To follow up on my post #14 above where I was rear ended in the driver's rear corner in a hit & run, the total cost to repair it in Sept 2019 was $1,500. This was less than I was expecting so I was happy with the result.
Now I have a new situation. On the night of March 4, I merged on the local I-81; traffic was heavy and I was stuck in the right lane behind a semi tractor-trailer when it started to swerve. Next thing was a truck tire tread appeared in my headlights from under it and I had no choice but to go over it. Next I could see a line of cars pulled over on the shoulder that had already gone over it, sustained damage, and drivers shining flashlights under their cars. I had no warning lights on the dash and so I continued the short drive home. Next morning I went to a local tire shop to have the damage assessed. They found the lower bumper torn off along with everything else that was covering the undercarriage incl mudflaps; bent front radiator, AC condensor, lower rad support, air dam, coresupport, grill damage. They said my Niro was compromised but driveable and to report it to my insurance asap.
I contacted Geico and they had me submit pictures of the car from specified angles online. From what they could see, they estimated the damage at $950. After a week, the same body shop as above upped that estimate to $3,500. Now it's been in the shop 2-1/2 weeks and all parts are in except the front bumper/grill, which is on back order with no confirmed date of delivery. They are now scrambling to find it in the after-market. This same body shop used to have loaner cars, but since Covid they stopped doing that and I'm stuck with a rental car with the costs adding up. Their service used to be good and prompt; now it seems those who used to work there are gone and it's different. To add insult to injury, Geico just upped my 6-month premium by 20%. When I inquired why; they said the accidents in my area have gone up and the increase is on everyone to cover their costs.
