Part shortages?

[markjay]

...Things that happened 20 years ago are of little (I really mean NO) relevance.

What??

You've just delivered a death knell to this entire forum......

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

What??

You've just delivered a death knell to this entire forum......

Never let relevance get in the way of an argument with a stranger on the Internet.

 

[markjay]

I believe that insurers appreciate it when you do that. I once spoke to someone at Directline who deals with accident management companies when Directline is the third-party insurer and it’s fair to say that they rightly didn’t like the tactics accident management companies employ.

They also take a dim view when the insured party talks up the need for a particular hire car for no reason other than because they can, they want to milk the situation, or they are just plan right up themselves, and I’m inclined to agree. Unless there’s a case of need, unnecessarily increasing cost isn’t cool.

The insured party often thinks that the insurance companies can afford and it’s what we pay premiums for, but of course the insurance company just pass on increasing costs in the form of increased premiums so it’s all of us who pay, not the insurance company.

That person suggested that when they see accident management firms supplying “upgraded” cars then they look closely, and when they see that the customer has requested it - usually highlighted by a changed of car - then they tend to see it as a step too far and might argue that it’s not justified.

Hence my comment that not asking for a trim line equivalent to AMG Executive line would be a good move. If I remember right there’s something in the terms & conditions of our policies which require us to minimise the insurer’s liability which as a general principle is the right one IMHO.

I’m a little extreme in this regard. I had a car stolen and the insurance company delivered a hire car. It was an Audi A6 Avant 3.0 [313] BiTDi Quattro Sport Line Black Edition and the hire car was a FIAT 500. I took it back as it was cost the insurer didn’t need to bear - I could make do with my wife’s car.

I had told the insurer this when I made the claim but they sent it anyway. When the hire car company saw me bring the car back they assumed I was talking it back because I wanted something posher - they said that’s what most people they supply cars to on behalf insurance companies do!

Indeed, and because I deal directly with the third party's insurer, once they apprive my hire car request, and regardless of how big and luxurious that car might be, I know there'll be no argument about it further down the line, because it waa the insurer itself who approved it in the first case.

The issue I described earlier was indeed an accident management firm tyring to get paid by Direct Line, who rejected their pay request. The accident management company even showed me a copy of an AXA policy, that indemnifies them in the event that the insurer won't pay out, before I accepted the hire car - and I later told them (among other things) to leave me alone and claim on their AXA policy instead.

 

[markjay]

Never let relevance get in the way of an argument with a stranger on the Internet.

Never a truer word spoken!

 

[DSM10000]

Funny you should say Peugeot. I had a 308 64 plate up until last month, made the switch to MB and I didn't look back.

I understand obviously going to MB they use their real parts, hence the prestige and cost behind it all. But end of the day, the car it's mine and if they took too long I can insist. They even said themselves they would but only if they gotten my prior permission first and it was gonna take weeks on end to repair. I'm prepared to wait a certain amount of time. Chances are that I've over worried myself , need to trust the fact the part has actually been shipped. I never thought there could be potentially a wait, A Class is quite common, and this one ran from 2018-2023 so parts should be in plenty right?

It was explained in previous posts why parts for older cars may take longer to source.

It will be fixed with the correct parts of the original quality.

 

[Diana1990]

