Possible Fraud During Bumper Repair

[Demfer]

Long Story Short:

I was rear ended and had my bumper replaced by a local collision center with pretty good local reviews. They dealt with all the insurance stuff and were able to get a new bumper and paint everything to match my white moonlight whatever color. After I received my car back there was significant paint chips on the new bumper on both the right and left outer edges. The garage agreed to repaint it which I am still waiting on them to do. When I took the car back i noticed small gaps where the rear lights sit, as well as a small gap where the bumper should make contact with the car when I open the trunk area and look under the bottom rubber lining. The bumper also feels very plastic when I tap on it, it just doesn't all feel right to me. Could these guys screw me over and get a lower quality bumper? Is it possible that nissan/infiniti stocks a few different types of these bumpers made from different materials?

Should I be concerned and take additional action against this shop? Is there a way I can contact infiniti and have them verify the bumpers material?

[AZhitman]

It's most likely not a factory (OEM) part. Find out where they source their parts from, and complain to your insurance company. They are required to return the vehicle to its pre-damage condition. Using a knockoff Taiwanese bumper isn't part of the deal.

I would make the insurance company send it to the dealer for repair. They're the ones you want to hassle, not the body shop.

[Demfer]

Thanks HitMan, I called a few local infiniti parts centers and they gave me this part number, HEM221BA4H and said its the only bumper part number for this vehicle. Before they did the work on the car they showed me the new bumper they received, but it was wrapped up and had a NISSAN parts sticker on it. I don't know what to do now. Where can I find out what other bumpers exist for this vehicle so I can make sure they didn't use factory parts?

[AZhitman]

LOTS of places make knockoff body panels. I'd ask the shop who they bought it from and ask for the receipt. Simple.

If they balk, call your insurance company.

[Demfer]

Here are some pictures, I do not have any "before" pictures for comparison but there are clearly gaps where the lights sit as well as the crappy paint job, you can see its peeling on the sides.

Can anyone post some bumper/headlight area pictures for comparison?, I really don't ever remember seeing gaps in the rear lights.

[EXceptional]

I'll bring my Camera home from work and take some pictures for you, of our EX35.