Bumper plastic question - pop / push out dent imprint?

[Joester]

So we got rear-ended tonight. Just enough impact to make an imprint in the bumper plastic of the vehicles license plate screw head. No other damage. Bumper is straight, no scratches, ect...
So...
Has anyone tried to use heat to restore the plastic? I do know some plastics have a memory of sorts that can return the surface to original if the right temperature is reached.

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[Exranger]

Some threads on here already to search. Start with a blow dryer not a heat gun, wear gloves. It can be done

 

[BeardedMarine]

Got a pic?

 

[Master Blaster]

Why are YOU doing this? That's normally fixed under the other guy's insurance. Even if it was a hit-and-run, its then covered under your insurance instead. That's what insurance is for.

 

[Falcon first]

Can’t speak for your bumper without a picture but my BMW 235 front right fender got a fairly bad 6” indention from me hitting the lawn mower pulling in the garage. I used a heat gun but you have to have an object to push it out from the other side. I got it probably 90% better using the gun and a couple rounded long poker object (not sharp) that could slowly push it back into original shape. Plenty of YouTube videos on it but again mine was a plastic fender not the bumper.

 

[Suzukiridr14]

Why are YOU doing this? That's normally fixed under the other guy's insurance. Even if it was a hit-and-run, its then covered under your insurance instead. That's what insurance is for.

Be careful what you report to your insurance company. They will report it on your record, and if you have a real claim later, that will count as your second incident. They will either drop you, or raise your premium, also it will be reported to other insurers.

 

[Joester]

Why are YOU doing this? That's normally fixed under the other guy's insurance. Even if it was a hit-and-run, its then covered under your insurance instead. That's what insurance is for.

Found out the hard way that an insurance claim on the vehicle will greatly effect the trade-in value. Had an Escape with a minor parking lot claim. K!lled the trade in.

 

[Joester]

Got a pic?

 

[BeardedMarine]

I don't see anyway to be able to push it out once heated. As said before you'll need to get behind it and push. If it bothers you and you don't want to file a claim against the other guy, find a bumper cover from a salvage and swap them out. Or take the cover off, heat it up and push it.

 

[rlhdweman]

I think the rusty license plate screw is more noticeable.

 

[zacatac]

I think the screw indent is less noticeable than the outward dent directly to the right of it. It looks like your bumper skin was pushed into the impact absorber. Now you have a stretched part on your bumper skin and a questionable impact absorber as well.

 

[Cocobean]

I’d try to fix yourself or leave it - not so bad imo but no doubt you are fixated on it right now…
Again - imo - don’t involve the insurance co. for something this small.
It may be a wash anyway depending on your detectable. Also, insurance companies will use ANY excuse to raise your rates

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