I don't think I would send the hire car back for 'better' one. For now it's getting me around, im not stranded. Me requesting something better will most likely get the 3rd party insurance back up, especially when they understand our mostly walk to the work everyday haha. I perhaps drive about 2/3 times a week, bar that my car usually parked up so I don't think I'm gonna even try to request something better. I honestly don't mind the car I have been given really. I understand with Auxillis and from what the guy at MB said, I'm protected if the insurance come quibbling the cost of hire, so long as I haven't been in fraudulent. Which is haven't, I did make them aware I walk to work, but car is needed for other things, so while I could make do without a car for a week, going beyond that would prove difficult. Atm I can't discuss the shipment issue til Monday as they don't work weekends, so hopefully come Monday afternoon I will have another update with regards to actual delivery date. Once arrived, I don't care if it took them a further week to repair because I know all parts are there and it would be then simply a case that it needs to be put together which they would do as quick as because a car sitting stagnant is costing them money as that space could be use for other cars that would be fixed there and then. Does that make sense?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I don't think I would send the hire car back for 'better' one. For now it's getting me around, im not stranded. Me requesting something better will most likely get the 3rd party insurance back up, especially when they understand our mostly walk to the work everyday haha. I perhaps drive about 2/3 times a week, bar that my car usually parked up so I don't think I'm gonna even try to request something better. I honestly don't mind the car I have been given really. I understand with Auxillis and from what the guy at MB said, I'm protected if the insurance come quibbling the cost of hire, so long as I haven't been in fraudulent. Which is haven't, I did make them aware I walk to work, but car is needed for other things, so while I could make do without a car for a week, going beyond that would prove difficult. Atm I can't discuss the shipment issue til Monday as they don't work weekends, so hopefully come Monday afternoon I will have another update with regards to actual delivery date. Once arrived, I don't care if it took them a further week to repair because I know all parts are there and it would be then simply a case that it needs to be put together which they would do as quick as because a car sitting stagnant is costing them money as that space could be use for other cars that would be fixed there and then. Does that make sense?

Yes it makes sense, the dealer bodyshop will want to turn it around. I wouldn’t chase them for another update on Monday, there is absolutely nothing they can do to expedite it, and it just takes time for them to deal with.

 

[markjay]

Out of curiosity, how did you end up with Auxillis? Did you take the car to your local franchised Mercedes Benz dealership, and they partner with Auxillis for accident management? The reason for asking is that I am aware that Mercedes Benz UK also offer accident management services, however most dealerships are privately owned and so they are not obliged to use MB' accident management service.

 

[Diana1990]

Yes it makes sense, the dealer bodyshop will want to turn it around. I wouldn’t chase them for another update on Monday, there is absolutely nothing they can do to expedite it, and it just takes time for them to deal with.

True, but from Friday morning to Monday afternoon, things could have shifted from shipped to them being able to track and for instance getting a date, oh it's passed customs, it's currently flying over as we speak. I'm probably worse customer ever because I like daily updates even when there nothing new to report . Pain I may be, but I've got things sorted in quick turnaround because I'm that type of person to chase routinely . I think for me I need some definate confirmation that the part is actually on its way and not weeks away because it's not technically shipped. I had a chrome grill I ordered for brothers old Renault megane years years back where it was difficult to track and source. Found it and was shipped 2 days after ordering. The part arrive like 18 days later and eventually found out that the ship date was actually over week later from when I was told because while it was labelled as shipped, it was merely a barcode generated for DHL rather then physically shipped.

This is why I'm not content to believe it it's actually been shipped to me til you start getting tracking updates of its journeys. Sorry to pain you guys

 

[Diana1990]

Out of curiosity, how did you end up with Auxillis? Did you take the car to your local franchised Mercedes Benz dealership, and they partner with Auxillis for accident management? The reason for asking is that I am aware that Mercedes Benz UK also offer accident management services, however most dealerships are privately owned and so they are not obliged to use MB' accident management service.

So I basically after accident, while I was dealing with the gentleman that hit my car, when I got into my car to move it away from being backed up into his car, the car detected a collision and showed up on screen. I answered yes when it asked and within 20mins Mercedes called me. I couldn't deal with them at time so told them to call back later. During which time I was in contact with my insurance who suggested Auxillis and things were arranged for my insurance go take over repairs. By which time Mercedes called me and I explained. They basically said we can look after everything, we will deal with with the 3rd part insurance and this basically would be the quickest option where my car would be repaired to high standard. Hence I ended up with them. I cancelled the claim with my insurance and have sticked with MB. They convinced me that the parts they used will be genuine Mercedes parts and the authorisation process to get things started would take less then 48hrs whereas my insurance or 3rd part insurance could rake longer, in some cases well over a week, in some cases much more.

