Yet another accident

[markjay]

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?

I suppose that in theory the answer is yes, though on a practical level most people do not bother.

 

[Diana1990]

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.

Did Mercedes themselves carry out their repair?

I am guessing at this stage but I'm basing this on previous accident where a front bumper, left headlight and rear bumper and all labour costs amounted to just under 12k. I saw the bill myself when I picked the car and it was £11,700 or something so just under 12k. Now.... Having to replace the tailgate....rear bumper, back panel plus the right light... Surely that's going to cost more? The damage as you can see is major and nothing compared to the one last year. Hence I'm guessing the price. Unless the actual repair and labour was less then the 12k and there was added stuff included which doesn't get accounted for when authorising a claim?

 

[TC350]

Did Mercedes themselves carry out their repair?

I am guessing at this stage but I'm basing this on previous accident where a front bumper, left headlight and rear bumper and all labour costs amounted to just under 12k. I saw the bill myself when I picked the car and it was £11,700 or something so just under 12k. Now.... Having to replace the tailgate....rear bumper, back panel plus the right light... Surely that's going to cost more? The damage as you can see is major and nothing compared to the one last year. Hence I'm guessing the price. Unless the actual repair and labour was less then the 12k and there was added stuff included which doesn't get accounted for when authorising a claim?

No, Mercedes didn’t do the work themselves. The group that my dealership is part of don’t do bodywork repairs. They arranged for it to be done at a specialist bodyshop that covers SE England.

You may well be right with your estimate. The good thing is that it doesn’t matter to you and you’ll get your car back.

 

[DSM10000]

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.

That's an argument for insurance, not Accident management companies

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.

That's a reason for insurance cover though. Not for the use of 3rd party accident management companies is it?

 

[MSG2004]

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.

I'm sorry to hear about your accident, the second one. I can sympathise as I've has three hit and runs over the years and another two as I stood
waiting for lights to change to green

Sadly, incompetence, ignorance and arrogance are the hallmarks of many socially inept drivers. These drivers are often too pre-occupied to getting from A 2 B as fast as they can. Then the same idiots are more often than not f -ing about with their mobile phone, sat nav, smoking, eating and driving right up the **** of the driver in front, Yes, they will claim you stopped too soon/quickly etc and delusionally/maliciously ignore their own gross incompetence/dangerous/careless driving. These same drivers very often can't be **** to indicate at turnings/roundabouts, ignore speed limits and many of them often have an unroadworthy vehicle.

Yes, we can all get out and make a mistake but there are too many dangerous parasites around that insist on driving up your rear bumper for no other reason other than to try and intimidate the driver in front and pretend to be the better driver.

I've often thought of getting a dash-cam and a rear cam - the only reason I don't is I'm not good at new gadgets and knowing me, I'd lose the important footage. There have been many times I wish I had a dash and rea cam and then report these careless drivers to the cops.

I'm not sure what reg/value is of your machine but If its sub 35k I'm feeling a righ-off here.

Good luck.

 

[Diana1990]

I'm sorry to hear about your accident, the second one. I can sympathise as I've has three hit and runs over the years and another two as I stood
waiting for lights to change to green

Sadly, incompetence, ignorance and arrogance are the hallmarks of many socially inept drivers. These drivers are often too pre-occupied to getting from A 2 B as fast as they can. Then the same idiots are more often than not f -ing about with their mobile phone, sat nav, smoking, eating and driving right up the **** of the driver in front, Yes, they will claim you stopped too soon/quickly etc and delusionally/maliciously ignore their own gross incompetence/dangerous/careless driving. These same drivers very often can't be **** to indicate at turnings/roundabouts, ignore speed limits and many of them often have an unroadworthy vehicle.

Yes, we can all get out and make a mistake but there are too many dangerous parasites around that insist on driving up your rear bumper for no other reason other than to try and intimidate the driver in front and pretend to be the better driver.

I've often thought of getting a dash-cam and a rear cam - the only reason I don't is I'm not good at new gadgets and knowing me, I'd lose the important footage. There have been many times I wish I had a dash and rea cam and then report these careless drivers to the cops.

I'm not sure what reg/value is of your machine but If its sub 35k I'm feeling a righ-off here.

Good luck.

