Crashed my '5 this morning
Discussion
No injuries thankfully, but absolutely gutted.
I was at fault by definition as I went into the back of someone, but it was caused by someone pushing their nose out trying to pull into the 60 road I was on. Cue everyone slamming the brakes on, my wheels lock, wet day, bang.
Only bodywork damage, but been quoted £2,200 for repairs - just hope the insurance co don't write her off as it would be a real waste. Just spent £450 on service and brakes (probably why they stuck so fast).
Was sad to leave her at the garage all battered up - hoping for a swift recovery.
I was at fault by definition as I went into the back of someone, but it was caused by someone pushing their nose out trying to pull into the 60 road I was on. Cue everyone slamming the brakes on, my wheels lock, wet day, bang.
Only bodywork damage, but been quoted £2,200 for repairs - just hope the insurance co don't write her off as it would be a real waste. Just spent £450 on service and brakes (probably why they stuck so fast).
Was sad to leave her at the garage all battered up - hoping for a swift recovery.
205gtinut said:
I've been there, so feel gutted for you!! My car was written off, but fingers crossed yours won't be!! Perhaps we can all have a whip round and raise enough cash to put it right....?
Same thing happened to my mate - he has told me to not give the insurance company an inch as if they write it off they will try and offer me peanuts for it.I paid £3,700 last July - I reckon it is worth £3k at least, although 'Parkers' thinks otherwise.
Risotto said:
Sorry to hear about the accident, glad nobody was hurt.
Insurance companies offer market value when a car is written off. If your view of market value is at odds with theirs and you can support your valuation (e.g with classified ads for similar cars) they will often come back with a higher offer.
Looking at current prices, I would imagine a write off is likely unless you can find a cheaper repair quote. AFAIK, you can tell your insurance company where you want the repairs carried out, you don't have to use their recommended garage.
Can't you get the parts second hand and either repair it yourself or get a local garage to do it?
Legend83 said:
it was caused by someone pushing their nose out trying to pull into the 60 road I was on.
Not strictly true - it was caused by people failing to leave a big enough gap to the car ahead - i.e. one large enough for the car in front to perform an emergency stop safely.Legend83 said:
I paid £3,700 last July - I reckon it is worth £3k at least, although 'Parkers' thinks otherwise.
I wouldn't bet on it if you're talking about the Dakar in your profile.Insurance companies offer market value when a car is written off. If your view of market value is at odds with theirs and you can support your valuation (e.g with classified ads for similar cars) they will often come back with a higher offer.
Looking at current prices, I would imagine a write off is likely unless you can find a cheaper repair quote. AFAIK, you can tell your insurance company where you want the repairs carried out, you don't have to use their recommended garage.
Can't you get the parts second hand and either repair it yourself or get a local garage to do it?
Edited by Risotto on Tuesday 21st October 15:44
Risotto said:
Not strictly true - it was caused by people failing to leave a big enough gap to the car ahead - i.e. one large enough for the car in front to perform an emergency stop safely.
Fair point, but I think I was unlucky. I was at fault for being too close in the wet, but the chain of events was started by the car pulling out into oncoming traffic.Good point re: the value, not looking good! I probably have not taken into account the current climate and the fact it is nearly winter! Balls.
I am going to get a second opinion on the estimated repair costs. Then I might consider getting the spares and sorting it out myself.
maz8062 said:
£2200 repair estimate! definite write off I'm afraid 
Pity really as you didn't have the car that long. No point (IMHO) trying to rebuild the car given that level of damage, best to take what you can from it (assuming you still have access) get what you can and either buy another one or move on.
Sad news
I took it to an 'unapproved' body shop this morning. As luck would have it, the guy who did the inspection owns a '5 himself. Pity really as you didn't have the car that long. No point (IMHO) trying to rebuild the car given that level of damage, best to take what you can from it (assuming you still have access) get what you can and either buy another one or move on.
Sad news
He seemed to think £2200 was over-the-top given I could get cheap spares off ebay etc. He said it would be a travesty to write it off for just a bonnet and bumper so is going to try and give me a good quote to take back to the insurance company.
Fingers crossed!
205gtinut said:
Legend83 said:
maz8062 said:
£2200 repair estimate! definite write off I'm afraid
Pity really as you didn't have the car that long. No point (IMHO) trying to rebuild the car given that level of damage, best to take what you can from it (assuming you still have access) get what you can and either buy another one or move on.
Sad news
I took it to an 'unapproved' body shop this morning. As luck would have it, the guy who did the inspection owns a '5 himself. Pity really as you didn't have the car that long. No point (IMHO) trying to rebuild the car given that level of damage, best to take what you can from it (assuming you still have access) get what you can and either buy another one or move on.
Sad news
He seemed to think £2200 was over-the-top given I could get cheap spares off ebay etc. He said it would be a travesty to write it off for just a bonnet and bumper so is going to try and give me a good quote to take back to the insurance company.
Fingers crossed!
So if the insurance company do write it off, what happens? They presumably give me a settlement e.g. £2,000, then sell it to a salvage place for £2,200? I then buy it back off the salvage place for £2,400 using the settlement money plus £400 of my own?
franv8 said:
In the past I have known peopel where it has been more like 205gtinut's story - they'll sell it back to you for a nominal sum (or at least would).
