Yet another accident

[markjay]

...I drove the car to Mercedes and Styner took over. My insurance isn't even aware. Once again Auxillis footing bill and will recoup back from 3rd party...

This means that the accident management firm was appointed by the dealer, not the insurer, but in either case you're going through a middleman.

This will work OK for you if:

(a) The other party is insured, and;

(b) The other party admits liability to his own insurer, and his insurer accepts his admission of liability

But if the other party is uninsured, or they change their version of events when they talk to their own insurer, or their insurer rejects their admission of fault, then the use of an accident management firm can backfire badly. Keep in mind that their contract usually states (in the small print, obviously) that you are liable for all costs - including their fee - in the event that the other party's insurer does not pay out.

But, again, if the other party is insured and admits liability then this should work out OK (like it did last time, presumably).

 

[markjay]

The car is definitely repairable. It's a question of cost. If they declare write off, I'll just take the payout but still get Mercedes to repair the car anyway. That's my back up place at present

That's not how I would do this.

If you want the car written off, then the dealer is the best place to take it, because their quote will be significantly higher than generic body shops.

If you want the car repaired but not written off, a better option might be to let the other party's insurer provide an estimate using their own approved repairer, the cost will be cheaper that way and the car is less likely to be written off. Also, insurers usually offer a warranty for the repair if done by their own repairer (though the dealer should obviously also offer their own warranty for the repair).

But if you want the car written off then buy it back from the insurer and repair it with your own money, then the dealer is absolutely the worst place to have it repaired at. Once you agree a write-off compensation figure with the insurer, take your car away from the dealer and book it in at a trusted body shop, it will work out much cheaper.

 

[AMGeed]

Unfortunately, your £17k car will be worth a lot less once it is categorized as a Cat N or S.
OK if you're keeping it long term but an early sale will reduce its value a lot.

 

[Diana1990]

This means that the accident management firm was appointed by the dealer, not the insurer, but in either case you're going through a middleman.

This will work OK for you if:

(a) The other party is insured, and;

(b) The other party admits liability to his own insurer, and his insurer accepts his admission of liability

But if the other party is uninsured, or they change their version of events when they talk to their own insurer, or their insurer rejects their admission of fault, then the use of an accident management firm can backfire badly. Keep in mind that their contract usually states (in the small print, obviously) that you are liable for all costs - including their fee - in the event that the other party's insurer does not pay out.

But, again, if the other party is insured and admits liability then this should work out OK (like it did last time, presumably).

Well first of all, I was at roundabout ready to turn left. The guy behind me basically wasn't looking ahead but to oncoming cars to right and just accelerated forward at quite a heavy pace and whacked into me. There was no gap at all for me to turn left due to oncoming cars. It's the simplest form of the driver behind at fault. He even admitted to me he wasn't looking ahead. He can scream all day long not his fault, but it is and every insurance will see that. And not to mention that his insurance Admiral have admitted liability already as per my contact at Mercedes where they have been informed the 3rd party is to blame and admitted fault. It's a simple and easy clear case like last time so I forsee no issues. And once again like last time I clarified everything before agreeing, if the 3rd party are stupid enough to deny liability, I'm only liable if I made fraudulent claim to which I have not. I'm not worried at all. My only worry was if the car was deemed write off to which it hasn't.

 

[markjay]

Well first of all, I was at roundabout ready to turn left. The guy behind me basically wasn't looking ahead but to oncoming cars to right and just accelerated forward at quite a heavy pace and whacked into me. There was no gap at all for me to turn left due to oncoming cars. It's the simplest form of the driver behind at fault. He even admitted to me he wasn't looking ahead. He can scream all day long not his fault, but it is and every insurance will see that. And not to mention that his insurance Admiral have admitted liability already as per my contact at Mercedes where they have been informed the 3rd party is to blame and admitted fault. It's a simple and easy clear case like last time so I forsee no issues. And once again like last time I clarified everything before agreeing, if the 3rd party are stupid enough to deny liability, I'm only liable if I made fraudulent claim to which I have not. I'm not worried at all. My only worry was if the car was deemed write off to which it hasn't.

Seems you got it all covered. Best of luck.

