MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Ron, Edition30 on April 30, 2010, 10:16:48 pm
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Builder doing some local work tried to park their Nissan Cabstar flatbed in my boot today. Put their nearside rear corner into my tailgate as they were reverse parallel parking in behind my parked car.
Odd thing is that I'd just gone to have a routine look out of my front window to discover the truck at an angle trying to drive out of my boot :surprised:. Didn't hear it hit and the alarm hadn't gone off either? I banged on the window and by the time I'd got outside he'd gone round the block and parked on the other side of the road. Said he was about to ring my doorbell and explained that his handbrake was dodgy and the truck had rolled back..(hmmm). Foot brake would have helped if that really was what happened. :stupid:
I'm lucky I guess because I'm not sure how it might of turned out if I hadn't happen to see it when I did!
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi660.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu323%2Froned30%2Fe82a7eef.jpg&hash=3148d05882860be92fa05e9f01c9f1ed09dca3ea)
Damage appears to be limited to the tailgate only, lights all working and is still drivable I quess. He was insured and my insurers MoreThan have arranged for GWS bodyworks to collect my car in ten days for assessment and repair. New tailgate I'm presuming, now worried about paint matching etc. Bugger all damage done to the truck of course!
I've been told that my £300 excess is safe and no claim bonus (unprotected & approaching three years) will also be safe. Anyone have any experiences with GWS bodyworks repairs or similar accident claims?
The space he was trying to park in was "6.66" meters (bad omen!) and the cabsters only 4.8 metres long. :stupid:
First accident in the car, other than someone knocking and scratching my wing mirror whilst it was parked and didn't stop to leave a note. Annoys me because I do what I can to reduce the risk of accidents when I'm driving (advanced driving, Roadcraft etc etc). But what can you do when it's parked up other than stand guard over it?
The car has just had a good spring clean as well.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi660.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu323%2Froned30%2F5c1829c7.jpg&hash=8734340fe8e334536cfd40916a9c70df385b4717)
Anyways sorry for the rant. Could have turned out worse I guess.
Comments appreciated.
:sad1:
Ron
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gutted for you mate cars looks stunning...there was a mint silver ed30 boot on ebay if you dont want to risk body shop sprayers
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I have a brand new genuine unused tailgate if you want to buy it? Straight from VW :happy2:
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That's so annoying! I'd be so pi$$ed off.
I assume 'More Than' is his insurers and they want to repair your car at their workshop?
I hate these sorts of insurance dedicated repair shop places. Used them twice before on previous cars fro simple repairs and both times ended up having to go back 3-4 times with lists of 20+ faults on one car! I would personally only allow it to be repaired at either a VW approved bodyshop or a very reputable local repairer that comes recommended. You don't want to invalidate your warranty or jeopardise value come resale time.
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this happened to me, this is what i would do:
1. find your local VW approved repairer (http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/find-a-retailer)
2. contact them and ask them what accident repair company they use.
3. the accident repair company will call you, take the details, provide you with a like for like courtesy car, pay for the repair and claim it back via their insurance.
Your insurance doesn't get involved, you get a decent car, your car gets done at a VW approved repair garage.
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Ouch, that's very harsh mate. I agree with the others though, take it to a proper VW approved place and not just whatever insurance place. Let them know where you are taking it and let them sort it out. Don't let them walk over you and tell you where they're taking the car. Make sure you keep it all under your control and the job'll be done right :happy2:
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Thanks Guys,
MoreThan is my insurance company and they use DWS Bodyworks for repairs. When I called the claim into morethan today, they arranged everything. They got DWS Bodyworks to contact me and arrange a date to pickup the car for assessment and repair. Hire car company called shortly after to arrange that.
New to insurance claims so I don't know what options are available to me in this scenario. I want to make sure the repair is the best possible, done at a highly regarded VW approved bodyshop.
I'm having doubts now regards morethan's own repairers versus an independent VW approved bodyshop. Need to investigate the options now..
Cheers
Ron
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ooh ya fooker :surprised:
whats the bet he would have tried to zoom off if not spotted eh, gutting mate but glad the fix is underway
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Yep that's what I'm thinking. He'd parked up to do a job next door when he hit it but choose to drive off round the block rather than leave it where it was and ring my door.
I'm guessing he drove off but perhaps realised he wouldn't get away with it so came back and parked up opposite.
