Tailgate theft

What a way to start the weekend! Woke up to find that some needy person decided to help him/her self to the tailgate of my 07 Tundra. I'm constantly amazed by the thought process of people? The possible dire consequences of such actions vs the small monetary gain? Who does something like this? That's rhetorical by the way, lol.

In any case, could anyone chime in as to the expected cost to replace the tailgate and the best way to go about this? So far I've only found primed tailgate shells for around $360, but I need the whole tailgate. I suppose ebay or an auto wrecker? My deductible is $500, but I'm sure this would cost a bit more. On the line with my insurance co now. Not filing yet, but seeing what they say first. Will this raise my insurance if I file a claim? This really sucks.

An insight is appreciated, thanks.

 

Someone without a tailgate....I hate thieves, keep your hands off my shit. tailgates are really expensive, as for the insurance racket, rates will increase !

 

Try car-part dot com.
You can search all the junk yards, maybe even find your color.
Thieves suck.

 

auto wrecker is best bet, if you can find the same color. bonus

 

Didnt think people still did this, but I still have a 5 dollar clamp with a security bolt on the joint of the tailgate. Glad my efforts are vindicated lol. Sorry about your truck. It's better than them getting your cats.....

 

As long as there are the oppressed, there are free tailgates...

 

Location? I have seen some pop up on craigslist.

 

I knew it was a matter of time before this and spare tires would be back. Everyone got cat shields and wheel locks, so they moved on. Anyway, change your insurance to zero deductible on comp. Not much different cost and theft, hail damage, hit a deer, etc. all covered.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. After 45 minutes on hold, got it squared away. $250 deductible with hopefully no increase in rates due to zero previous claims. I have a feeling the total bill is going to be pretty high with paint matching, etc. I'm in Southern California, so everything is expensive here. Once I have the total, I'll let you guys know what it is, as a gauge for comparison.

 

Don't forget to put a lock on it.

 

Don't know where you live, but what consequences???? Anyway, pay your deductible and drop it off at your favorite body shop (dealer). Have them call you when they get the new tailgate installed (that's why you have insurance).

 

Isn't that the truth, especially here in Southern California. Already made an appointment at the shop.

 

Here we go again... I remember this was an issue around 2010... main reason I got a roll cover with a lock in it, still keep my tailgate locked..

 

Yes. Since you are going through the insurance anyway, you might as well go to the dealer and get new parts.

This theft, likely by some drug addict making a few dollars from a scrap yard, is why I put a pop-n-lock on my tailgate.

 

"Oppressed" has nothing do with thievery.

 

exactly.

 

I live in Nor Cal, my guess is $1200.
should make a poll on this, price is right...

 

didn't all the Tundra's come with a stock key lock on tail gate?