Hit a deer and looking for advice
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Hit a deer and looking for advice
Hello, I am a new member but I have been reading this forum for a long time and am really impressed. I thought I would post a thread and get some input on what I can do with my JK.
This past weekend I hit a deer at 50mph and it did some damage to my front and passenger side. Mechanically everything is perfect and the JK drives fine. I am going to submit this to insurance but if I can manage to get some aftermarket upgrades out of the deal with minimal cash outlay I would like to go that route.
On my wish list is new Bushwacker Fender Flares and a new front bumper, nothing extreme but something a little heavier duty. I dont off-road for sport but I do hit small trails on occasion. I also have a hitch mounted to the front for my winch which is mounted on a Warn hitch tray so I can move from the front to the back.
If the insurance company writes me a check then I will probably get a body shop to do the front fender panel and the small panel below the passenger door (I think that is a rocker panel?). I am thinking that I can do the front bumper and fender flares myself.
Input is appreciated. I don’t have an issue with going back to factory stuff if that is the easiest solution. This JK is an 09 'X" with 12,000 miles. Most importantly I dont want to cause any warranty issues since I have the lifetime through Chrysler.
This past weekend I hit a deer at 50mph and it did some damage to my front and passenger side. Mechanically everything is perfect and the JK drives fine. I am going to submit this to insurance but if I can manage to get some aftermarket upgrades out of the deal with minimal cash outlay I would like to go that route.
On my wish list is new Bushwacker Fender Flares and a new front bumper, nothing extreme but something a little heavier duty. I dont off-road for sport but I do hit small trails on occasion. I also have a hitch mounted to the front for my winch which is mounted on a Warn hitch tray so I can move from the front to the back.
If the insurance company writes me a check then I will probably get a body shop to do the front fender panel and the small panel below the passenger door (I think that is a rocker panel?). I am thinking that I can do the front bumper and fender flares myself.
Input is appreciated. I don’t have an issue with going back to factory stuff if that is the easiest solution. This JK is an 09 'X" with 12,000 miles. Most importantly I dont want to cause any warranty issues since I have the lifetime through Chrysler.
Last edited by cl998; Jul 6, 2010 at 10:09 AM.
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 701
Likes: 1
From: Apex, NC
I know just what ya thinkin' 
- a guy in a sebring started to change lanes onto me a week or so ago; I kept my heading and all I could think of was the new Bushwacker Pocket Flares I was going to get with the insurance money, 
but alas he swerved out of the way at the last second
If I was you I would point out the rocker panel, but not fix it and see if the insurance money will cover the fender and have some left over for the upgrades.
- a guy in a sebring started to change lanes onto me a week or so ago; I kept my heading and all I could think of was the new Bushwacker Pocket Flares I was going to get with the insurance money, but alas he swerved out of the way at the last secondIf I was you I would point out the rocker panel, but not fix it and see if the insurance money will cover the fender and have some left over for the upgrades.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: dyersburg tn
I hit a deer last year. Insurance company gave me the check. My passenger fender looked bad like yours so I had a bodyman paint a brand new one. While I was waiting, I used a hammer and dolly to get it back flat. The paint stuck on and didnt flake off. Wish I hadn't ordered that new fender. Oh well.
Then I ordered the other parts from sponsors and used parts off of Ebay. It put a lot of money in my pocket towards my 35s.
Then I ordered the other parts from sponsors and used parts off of Ebay. It put a lot of money in my pocket towards my 35s.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
None of that will have anything to do with your warranty..
Have you considered full replacement fenders with tube fenders? Such as evo or overkill? It may be a bit extreme for what you are looking for, but the quote you may get for a body shop to replace and fix the fender may pay for them? Or most?
Have you considered full replacement fenders with tube fenders? Such as evo or overkill? It may be a bit extreme for what you are looking for, but the quote you may get for a body shop to replace and fix the fender may pay for them? Or most?
I found some factory front fenders for about $300 online but I couldnt find the rocker panel. If they just bolt on then I would consider just having new ones painted and do the work myself.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
I got a quote today for $2900 for everything. They are willing to omit/credit certain parts and put on aftermarket stuff and I will pay the difference if there is any. I know I want the Bushwacker pocket fender flares but do I need wheel spacers for those to look right?
Secondly I need a reasonable but decent bumper, I would prefer one that I can mount a hitch receiver to. Any suggestions?
Secondly I need a reasonable but decent bumper, I would prefer one that I can mount a hitch receiver to. Any suggestions?
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: denison, tx
first thing to do when you hit a deer
always carry a sharp knife in the jeep
first check see if everyone is ok
second get the knife
third cut the backstrap from the deer
forth go home and cook it
fifth call your insurance agent on a full stomach
first check see if everyone is ok
second get the knife
third cut the backstrap from the deer
forth go home and cook it
fifth call your insurance agent on a full stomach