 

[ALFAitalia]

The bit I don't understand is why the third parties insurance is happy to pay so much to fix it... when clearly, from your info, it's at or close to the value of the car..... something that insurance companies just don't do these days. It's all very well Auxillis authorising the work...but its not their decision and they are not paying the bill. The insurance company will only pay a bill that's fair and reasonable .... so why should they pay a bill that sounds like it will cost them rather more than writing it off and selling it on. It all sounds rather sus....or I'm missing something obvious..... which is quite possible! My 2 day old to me GSXR1000 (cost about £6000 at the time) was written off with a £3250 repair cost..... which is what I expected... and what I wanted to be honest. That's much more usual than paying big money to fix a vehicle.

 

[markjay]

The bit I don't understand is why the third parties insurance is happy to pay so much to fix it... when clearly, from your info, it's at or close to the value of the car..... something that insurance companies just don't do these days. It's all very well Auxillis authorising the work...but its not their decision and they are not paying the bill. The insurance company will only pay a bill that's fair and reasonable .... so why should they pay a bill that sounds like it will cost them rather more than writing it off and selling it on. It all sounds rather sus....or I'm missing something obvious..... which is quite possible! My 2 day old to me GSXR1000 (cost about £6000 at the time) was written off with a £3250 repair cost..... which is what I expected... and what I wanted to be honest. That's much more usual than paying big money to fix a vehicle.

They are an accident management firm:

Auxillis ltd

If you have been involved in a non-fault accident, Auxillis can help to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

www.auxillis.com

They earn their living mainly by providing a 'free' hire car to the no-fault party then charging the insurer an extortionate price for it.

I had a fallout with one such firm when months later they tried harassing me because Direct Line didn't pay them back (some insurers take a hard stance with these companies). I got rid of them eventually, but it took a few back-and-forth letters and phone calls to sort out. Since then, I will only accept a hire car arranged directly by the other party's insurer. Lesson learnt. Yes some people are blissfully unaware of the pitfalls.

 

[Diana1990]

I

The bit I don't understand is why the third parties insurance is happy to pay so much to fix it... when clearly, from your info, it's at or close to the value of the car..... something that insurance companies just don't do these days. It's all very well Auxillis authorising the work...but its not their decision and they are not paying the bill. The insurance company will only pay a bill that's fair and reasonable .... so why should they pay a bill that sounds like it will cost them rather more than writing it off and selling it on. It all sounds rather sus....or I'm missing something obvious..... which is quite possible! My 2 day old to me GSXR1000 (cost about £6000 at the time) was written off with a £3250 repair cost..... which is what I expected... and what I wanted to be honest. That's much more usual than paying big money to fix a vehicle.

At present I don't think the 3rd party are aware of the cost involved. All that's been agreed is they are admitting full liability on behalf of their customer and they are aware Auxillis are managing the entire process. They'll see the invoice once repairs are completed. They'll probably only see bill once they get it which I suspect would be in at least months time. Yes chances are they will contest it, I mean I would and they have every right too. But end result will be same.... I won't be liable for anything unless I've been fraudulent. Chances of this going court are slim as they will usually settle outside of it. My last accident, I found out my hire care was costing £209 per day, which is awful. And that was Audi A1. I've now been given Audi A3 sport so cost per day will be higher. I for one don't care about what hire car I have, just wanted one to get to A to B. I'm in agreement, the charges are awful when it comes to their hire cars. The 3rd party insurance then paid, no question and I had no comebacks, everything was settled two weeks after I picked my car up. Maybe cause the car thar hit my parked car was BT company car and rather then fight they'll pay big bucks. I just think it's Auxillis, they are over confident and pig headed so will pay whatever. I'm not sure on repair cost as yet but I've been told it's massive. So if kadt year was nearly 12k to fix... This time round with more damage and more parts being replaced, I just assuming it's around the 14...15k mark.

'The car wont be written off for this repair but it is a very large repair.'

This is what Mercedes said yesterday to me. I also am assuming the value of my car is either holding well or gone up. After looking through Mercedes and their approved used cars.... Cars identical to mine ie trim and roughly same millage... I'm seeing them costing £18.5k right up to £20k..... I don't spot one less then 18.5 unless you're looking at auto trader which is probably not where insurance go to work out value of car

Not to sound nasty or cold, but I don't care that 3rd party has to pay. Their customer was definitely on side of careless driving. And fully admitted to me he wasn't lookin and this was with his 3yr old son in car . He's a sole trader, his insurance now will sky rocket.

