Front parking/collision sensor broken no visible damage to vehicle

[Jess4521]

My front parking/collision sensor stopped working. So I took it to the dealership to have it looked at. They informed me that the sensor was broken along with the foam that surrounds it. They then told me that something must have hit front of the car. I asked if there was any damage to the front of the car and they said no. He said that someone with a plastic bumper could've hit the car and caused it break. They wanted me to do an insurance claim to have it replaced but there is no damage to the front of the car. Has anyone had any issues with their front parking sensor/collision control? I have attached pictures they sent me to show me where its broken. Also, the sensor was still clipped in to the slot before I took it in for service.

 

[elp_jc]

That looks like the radar sensor, not a parking or airbag one (there's no 'collision' sensor). Unfortunately, your collision insurance is what would cover that bill, since it was a hit. At least in TX, where I was also hit when parked a while back, and my stupid agent told me comprehensive would cover it... but it didn't. I was slapped with a huge increase for 3 years, plus lost my no-claim discount. All for about $300. Now, I wouldn't make a claim if it was less than a grand (plus another grand for deductible). It's sad to have insurance, and still having to pay out of pocket anyway, but many times it's cheaper at the end. If not too expensive, I'd replace it out of pocket, and park far away from now on (that's what I do). Good luck.