All repairs done. When they took front bumper off they found more damage underneath to a rubber panel. Big gouge taken out. Cheap piece to replace. With any luck it will be done by Friday. All this because of a truck tire blow out...…...LOL

Good to hear...but also lucky it didn't come thru the windshield

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by jbp8653

Good point

The advantage to NOT going through insurance is that it won't show on a CARFAX report and potentially impact your value. Be sure you choose a high-quality shop to do the work so that the paint matches perfectly.

Whatever way you go, be certain to have photos that show the tight tolerances between body panels and such as well. Too many times, cars come back with gaps between bumper covers and fenders... You need the photos to be able to have enough leverage to get the shop to repair that issue if it exists afterward.

[wwiiavfan]

Now imagine that same scenario but you are on a motorcycle. There is a reason I put trucks behind me as quick as possible when I'm on my Harley.
My wife caught one with the Camaro, too, but luckily it's just a very slight scuff to the paint on the lower front fender.
Sorry this happened to you man, but you've got a good attitude towards it.
Drive safe!

[SSDan]

Originally Posted by jbp8653

it is absolutely covered. I just didn't want to make a claim for that amount of money. I also have a ZR1 and a 19' GMC 4x4 truck that my premiums are pretty friendly. I don't want to mess with that by possibly making a claim.

I'm sorry. You missed my point. If your insurance company would accept that this was from flying debris then it would be covered as a comprehensive coverage claim and not subject to being a chargeable loss and raising your rates. But if the company pushed back and said you collided with an object laying in the road then it would be considered a collision coverage loss and subject to being a chargeable accident and raising your rates.

Here is the difference. If something flies into you car (its moving under its own momentum when it strikes your car) - its a comprehensive coverage loss. If you run into something that is laying on the road and not moving then its a collision coverage loss. Collision coverage losses are the ones that cause rate increases.

Looks like its a moot point as you've already put the car in the shop and started repairs. Good luck and I hope you get it back in good repair quickly.

[SirJangle]

Originally Posted by jbp8653

it is absolutely covered. I just didn't want to make a claim for that amount of money. I also have a ZR1 and a 19' GMC 4x4 truck that my premiums are pretty friendly. I don't want to mess with that by possibly making a claim.

I've worked in the insurance industry for 20 years (I'm a Senior Underwriter). Comp claims will NOT impact your premium. In fact, nothing considered "not-at-fault" will impact anyone's premium. That's why the comprehensive category exists in the first place. But, do what makes you comfortable and good luck with the repair.