 

[oldguy57]

They are an accident management firm:

Auxillis ltd

If you have been involved in a non-fault accident, Auxillis can help to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

www.auxillis.com

They earn their living mainly by providing a 'free' hire car to the no-fault party then charging the insurer an extortionate price for it.

I had a fallout with one such firm when months later they tried harassing me because Direct Line didn't pay them back (some insurers take a hard stance with these companies). I got rid of them eventually, but it took a few back-and-forth letters and phone calls to sort out. Since then, I will only accept a hire car arranged directly by the other party's insurer. Lesson learnt. Yes some people are blissfully unaware of the pitfalls.

Yes that's exactly the problem when dealing with accident management companies. I would never take the risk of using one due to the danger of overinflated unrecoverable costs landing back on me. Very much like these "no win no fee" rogue solicitors where you get landed with a vast amount of costs (but not "fees"). But then having spent decades in the insurance claim game I know what to do but I get why some see it as a hassle free option which it can be.

 

[Diana1990]

But you should only be worried if you have lied or made fraudulent claim. If you've been truthful as I have then there is nothing to hide. I've heard more good stories then bad regarding Auxillis.

 

[markjay]

The OP has used this particular accident management company before and is clearly happy with their service, and so things will likely be fine.

But for the benefit of others reading the posts in this thread and who might find themselves in a similar situation - beware, it isn't always plain sailing.

See for example:

Management Claim Company No Fault Claim Going To Court

My friends are quite old and had an accident where a car ran into back of them as they were stationary trying to leave a multi storey car park.

forums.moneysavingexpert.com

My own experience was similar, BTW.

 

[Diana1990]

Yes.... What's been said and I agree. It's more frustrating then anything because, if they want to recover their costs then yes you need to help. It doesn't matter if you have £10 in savings or £100k...that bares no relevance at all. If you needed a hire car, you need it regardless if its prestige car or not. Personally I don't care what car I have at all. But I do get that it's wholly wrong they charge such high rates, it's not gentlemen like at all. But businessess are ruthless these days and are only out for money. Could I afford my own hire car? Yes, should I pay for it as it was 3rd party fault... Then no. Why should I pay anything.

 

[DSM10000]

I

At present I don't think the 3rd party are aware of the cost involved. All that's been agreed is they are admitting full liability on behalf of their customer and they are aware Auxillis are managing the entire process. They'll see the invoice once repairs are completed. They'll probably only see bill once they get it which I suspect would be in at least months time. Yes chances are they will contest it, I mean I would and they have every right too. But end result will be same.... I won't be liable for anything unless I've been fraudulent. Chances of this going court are slim as they will usually settle outside of it. My last accident, I found out my hire care was costing £209 per day, which is awful. And that was Audi A1. I've now been given Audi A3 sport so cost per day will be higher. I for one don't care about what hire car I have, just wanted one to get to A to B. I'm in agreement, the charges are awful when it comes to their hire cars. The 3rd party insurance then paid, no question and I had no comebacks, everything was settled two weeks after I picked my car up. Maybe cause the car thar hit my parked car was BT company car and rather then fight they'll pay big bucks. I just think it's Auxillis, they are over confident and pig headed so will pay whatever. I'm not sure on repair cost as yet but I've been told it's massive. So if kadt year was nearly 12k to fix... This time round with more damage and more parts being replaced, I just assuming it's around the 14...15k mark.

'The car wont be written off for this repair but it is a very large repair.'

This is what Mercedes said yesterday to me. I also am assuming the value of my car is either holding well or gone up. After looking through Mercedes and their approved used cars.... Cars identical to mine ie trim and roughly same millage... I'm seeing them costing £18.5k right up to £20k..... I don't spot one less then 18.5 unless you're looking at auto trader which is probably not where insurance go to work out value of car

Not to sound nasty or cold, but I don't care that 3rd party has to pay. Their customer was definitely on side of careless driving. And fully admitted

Yes.... What's been said and I agree. It's more frustrating then anything because, if they want to recover their costs then yes you need to help. It doesn't matter if you have £10 in savings or £100k...that bares no relevance at all. If you needed a hire car, you need it regardless if its prestige car or not. Personally I don't care what car I have at all. But I do get that it's wholly wrong they charge such high rates, it's not gentlemen like at all. But businessess are ruthless these days and are only out for money. Could I afford my own hire car? Yes, should I pay for it as it was 3rd party fault... Then no. Why should I pay anything.