It's rubbish situation. My Mercedes is a 20 plate. But repairs are authorised and parts have now been ordered as from this morning so no write off. Car upon looking at Mercedes approved are averaging at 18.5 to 20k. These are like for like with same trim and same amount of miles.

 

[Diana1990]

Update, a parts will arrive by tomorrow. However the back panel is back ordered. That dreaded phrase I didn't want to hear I now have. However my front bumber was back ordered and within 24hrs I heard it was shipped. No idea now how long I could be waiting, but my personal opinion is that panels and bumpers are usually the thing replaced most due to accidents so I'm hoping and would gauge back ordered parts such as these are too much of a wait. Seems all mechanical parts and electronic parts are the worst for back order. What's your view guys?

 

[Pontoneer]

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.

I have used these companies a couple of times , but declined the offer of a hire car as I usually have more than one car . Equally , around the extended family there are normally a couple of spare cars .

You can’t be obliged to accept a hire car if you don’t need it .

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Sorry to hear your most recent news.

I'm hoping and would gauge back ordered parts such as these are too much of a wait. Seems all mechanical parts and electronic parts are the worst for back order. What's your view guys?

Luck of the draw I’ m afraid. It could arrive tomorrow like last time or it could be months, it really depends upon the reason the part is not available and how long it’s not been available.

 

[Diana1990]

Sorry to hear your most recent news.

Luck of the draw I’ m afraid. It could arrive tomorrow like last time or it could be months, it really depends upon the reason the part is not available and how long it’s not been available.

Well, the next day I was then told this by Mercedes:

"I have spoken to parts this morning and luckily the back panel has now been reserved even though the system said no stock yesterday!

This hasn’t been shipped though so we are waiting on a date for that but it should be in few days times"

By this logic I can only assume one is now available, can't reserve an item that isn't there right lol...

 

[markjay]

I have used these companies a couple of times , but declined the offer of a hire car as I usually have more than one car . Equally , around the extended family there are normally a couple of spare cars .

You can’t be obliged to accept a hire car if you don’t need it .

The hire car is where theur income comes from.... I wonder how they get paid otherwise? A commission from the garage is they arrange the repair?

 

[E55BOF]

Personally I wouldn't go near an accident management company - doing so puts up premiums for everybody; they don't get their income from the magic money tree, somebody else's insurer pays an inflated price for it. Next time it could be the OP's insurer paying out...

I can't really blame the OP for her apparent selfishness, though, because I have the luxury of more than one car, so I wouldn't need a replacement while mine is being repaired. Two accidents in one year, albeit both no-fault, will almost certainly lead to a loading on her renewal premium, though; apparently actuarial statistics show that people who have accidents are at an increased risk of having another, full stop.

 

[Diana1990]

Personally I wouldn't go near an accident management company - doing so puts up premiums for everybody; they don't get their income from the magic money tree, somebody else's insurer pays an inflated price for it. Next time it could be the OP's insurer paying out...

I can't really blame the OP for her apparent selfishness, though, because I have the luxury of more than one car, so I wouldn't need a replacement while mine is being repaired. Two accidents in one year, albeit both no-fault, will almost certainly lead to a loading on her renewal premium, though; apparently actuarial statistics show that people who have accidents are at an increased risk of having another, full stop.

Selfishness? Beg your pardon. Bit rude.

I chose Auxillis specifically due to last time being such a easy process. We'd not be in this spot if careless drivers didn't drive. FULL STOP

 

[DSM10000]

Selfishness? Beg your pardon. Bit rude.

I chose Auxillis specifically due to last time being such a easy process. We'd not be in this spot if careless drivers didn't drive. FULL STOP

You didn't have to use an accident management service the time though.

Your last comment is rather ridiculous. Are you suggesting that there is a cohort of "careless drivers" that could be identified and prevented from driving?

Are you telling us that you have never made a mistake whilst driving (regardless of it causing an accident or not)?

 

[Diana1990]

You didn't have to use an accident management service the time though.

Your last comment is rather ridiculous. Are you suggesting that there is a cohort of "careless drivers" that could be identified and prevented from driving?

Are you telling us that you have never made a mistake whilst driving (regardless of it causing an accident or not)?