Best to talk it over with them, their main objective would be to minimise their 'exposure' (i.e. cost) so I guess it's in their interest. Of course, you will have a car with the status as insurance write off.
True, but I have already resigned myself to a drop in resale value whether it is written off or not - either way I need the repairs done which will have to be disclosed in any future sale advert.Best to talk it over with them, their main objective would be to minimise their 'exposure' (i.e. cost) so I guess it's in their interest. Of course, you will have a car with the status as insurance write off.
Maybe I should just turn her into a track car.....
ali_kat said:
Bugger
Good luck with the cheaper garage, some policies DO allow you to use the garage of your choice - check this out
As for spares - body perfect 1998 Classic of any use? I'm expecting a valuation from the Insurers in the next couple of days and can always ask the 'buy back value' for you.......
Ali Kat - sorry to hear about your motor! Not a good time for the MX5 clan.....Good luck with the cheaper garage, some policies DO allow you to use the garage of your choice - check this out
As for spares - body perfect 1998 Classic of any use? I'm expecting a valuation from the Insurers in the next couple of days and can always ask the 'buy back value' for you.......
205gtinut said:
The thing that really irritates me about insurance companies, is the fact that they see a car as a lump of metal with a 'market value', they don't take into account the hours of love that have bees spent polishing and servicing and the like! (Listen to me getting all gushy!) My point is, a car is worth more to a person that what a price guide says!! You're mate is quite right though, don't give in to the insurance company, its your car, and you're their customer!! 
Not all of them! Mine have bent over backwards trying to get her back on the road, before having to make the fateful decision yesterday Risotto said:
Insurance companies offer market value when a car is written off. If your view of market value is at odds with theirs and you can support your valuation (e.g with classified ads for similar cars) they will often come back with a higher offer.
Interesting, Glasses say £3k best for mine, I have Autotrader sales at £3.5-4k in the last month for the same Ltd Ed As for spares, thankyou very much for the offer - I have still not heard from the insurance company yet regarding their decision.
Unfortunately my quote from the second repairer was no better as they still had to put new Mazda parts on the estimate. Parts totalled £1,200 of a total of £2,200 - this is frustrating as I know I could get the parts way cheaper than this but don't think the insurance company will care.
franv8 said:
Good point - I was going to say its worth figuring in the cost of losing no claims too, but I assume the other car(s) involved will claim from your insurance.
What are the repairs - is it mainly/all bolt on parts or is there somes traightenting to do too?
Elephant have only reduced my NCB by 2 years as I have been with them for 4 years - a bit of a result!What are the repairs - is it mainly/all bolt on parts or is there somes traightenting to do too?
The repairs are: new bonnet, bonnet latch, new bumper, bumper mounting parts, badge, nearside light, respray. It is all cosmetic and the wings are fine, no bulges or anything thankfully.
Still got my fingers crossed but my head says it's a write-off. Problem then is if I buy the car back, I have to pay for the repairs myself - even with cheaper parts, labour is still £500, paint £300, VAT etc.
NIGHTMARE!
205gtinut said:
Legend83 said:
GREAT NEWS!
Elephant have approved the repairs! That is such a result, and avoids a bug head-ache.
Now all I need to do is get them to agree for me to have it repaired at my preferred 'non-approved' bodyshop....
Thanks for all the advice and support guys, this one is a happy ending.
Ed
GREAT STUFF!! Really pleased for you!! You'll be back on the road with the roof down in no time! Elephant have approved the repairs! That is such a result, and avoids a bug head-ache.
Now all I need to do is get them to agree for me to have it repaired at my preferred 'non-approved' bodyshop....
Thanks for all the advice and support guys, this one is a happy ending.
Ed
UPDATE
Just picked the '5 up from Harpenden Classic and Performance.
She looks fantastic. Kieron and his team did a great job, panel fit is perfect, colour match is spot on. They even touched up a few scratches around the car for me, and painted the tow bars which were rusting.
Finally, they did a full valet inside and out no extra charge.
Great service, and highly recommended for anyone in the Herts/Beds area.
It is odd seeing an old car which had several stone chips, scratches etc, now looking so new. She looks bloody fantastic.
Roof down tonight if the rain holds!
Just picked the '5 up from Harpenden Classic and Performance.
She looks fantastic. Kieron and his team did a great job, panel fit is perfect, colour match is spot on. They even touched up a few scratches around the car for me, and painted the tow bars which were rusting.
Finally, they did a full valet inside and out no extra charge.
Great service, and highly recommended for anyone in the Herts/Beds area.
It is odd seeing an old car which had several stone chips, scratches etc, now looking so new. She looks bloody fantastic.
Roof down tonight if the rain holds!
Planet Claire said:
Legend83 said:
MX-5 Lazza said:
Excellent news, you must be overjoyed
I'd seriously advise you to get a full geometry check now if they haven't already done it for you
Good shout.I'd seriously advise you to get a full geometry check now if they haven't already done it for you
Going to give WIM a call today and get her booked in.
Cheers all!
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