I'm presuming it's definately a replacement tailgate job aswell. Wouldn't accept a repair of the existing one even if it was possible.
Anyone have any issue/problem free dealings with VW approved bodyshops in London / the South East that they can recommend?
Cheers
Ron
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Y'know, looking at that again, it does seem like it could be beaten out if it's not affected the structure. I'd definitely prefer for it to be original metal as opposed to replaced.
I can recommend VW Martins Bodyshop in Basingstoke. Although they did take their time, their repair job on my Golf was outstanding after my accident, and the quality of the paint was very high (and a seamless match with the original paint).
My brother scored a dent on the flank of his 'rocco, it wasn't as bad as that hatch but they were able to beat it out and looks like new again.
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Thanks cmdrfire, I'll put them on my list of bodyshops to make enquiries with. Want to visit 3 or 4 for estimates and to get a feel for the places.
Being as fussy as I am, the hardest thing I want to let near my bodywork is detailing clay :laugh:. panel beating :sick:
Another angle of the damage below:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi660.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu323%2Froned30%2F15bfd39d.jpg&hash=6063c3e35175425cfb18bb5b3428caea53657315)
Cheers
Ron
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Actually that is quite bad, may not be beatable... if it's done right it's indistinguishable from before, and I certainly prefer using original metal, but the thing to be wary of is people not doing it right (and making it up with filler! :barf: ). In any case that looks like a replacement panel job from this new angle.
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Actually that is quite bad, may not be beatable... if it's done right it's indistinguishable from before, and I certainly prefer using original metal, but the thing to be wary of is people not doing it right (and making it up with filler! :barf: ). In any case that looks like a replacement panel job from this new angle.
i agree its new panel time for the most effective repair :smiley:
in that area once beaten its going to need filler without doubt. then think of all the times youre going to be slamming the boot over time after repair
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i thinkmore than will use top class repairers and if its not to your satisfaction dont accept it back till it is , simple
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there are 2 gti rear doors on ebay both complete with spoiler and glass one is black £70 and the other as paulk said is reflex silver the guy will take £130 for cash. personally i would do it myself than risk a trim to a bodyshop
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Think i would insist or at least ask that the car was repaired by a vw main dealer. Worth a phone call to your insurance company :happy2:
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Surely you should be claiming off HIS insurance and not your own?
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Completely new to insurance claiming. Just contacted my insurance in the first instance to notify them of the accident. I guess generally they would want to know, if say for example I'd claimed directly from his insurance and later got involved in some kind of counter claim.
My Insurance company was quick to kick things into motion with their own repair company though. Didn't tell me what the other options were.
Thanks to everyone here I have a good idea of the options. Looks like I'll try to find a good VW approved bodyshop for a new tailgate and let them pursue the claim directly with the other parties insurance.
Anyone have any experiences with Wayside Bodyshop in Milton Keynes?
Thanks again to all.
Ron
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If you want to find the nearest VW approved bodyshop just use this link http://vwgroup-paintandbody.co.uk/
If anyone tells you they want to attempt to repair that tailgate take them outside and :fighting:
Don't worry about repairs being 'original metal' as the tailgate is a bolt-on panel and will be replaced completely.
If you any issues with any VW approved bodyshop PM me for the mobile number of the VW Paint & Body programme director :wink: :wink:
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Bummer, new boot by boot definatley, lucky nothing else was damaged really.
The thing that annoy me about 3rd party accidents even when fully cleared and accepted by the 3rd party - they still have an effect on your insurance with some insurers.
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JONO76 your a star. Cheers mate.
I'm considering visiting Wayside bodyworks in Milton Keynes for an estimate as one of my options, . That link to the VW group bodyshop finder is great.
Strangely before the accident I'd recently visited VW St Albans and spoke to the warranty manager regarding a cracked middle brake light and replacement windscreen which is delaminating along the bottom edge. Since the rear spoiler is going to need to be removed to replace the middle brake light I'm now hoping that I can tie that work in with the boot repair. Would make sense.
Luckilly I'd already shown the broken tailight to the warranty manager before the accident and they'd agreed to fix it under warranty. I didn't book it in at that time due to a pending holiday. May have been an issue getting it accepted as a warranty repair with the accident damage.
Many thanks
Ron
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did you had to pay for an estimate ??
I had to pay £50 for the estimate. though actually it was like a deposit. They told me that I would get the £50 back once the repair has been carried out. Non the less i was gutted and schocked. It was from a VW approved body shop.
