urgent advice please - accident - Page 2

BRG190 Pete · 12th January 2008, 15:25

Thanks for all the replies. Starting to feel a little better now. So far, Norwich Union have been very efficient. I had a shaky start as they didn't think my insurance started until tomorrow - but eventually convinced them it began yesterday!

Car's already gone - they've agreed to send it to SMC at West Drayton, which I believe specialises in MGs.

The woman who picked it up reckoned that it will need a new wing and bumper. Do you think SMC will be able to match the paint? It's just the car looked so good and I want it to be just like that again.

The car will also need something doing to the steering, as it's not driving straight.

How long do you think it will take SMC to repair?

Just felt really sad as the car was put on the tow truck - only had it for a total of 4 hours!!!

Another query - the other driver admitted responsibility - he had to, as he was coming out of a side road. But I was thinking of changing insurance companies - renewal at beg of Feb - as Norwich Union quoted ~£650, whereas Morethan were £400. If I have a claim in progress, I assume I may need to stay with NU. So, even though the accident wasn't my fault, it's likely to cost me £250.

BRG190 Pete · 12th January 2008, 15:30

The other driver's excuse was that he couldn't see as the sun was in his eyes. I believe him, as I had noticed myself how low the sun was when I went to pick up the car. Just not sure why he thinks it's acceptable to pull out of a side road if you can't see anything!!

Now my wife says I was horrid to him. TBH, I just couldn't believe it. I just kept saying 'I've only had this car 2 hours'. I'm glad she was with me to take his details because, TBH, I was sat by the side of the road in tears (and I haven't cried for the last 20 years). It's just that the car was so beautiful!

Greeners · 12th January 2008, 15:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by primera man

The other driver's excuse was that he couldn't see as the sun was in his eyes. I believe him, as I had noticed myself how low the sun was when I went to pick up the car. Just not sure why he thinks it's acceptable to pull out of a side road if you can't see anything!!

Now my wife says I was horrid to him. TBH, I just couldn't believe it. I just kept saying 'I've only had this car 2 hours'. I'm glad she was with me to take his details because, TBH, I was sat by the side of the road in tears (and I haven't cried for the last 20 years). It's just that the car was so beautiful!

I really do feel for you. I threw my brand new bike up the road with 4 miles on the clock. I just sat in the road and cried..........

The car will soon be back to it's former glory so try and put it out of your mind.

I think you can nominate the repairer, so you should be able to pick a garage with a good reputation.

Mike · 12th January 2008, 16:05

SMC paintshop has a good reputation - or at least the one at their High Wycombe branch does. I've seen their work and it was good. Generally SMC are OK and if your car is with them then make sure it stays there is my advice!

hth

ragitty · 12th January 2008, 20:52

Sorry to hear about your accident, you must be feeling absolutely furious, I know you were excited about getting your car, just be sure to book it into a decent bodyshop where you know they will do a quality repair, after all you said it was immaculate prior to the incident, so it should come back to you in the same condition.

GERFIX · 13th January 2008, 06:44

Not a great start to new ownership mate. Sorry to hear about it. It was a bad day for the sun in the eyes - just a shame some drivers don't take a bit more caution.

However, as already said by others, I'm sure you will soon be taking great pride in your repaired motor and will soon forget that there has been any damage at all

.

tapped · 13th January 2008, 10:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by primera man

Thanks for all the replies. Starting to feel a little better now. So far, Norwich Union have been very efficient. I had a shaky start as they didn't think my insurance started until tomorrow - but eventually convinced them it began yesterday!

Car's already gone - they've agreed to send it to SMC at West Drayton, which I believe specialises in MGs.

The woman who picked it up reckoned that it will need a new wing and bumper. Do you think SMC will be able to match the paint? It's just the car looked so good and I want it to be just like that again.

The car will also need something doing to the steering, as it's not driving straight.

How long do you think it will take SMC to repair?

Just felt really sad as the car was put on the tow truck - only had it for a total of 4 hours!!!

Another query - the other driver admitted responsibility - he had to, as he was coming out of a side road. But I was thinking of changing insurance companies - renewal at beg of Feb - as Norwich Union quoted ~£650, whereas Morethan were £400. If I have a claim in progress, I assume I may need to stay with NU. So, even though the accident wasn't my fault, it's likely to cost me £250.

Gutted for you!

I was in tears when my 75 got written off. My wife thought it was the shock but I think it was mainly the loss of my car!

What was disgusting was the way the approved bodyshop picked it up. Until they came it looked a possible repair but then they ripped the loose bumper off and scratched both front and back wings heavily

TBH they didn't see a real probelm getting the parts (front and rear bumpers, bonnet and bootlid) but the labour cost brought it to an obscene amount to repair. High cost of hire car contributed too

Don't think that you are stuck with NU. I was with Elephant at the time and was forced to renew because as ti was a total loss the insurance was cancelled by them immediately. I then switched to More Than since my premium absolutley shot up (even though not my fault and liability admitted by third party and confirmed by his insurers) and Elephant were fien about that. That was Jan 05 2007, I am still waiting for the compensation and excess to be paid back!!!!!

So sorry for you. I'll never forget going to collect my things from mine at the bodyshop and finding it stood outside with the windows wide open in the pouring rain....... very sad

BRG190 Pete · 13th January 2008, 15:18

Thanks for all the helpful and sympathetic comments. My wife is now losing patience over my continuing depression. She says it's just a car - I can't convince her how wrong she is!

As I paid over £7k for the car, I would think the cost of parts (bumper, wing, problem with steering) should not be large enough to write it off. But I just hope SMC has the parts available.

I'll try and call them tomorrow and let you know how I get on.

BRG190 Pete · 13th January 2008, 15:20

And I know you invariably get into an argument with your insurance company about the value of your car. But I do have the invoice from the garage and I can't see how a car can depreciate that much in 2 hours!

tapped · 13th January 2008, 20:16

TBH you should be fine. Elephant were a little slow but I got a very good deal out of them in the end, and had a hire car whilst all was being sorted.

They won't write yours off, so it should all go smoothly.

All the best for her speedy journey "back into shape"!

12th January 2008, 16:05	#14
Mike This is my second home Rover 75 V8 Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 3,448 Thanks: 0 Thanked 206 Times in 32 Posts	SMC paintshop has a good reputation - or at least the one at their High Wycombe branch does. I've seen their work and it was good. Generally SMC are OK and if your car is with them then make sure it stays there is my advice! hth __________________ Mike [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

12th January 2008, 20:52	#15
ragitty I really should get out more....... Jeep Cherokee Orvis Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Leicester Posts: 2,666 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Sorry to hear about your accident, you must be feeling absolutely furious, I know you were excited about getting your car, just be sure to book it into a decent bodyshop where you know they will do a quality repair, after all you said it was immaculate prior to the incident, so it should come back to you in the same condition. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Dance like no-ones watching

13th January 2008, 06:44	#16
GERFIX I really should get out more....... MINI COOPER S Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tranent, East Lothian, SCOTLAND Posts: 2,834 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Not a great start to new ownership mate. Sorry to hear about it. It was a bad day for the sun in the eyes - just a shame some drivers don't take a bit more caution. However, as already said by others, I'm sure you will soon be taking great pride in your repaired motor and will soon forget that there has been any damage at all. __________________ .......................................Colin http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...Cooper-S-2.jpg

12th January 2008, 15:25	#11
BRG190 Pete Avid contributor None at the moment Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wokingham Posts: 147 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for all the replies. Starting to feel a little better now. So far, Norwich Union have been very efficient. I had a shaky start as they didn't think my insurance started until tomorrow - but eventually convinced them it began yesterday! Car's already gone - they've agreed to send it to SMC at West Drayton, which I believe specialises in MGs. The woman who picked it up reckoned that it will need a new wing and bumper. Do you think SMC will be able to match the paint? It's just the car looked so good and I want it to be just like that again. The car will also need something doing to the steering, as it's not driving straight. How long do you think it will take SMC to repair? Just felt really sad as the car was put on the tow truck - only had it for a total of 4 hours!!! Another query - the other driver admitted responsibility - he had to, as he was coming out of a side road. But I was thinking of changing insurance companies - renewal at beg of Feb - as Norwich Union quoted ~£650, whereas Morethan were £400. If I have a claim in progress, I assume I may need to stay with NU. So, even though the accident wasn't my fault, it's likely to cost me £250.

12th January 2008, 15:30	#12
BRG190 Pete Avid contributor None at the moment Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wokingham Posts: 147 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The other driver's excuse was that he couldn't see as the sun was in his eyes. I believe him, as I had noticed myself how low the sun was when I went to pick up the car. Just not sure why he thinks it's acceptable to pull out of a side road if you can't see anything!! Now my wife says I was horrid to him. TBH, I just couldn't believe it. I just kept saying 'I've only had this car 2 hours'. I'm glad she was with me to take his details because, TBH, I was sat by the side of the road in tears (and I haven't cried for the last 20 years). It's just that the car was so beautiful!

13th January 2008, 15:18	#18
BRG190 Pete Avid contributor None at the moment Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wokingham Posts: 147 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for all the helpful and sympathetic comments. My wife is now losing patience over my continuing depression. She says it's just a car - I can't convince her how wrong she is! As I paid over £7k for the car, I would think the cost of parts (bumper, wing, problem with steering) should not be large enough to write it off. But I just hope SMC has the parts available. I'll try and call them tomorrow and let you know how I get on.

13th January 2008, 15:20	#19
BRG190 Pete Avid contributor None at the moment Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wokingham Posts: 147 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	And I know you invariably get into an argument with your insurance company about the value of your car. But I do have the invoice from the garage and I can't see how a car can depreciate that much in 2 hours!

13th January 2008, 20:16	#20
tapped Gets stuck in Ex-75 1.8T, 2.5V6 and CDT + ZT 190 & V8! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Warwick Posts: 626 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	TBH you should be fine. Elephant were a little slow but I got a very good deal out of them in the end, and had a hire car whilst all was being sorted. They won't write yours off, so it should all go smoothly. All the best for her speedy journey "back into shape"!