 

[markjay]

So I basically after accident, while I was dealing with the gentleman that hit my car, when I got into my car to move it away from being backed up into his car, the car detected a collision and showed up on screen. I answered yes when it asked and within 20mins Mercedes called me. I couldn't deal with them at time so told them to call back later. During which time I was in contact with my insurance who suggested Auxillis and things were arranged for my insurance go take over repairs. By which time Mercedes called me and I explained. They basically said we can look after everything, we will deal with with the 3rd part insurance and this basically would be the quickest option where my car would be repaired to high standard. Hence I ended up with them. I cancelled the claim with my insurance and have sticked with MB. They convinced me that the parts they used will be genuine Mercedes parts and the authorisation process to get things started would take less then 48hrs whereas my insurance or 3rd part insurance could rake longer, in some cases well over a week, in some cases much more.

To clarify, intially you called your own insurer, who proposed Auxillis, but then you cancelled your claim with your insurer, and went with MB accident management instead, who will be managing your claim against the other-party's insurer? If so, who provided the hire car that you have now, Auxillis or MB? If Auxillis, are they aware that you are no longer proceeding with the claim against your own insurer?

 

[Diana1990]

To clarify, intially you called your own insurer, who proposed Auxillis, but then you cancelled your claim with your insurer, and went with MB accident management instead, who will be managing your claim against the other-party's insurer? If so, who provided the hire car that you have now, Auxillis or MB? If Auxillis, are they aware that you are no longer proceeding with the claim against your own insurer?

Yes, my own insurance proposed either Auxillis, or use them but pay excess. I was dubious dealing with the guys insurance direct because they are always gonna work for their own customer over me. I decided Auxillis route because it was simple no fault. But after Mercedes called me after I selected yes been in collision and needed help, they called me and explained there is Styner Drive that could help. Basically MB are repairing my car and sourcing parts. Auxillis are actually paying the invoice and paying for hire car after which they will then claim back from the 3rd party insurance. Or Auxillis basically sends bill to 3rd part insurance, either which they are the ones that gave me the hire car not MB. Yes my insurance who are Bymiles are aware we cancelled the claim with them. In fact the guy at MB explained the situation while I was in showroom, I was getting all worked up so he took over the call and explained they would look after me and that the claim through them can be cancelled. Hope I explained it correctly

 

[markjay]

Yes, my own insurance proposed either Auxillis, or use them but pay excess. I was dubious dealing with the guys insurance direct because they are always gonna work for their own customer over me. I decided Auxillis route because it was simple no fault. But after Mercedes called me after I selected yes been in collision and needed help, they called me and explained there is Styner Drive that could help. Basically MB are repairing my car and sourcing parts. Auxillis are actually paying the invoice and paying for hire car after which they will then claim back from the 3rd party insurance. Or Auxillis basically sends bill to 3rd part insurance, either which they are the ones that gave me the hire car not MB. Yes my insurance who are Bymiles are aware we cancelled the claim with them. In fact the guy at MB explained the situation while I was in showroom, I was getting all worked up so he took over the call and explained they would look after me and that the claim through them can be cancelled. Hope I explained it correctly

By the sound of it, you are using the Synter accident management service, and the Auxillis replacement car service.

The important part is that both Synter and Auxillis know who they are supposed to be claiming their costs from.

You seem unsure whether Synter will be claiming off Auxillis, who will then be claiming off the other-party's insurer, or perhaps Synter will be claiming directly off the other-party's insurer.

And, Auxillis should be made aware that you are no longing claiming off your own insurer, but instead claiming against the other-party's insurer. The fact that you have notified your own insurer (Bymiles) that you will not be proceeding with a claim against your own policy, does not mean that they have notified Auxillis to this effect.

 

[Diana1990]

By the sound of it, you are using the Synter accident management service, and the Auxillis replacement car service.

The important part is that both Synter and Auxillis know who they are supposed to be claiming their costs from.

You seem unsure whether Synter will be claiming off Auxillis, who will then be claiming off the other-party's insurer, or perhaps Synter will be claiming directly off the other-party's insurer.

And, Auxillis should be made aware that you are no longing claiming off your own insurer, but instead claiming against the other-party's insurer. The fact that you have notified your own insurer (Bymiles) that you will not be proceeding with a claim against your own policy, does not mean that they have notified Auxillis to this effect.