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Not taken the car for any estimates yet, not expecting to pay anything and certainly won't if asked.
How did the repair go at your VW approved bodyshop?
Ron
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not sure though. I'm still waiting approval from both the insurance company and the body shop but at first sight they seem very professional. Got a hot lady working in the office :drool:
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Thats a big spot of bad luck. :sad1:
you are allowed to choose the place of repair, but your insurance company will give you a load of bull about not getting this or that if you do. but it doesn't matter to be honest. As long as you only accept the car 100% perfect then it matters not who got it 100% perfect. :happy2:
Great photo by the way in your first post. :congrats:
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Cheers Top Cat. Getting some great advice on here. Had the bank holiday weekend to get over the initial shock of it and to also get up to speed on my options. Gona start contacting repair places on Tuesday.
Great photo by the way in your first post. :congrats:
Thanks, was due to post a few photos up after my recent detailing session but have lost the enthusiasm for now with all this. I'll soon get over it though and share some more photos. :wink:
Cheers
Ron
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Cheers Top Cat. Getting some great advice on here. Had the bank holiday weekend to get over the initial shock of it and to also get up to speed on my options. Gona start contacting repair places on Tuesday.
Great photo by the way in your first post. :congrats:
Thanks, was due to post a few photos up after my recent detailing session but have lost the enthusiasm for now with all this. I'll soon get over it though and share some more photos. :wink:
Cheers
Ron
As a side note, unless i fix the voting thread for the photo comp, it looks like you are a certain winner. :wink: PM me with your choice of theme for the next comp. :smiley:
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Have a question regarding uninsured losses for anyone with similar experiences. I wondering what options I have for recouping losses such as petrol costs for travelling to repair shops etc for quotes?
Also just done a requote for insurance online with morethan. Declaring the accident adds £60 to my insurance premium with them :sick:. With Admiral it was an additional £200 when declared :sick: :sick:. These increases would apply for 3 to 5 years. Do I have any options for recouping these losses?
Cheers
Ron
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Nothing you can do about your insurance going up I dont think - I'm in the same boat, someone reversed into my car when I wasnt even moving - claim got settled completely on his insurance, in fact I didnt even call mine at the time but somehow this effects me... insurance tax, anyway they can they will put it up.
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Yep the 5 years hike in premiums is so unfair when you were sat in your house. :fighting: All they do is slot you in a certain category which basically means when your broker starts searching for insurers there are less policies available for you . :stupid:
In regards to the other bits claiming fuel and time lost at work, i believe you can make a claim through the. were there is blame there is a claim. Route.
When i was 18 i reversed into a car backing away from a petrol pump after being blocked in. There was not one mark on the Cortina at all, my bumper had lifted a touch on the bracket.
I got a court summons 2 months later for damages totalling £3000 and a £4500 claim for shock and upset damage when her husband brought her car home in such a state. :grin:
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Don't know if my insurance got hiked up . Had my side windows smashed not long ago by a burglar who stole my GPS.
In February, I had a guy at Tesco claiming that I scratched his door lol. The guy was actually in his car sleeping and when I closed/banged my door he freaked out . He came out of his car, took a look and said that I scratched his side door and told me to take a look.
I laughed at him and I told him that my door can't even reach the scratch/spot (opened my door and showed him).
He freaked out and wrote down my plate number. although no use cause I had 'German plates' that day !!! :signLOL:
I told him to **** off and I minded my own business and went buying groceries lol xD
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Hi Guys,
Thought I'd update this thread. Had the car repaired at Acton Coachworks (VW approved) about a month ago. Had a few issues initially with the repair (orange peel in the lacquer, rear window not flush with the tailgate, roof edge spoiler was not refitted in the correct position and the whole tailgate was sitting below roof level by about 5mm). Only concern I thought I'd have before the repair was the new paint color match but this actually looks spot on...
Remedial repair work resolved these issues in the end and was happy with the final result. £1100 repair claimed dirtectly from the 3rd parties insurance who admitted full liability. Before and after pictures below.
Before Repair:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi660.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu323%2Froned30%2F15bfd39d.jpg&hash=6063c3e35175425cfb18bb5b3428caea53657315)
After Repair:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi660.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu323%2Froned30%2F267ba63c.jpg&hash=bc57908f1af09fed45f0d195ed3c48777d196a88)
Then two days ago I was stationary at a red traffic signal when a bicyclist rode straight into the back of the car. He's put four small dents in the new tailgate with his handlebars and a couple of small scratches :sick:. No witnesses to the incident either.