But the third party insurance company should be paying for the hire care etc directly.

Using a claims company just increases premiums for all.

 

[DSM10000]

Unfortunately, your £17k car will be worth a lot less once it is categorized as a Cat N or S.
OK if you're keeping it long term but an early sale will reduce its value a lot.

If it isn't written off then no Category will be recorded.

 

[Diana1990]

Well they do but not directly as you know. Auxillis pays out the goes after the 3rd party. Everything and everyone increases premiums unfortunately. We don't even have to do anything and still goes up.

 

[BTB 500]

Everything and everyone increases premiums unfortunately.

And unfortunately a non-fault accident (which as mentioned you are obliged to declare to any insurer covering you as a driver) can affect your premium and/or future quotes.

My wife got shunted in her Audi while slowing down to turn left into a side road. Other party accepted full liability, hire car provided, car repaired, all good. But the next renewal on my car (which she was a named driver for) was significantly higher, and when I queried this I was told it was the result of her non-fault accident. Policy on this does vary from one company to another and I was able to get cover somewhere else for a lot less, so it worked out OK in the end. Someone else I knew had two non-fault accidents (both rear-end collisions settled in full by the other party). The first didn't affect her premium, but the second one did.

 

[TC350]

You need to inform your Insurer regardless of the fact that you are not claiming from them.

Does that mean I should have informed my insurance company when a kid threw open their door next to my car and put a ding in it? The mum paid the £192 for Dent Devils to do a perfect repair. A totally different level of damage of course, but where (if anywhere) should a line be drawn?

 

[DSM10000]

Well they do but not directly as you know. Auxillis pays out the goes after the 3rd party. Everything and everyone increases premiums unfortunately. We don't even have to do anything and still goes up.

True but the method you are choosing does increase premium more 1

Does that mean I should have informed my insurance company when a kid threw open their door next to my car and put a ding in it? The mum paid the £192 for Dent Devils to do a perfect repair. A totally different level of damage of course, but where (if anywhere) should a line be drawn

Clearly with the OP here we are discussing substantial damage requiring significant repairs and those are being funded by an Insurer.

Check terms and conditions of your own policy regarding reporting and go with that. In your case I would not have reported it as there is no way for your insurer to have known.

The OP's Insurer has access to insurance records.

 

[Diana1990]

Well my insurance are technically now aware as I'm insured with By Miles and I just notified them the tracker could be unplugged at any point, when they asked why I explained. So notification now made to them.

I'm aware choosing this option increases premiums more then any other route.... But we'd not be in this position of people paid more attention to the roads. Yes accidents happen, I totally understand. But most are due to careless driving. Being to close, not actually looking and being inpatient. I tether be late to a party or appt the rush and cause an accident.

 

[TC350]

This time round with more damage and more parts being replaced, I just assuming it's around the 14...15k mark.

Guessing repair costs when you're not in the business is as hit and miss (sorry, pun intended) as guessing Winning lottery numbers.

About six years ago my wife did the roundabout shunt in our C-class when she thought the car in front of her was going to pull out. She told me on the phone that it was only minor damage. It looked more than minor to me. When I put it into Mercedes for repair it finished up costing £4,760. That included a new bonnet, headlamp and radiator grill. I would have expected more, but it was a superb job done by the specialists selected by Mercedes. (The only downside was that they gave me a tiny Smart ForFour as a courtesy car!) Perhaps your damage repair isn't going to be anywhere near as bad as you suspect - hence the acceptance to go ahead with it.

Everything was done through my insurance company (I've no idea what the repair costs were for the other car.) Despite all the tales of doom and gloom about such things, my insurance premium didn't go up at the next renewal by any more than all insurances were going up everywhere. Even though I was (and still am) paying a small premium increase to protect our no-claims bonus, I fully expected them to dramatically increase the basic rate - but clearly they didn't. Maybe I was lucky, or maybe I always try to get the best (as in most reliable) insurance cover for things.