I didn't have to, no. But changes of car being written off with just 3rd party was much much higher or being fixed with non genuine parts. I was well looked after last time and the whole process was sooo smooth it caused me no issues.

There are millions of drivers who simply aren't paying attention. My first one last year, I totally get. He accidentally put car into drive as opposed to reserve and whacked into my car. This time, the man fully admitted to not looking at all at car in front, ie me. And this is with his child in the front seat. Mistakes happen yes, but if you're consciously not paying attention, you are asking for trouble the second you start your car up.

I have had a accident, totally my fault many many years back, I was totally careless. I was young and stupid and I was texting and slightly bumped the car in front. Thankfully we sorted it privately, but that was my fault completely and I was careless. Point is mistakes will always happen, but don't drive a car if you know full well you aren't 100% committed to paying attention.

 

[HappytalkAgain]

……I was texting and slightly bumped the car in front.

……Point is mistakes will always happen, but don't drive a car if you know full well you aren't 100% committed to paying attention.

I wish DrFeelgood was still around.

 

[Diana1990]

Haha. Point made. But I was stupid then and I fully admit it. Now I refuse to look at phone and will only answer if I can pull up somewhere safe.

 

[DSM10000]

I didn't have to, no. But changes of car being written off with just 3rd party was much much higher or being fixed with non genuine parts. I was well looked after last time and the whole process was sooo smooth it caused me no issues.

There are millions of drivers who simply aren't paying attention. My first one last year, I totally get. He accidentally put car into drive as opposed to reserve and whacked into my car. This time, the man fully admitted to not looking at all at car in front, ie me. And this is with his child in the front seat. Mistakes happen yes, but if you're consciously not paying attention, you are asking for trouble the second you start your car up.

I have had a accident, totally my fault many many years back, I was totally careless. I was young and stupid and I was texting and slightly bumped the car in front. Thankfully we sorted it privately, but that was my fault completely and I was careless. Point is mistakes will always happen, but don't drive a car if you know full well you aren't 100% committed to paying attention.

Again, you last comment is pointless.

Accidents happen. Did you "know full well" you were not 100 % committed" to paying attention when you caused an accident or do those criteria only apply to others? .

I suggest that yuu read your comments more carefully before posting as you are defeating your own argument.

Anyway, I have seen enough of this thread, it really has run it's course.

Your car was damaged , it is being fixed END OF

 

[E55BOF]

I didn't have to, no. But changes of car being written off with just 3rd party was much much higher or being fixed with non genuine parts. I was well looked after last time and the whole process was sooo smooth it caused me no issues.

There are millions of drivers who simply aren't paying attention. My first one last year, I totally get. He accidentally put car into drive as opposed to reserve and whacked into my car. This time, the man fully admitted to not looking at all at car in front, ie me. And this is with his child in the front seat. Mistakes happen yes, but if you're consciously not paying attention, you are asking for trouble the second you start your car up.

I have had a accident, totally my fault many many years back, I was totally careless. I was young and stupid and I was texting and slightly bumped the car in front. Thankfully we sorted it privately, but that was my fault completely and I was careless. Point is mistakes will always happen, but don't drive a car if you know full well you aren't 100% committed to paying attention.

Of course you were. Others paid for it, not you.

The cause of the accident is irrelevant; the other driver will not suffer greater penalty than if you had not used an accident claims management company. If everybody did that, insurance premiums would be much higher.

That doesn't concern you? Selfishness; that's what I said, and that's what I meant. Rude? Well, you think so, anyway. Accurate? I'll let others judge.

 

[markjay]

I didn't have to, no. But changes of car being written off with just 3rd party was much much higher or being fixed with non genuine parts...

That's not a thing.... not when claiming off the other party's insurer in a no-fault accident. In these circumstances, the other party's insurer cannot tell you where to get your car repaired, or what parts to use.

However, you do have a point, in that the other-party's insurer would have tried to entice you to leave the repair to them - they would have offered you to collect the vehicle from your home and bring it back repaired, with a guarantee for the repair.

The issue is that two many gullible drivers are unable to simply say "No thank you", which would be the end of the conversation, instead they are pressurised into accepting the insurer's 'generous' offer and let hem deal with the repair using their own accident repair centres.