He apologised etc etc, said his back brake had a problem??!?, I have his details and he has said he will pay for the repairs. I'm now looking at repair quotes. Went back to Acton coachworks for a repair estimate. £900 repair requiring a full respray!!! Had another estimate from another VW bodyshop saying £85 for the dents removal and £25 paint touchup.
Anyone have any views on paintless dent removal for the damage below? Currently waiting for a few more VW approved bodyshops to get back to me with estimates.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi660.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu323%2Froned30%2F24bac91d.jpg&hash=522aa2cf3121723c4813f932262c3c6fd56cf40a)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi660.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu323%2Froned30%2F5bdd06a8.jpg&hash=7bd7dcacd163e59f66d48f94d9a04766d63d4b46)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi660.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu323%2Froned30%2Fbea6e776.jpg&hash=c3127fde0aeb1b15b682480b3bced3ecf3134320)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi660.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu323%2Froned30%2F6f0aabab.jpg&hash=57af4712c6cbe03c34cfffd4984de6f59d59ac30)
I am hoping that a paintless dent removal repair will sort these out without needing a full respray, it would be a nightmare to claim from him for a full respray. Claiming through my insurance is not a viable option either as it would be cheaper for me to pay for the full respray repair out of my own pocket, rather than take the £300 excess hit and potential 3 years NCB suspension if he disputed liability.
Any views on the damage and repair would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ron
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Feel for you - having a bit of bad luck :sad1: I would be getting in touch with the person and be totally honest and up front about the two quotes that you have and where things currently lie. Is there any mileage in getting an agreement in writing about him paying for the dent removal and subsequent touch up - if they do a good job, end of story if it is not considered acceptable then paying the difference to then have the full repair done. I would have though from seeing the pictures of those dents that a good bodyshop may well be able to pull them successfully. It is giving him options and recognising a way forward but if he has clearly stated a problem with his brakes then it's clear cut where the blame lies, though getting an adequate resolution may well be tough - all depends on the good nature/morality of the cyclist.
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:sad1: Feel sorry for you but a bit of a note,
I had my car done a few weeks back by a dent remover and did a fantastic job on most but level with the VW boot badge there is an inside support, although the dent in my car was in the same place it's 90% out but not 100% perfect but i couldn't complain at £60 for the full car to be done.
Hope you get it sorted
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Thanks DomT, at the roadside I had told him that it just had a new tailgate fitted for £1000, this left him with the impression that that is what it was gona cost him, so he's now being carefull about what he says and won't formally admit liability.
I have said as I presumed that the damage could be repaired reasonably cheaply, however got quite a shock with the £900 repair estimate and them saying that just a dent removal and paint touchup would not be to VW standards for this specific damage. £100 paintless dent removal bill would be alot easier to get him to agree.
Hoping that it can all be fixed without a costly respray.
P80RSY thanks, I also have my old tailgate which I kept as an old panel to practise on when I eventually get a polisher. Had a look behind and the areas of the dents are accessible from the inside once the trims off.
Cheers
Ron
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If the areas are accessible then i'd say thet you would be 100% happy with a good dent remover, i has some taken out that were really bad and was happy with the results.
Good luck getting it sorted
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The VW dealers round my area use Dent Devils i believe. Ask them.
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They will take those dents out with ease, I'd definately take that route!!!
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I think those dents will come out okay, as long as there's no deep scratching of paint you shouldn't notice.
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Why are these idiots trying to sabotage your beautiful motor!!!
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I have had three dents removed by the dent magician and found them really good.my advice is try them first and then decide if you require a respray on the tailgate .
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I am sure a dent man will be able to remove those dents .... but if not the cyclist is going to have to pay !
He can keep quiet about liability as much as he likes .... the fact is he went into the back of you .... so it is down to him.
Is he insured ? I am through a cycling organisation .... it comes free with membership ....
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At the end of the day he has no Insurance as such so I'm afraid you may have to bite the bullet and go the cheaper route and hope for the best as there will be no way your going to get £1000 out of a cyclist when there was no independant witness! :sad1:
Feel for you dude but just put it down to experiance and move on! :happy2: