Had an accident

[brandonia]

Alright folks, had an accident last week. The photos of the damage are below.

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=214ay3p&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2lm2xxi&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2ntbjg8&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1190ac0&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=f34ydz&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=zv5zyt&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=301j6f5&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=21mgtx0&s=6

From what I can see, the front bumper and bonnet will need replacing, as will the grilles at the front, the sides are fine however with no damage to the wheels. The radiator will need replacing too but it doesn't appear there is any damage behind that.

My main question is, firstly - How much are the repairs likely to cost? Secondly (mainly) will it be written off by my insurer?? I'd rather it not be written-off, its a Mk 5 VW Golf GT TDI. Currently worth about £5,000.

My knowledge of bodywork and vehicle mechanics isn't great, so a professional opinion is welcome.

 

[wingcoax]

From past experience, you would probably be better off not going through your insurance, as they will probably write it off. Find a local garage/mechanic and ask him. It will almost certainly work out cheaper when you take in the excess and loss of no claims.

 

[brandonia]

If the insurer wants to write it off then I plan on buying it back and get it fixed myself.

Had I gone alone in the first place though wouldn't I be looking at a bill upwards of £2000??

 

[Mursal]

From the pictures the car is an insurance right off (CAT C).

Settle for full book value in money (not a replacement) and not a penny less

If you decide not to claim and go for a fix. I would think it will be expensive unless you want to get involved yourself?

The car can and will be repaired/replaced. As long as the people involved are ok, that's the main thing.

 

[brandonia]

Appreciate your reply. Could you possibly put a price on the work? In the region of?

 

[dhutch]

Although I took out the windscreen to boot and mine was worth only around £1000 at the time I ended up breaking it for parts and replacing it outside of my insurance. Didnt help I was only 20 and tow years into driving at the time, but certainly, the insurance increase would have been large had I claimed.

Its annoying when the car looks so superficially damaged, but parts labour and body work cost a lot when you start to add things up even if you can source used parts;
- Bumper
- Headlight clusters
- Bonnet/grill/etc
- Atlease one outer wing
- Inner wings?
- Radiator
- Air con condenser?
- the list goes on

But as said, you will get a much better idea taking it to, or getting a local garage to come out and look at it.


Daniel

 

[Mursal]

The only way its worth fixing in my opinion, is with secondhand parts. Not to many shops will do that for you. They are all geared up for insurance work.
1. Tilt and Slide lorry for recovery
2. Courtesy car while you get your own fixed
3. All new parts
Etc etc the list goes on

Plus they only get grief from customers if they try to cut corners/cost.

So if you are not going to actually go to the breakers and get the parts yourself, forget it.

If you know any panel beaters say it to them if they would pull, panel and paint for you, Leaving you to get the parts

Sorry, but that's the reality

 

[wotan]

Alright folks, had an accident last week. The photos of the damage are below.

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=214ay3p&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2lm2xxi&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2ntbjg8&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1190ac0&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=f34ydz&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=zv5zyt&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=301j6f5&s=6

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=21mgtx0&s=6

From what I can see, the front bumper and bonnet will need replacing, as will the grilles at the front, the sides are fine however with no damage to the wheels. The radiator will need replacing too but it doesn't appear there is any damage behind that.

My main question is, firstly - How much are the repairs likely to cost? Secondly (mainly) will it be written off by my insurer?? I'd rather it not be written-off, its a Mk 5 VW Golf GT TDI. Currently worth about £5,000.

My knowledge of bodywork and vehicle mechanics isn't great, so a professional opinion is welcome.[/quote]Your ability to drive is not great either, that is more than superficial damage.

Wotan

 

[brandonia]

Thanks for that insightful view, it's my first accident in 7 years of driving. Some people have none in 40 years, others have 10 in 2 years! Just unlucky.

As for more than superficial damage - the radiator is busted but everything else around it and behind it seems fine.

 

[Spark123]

Reality of it is that nobody on here can give you an idea on price, the photo's only show the exterior damage. It depends on what is bent as to what needs replacing, remembering cars are made to crumble and absorb the impact to protect you! Is it worth the risk and expense of repairing? What did you hit?

 

[brandonia]

A Skoda Octavia containing two lesbians. Funnily enough there was barely any damage to their vehicle.

 

[wotan]

Reality of it is that nobody on here can give you an idea on price, the photo's only show the exterior damage. It depends on what is bent as to what needs replacing, remembering cars are made to crumble and absorb the impact to protect you! Is it worth the risk and expense of repairing? What did you hit?

I always thought cars were designed with crumple zones that progressively collapsed, not crumbled.

 

[Spark123]

had apple crumble on my mind