Ahhh, okay. Yeh, you highlighted a good point there. If I was to hazard a guess, I would say it's Auxillis footing the bill and recouping from 3rd party. I can reach out to Auxillis to actually understand this all. But definitely Bymiles should have cancelled their claim through Auxillis as I'm now going through Mercedes and Auxillis as opposed to Bymiles and Auxillis. I think Synter accident management service outsources it to Auxillis because looking at there website the number is exact same as the one on Auxillis website.

 

[Diana1990]

We received a ref in regards to the first claim we would have started with, with Auxillis and Bymiles. However that I'm sure was cancelled. We know have a ref with Auxillis and MB.

 

[st13phil]

I understand the desire to have the car repaired as soon as possible, but there is absolutely no benefit to anyone outside the dealer undertaking the repair trying to micro-manage the situation.

So my advice to the OP is to sit back, relax, and let the repair take its course. You appear to have a perfectly adequate loan car, so just keep using it. If it's not suitable for some reason (e.g. it's physically too small to undertake a necessary task that your own car would have accomplished then tell the provider you need something else.

There's also no point giving the dealer an artificial deadline by which to have the work completed. What's the next step if they don't meet it? Pay to have the car transported to another repairer and start all over? And the discussion over pattern parts is an irrelevance. Let them repair it properly with genuine parts that are guaranteed to fit. It really will result in the best possible outcome in the shortest possible timescale.

 

[Diana1990]

I understand the desire to have the car repaired as soon as possible, but there is absolutely no benefit to anyone outside the dealer undertaking the repair trying to micro-manage the situation.

So my advice to the OP is to sit back, relax, and let the repair take its course. You appear to have a perfectly adequate loan car, so just keep using it. If it's not suitable for some reason (e.g. it's physically too small to undertake a necessary task that your own car would have accomplished then tell the provider you need something else.

There's also no point giving the dealer an artificial deadline by which to have the work completed. What's the next step if they don't meet it? Pay to have the car transported to another repairer and start all over? And the discussion over pattern parts is an irrelevance. Let them repair it properly with genuine parts that are guaranteed to fit. It really will result in the best possible outcome in the shortest possible timescale.

I totally agree and understand. The issue lies when you have zero idea when the part will arrive and so forth. Any bodyshop could have it repaired in matter of days using non Mercedes parts. I'm sure millions across the globe don't use branded parts of the same manufacturer and the part be of quality. I've used a pattern bumber on previous car of mine and it fitted perfectly, yes I got it from licenced place. It was only a potential suggestion later down line if MB couldn't give me a estimation of completion. I don't wish today micro manage. But I've done plenty of research about this situation which probably doesn't help me when I overthink . The part they sourcing from Germany, I would like assume MB would have tried sourcing from all it's network within UK first? For instance my friend had a part something to do with its wing mirror for his Ford on back order. He tried a dealership over 70miles away and it was on the shelf. So my question would be, I'd like to assume my local MB dealership (which is Bedford) would have reached out everywhere first before coming to conclusion it needs to be ordered from abroad. Either way, the part got shipped... I would just like some confirmation that this does indeed mean shipped and not barcode generated with no actual despatched date in sight.

 

[JHS]

I am struggling to see the point of this thread.

 

[markjay]

....Any bodyshop could have it repaired in matter of days using non Mercedes parts. I'm sure millions across the globe don't use branded parts of the same manufacturer and the part be of quality. I've used a pattern bumber on previous car of mine and it fitted perfectly, yes I got it from licenced place. It was only a potential suggestion later down line if MB couldn't give me a estimation of completion...

What's a 'licenced place'? Are you referring to a manufacturer-approved body shop? They wouldn't be allowed to use pattern parts, either. On the plus side, using a manufacturer-approved body shop for accident repair means that you won't have a hard time claiming of the anti-perforation warranty (should the need arise in future).

 

[Diana1990]

I am struggling to see the point of this thread.

It's just because this is first time situation for me. And I'm just gathered plenty of other people's views and what not. Yes I've repeated myself and asked stuff several times in different ways but I'm just tad panicky regarding all this. Just because a hire car has been provided doesn't mean I'm like ahh okay, great nothing to worry about. The car has sentimental value plus I barely had it a month before this all happened. You need to understand that some people don't always cope well with certain situations like this. Please be understanding.