Had a fender bender - need a repair quote please!!

[The Red Baron]

I was out for a drive this afternoon, as the sun is shining.

I'm behind a car that is turning left and I'm carrying on straight through. A van decides it's a good time to turn right out of the road (T-junction) on my left and I'm faced with the side of his van and no where to go.

I hit her at about 10 mph with the driver's front quarter of the car, as I must have tried to steer round behind her.

She admitted fault, but no one else stopped, so no witnesses, although I did see an ambulance, so if necessary I should be able to track them down.

The upshot is the front of my pride and joy is a bit of a mess. No obvious mechanical damage and no obvious structural damage, but I'm no expert.

Can anyone recommend somewhere or someone who can provide a realistic quote?

I've never had an accident so don't know the process. I've informed my insurers who said I need to provide a quote.

Any help is gratefully accepted.

Thanks.

[The Red Baron]

LordGrover said:

From your description though it sounds as though you may not be blameless.

Please explain how I could be to blame, as if she contests I'd like to be prepared.

[The Red Baron]

Thanks to all for the advice.

Sportmotive is a fair way away for me (Hereford-ish) but I like what I've seen and heard.

The insurance co has suggested Central TVR at Stourbridge. Chatting to them on the phone and checking out their website I also like what I've seen/heard.

Would I be wrong in going with them? They also do the headlight upgrade (7inch) but I quite like the pod with two smaller headlights.

Further advice please, if anyone can help. The current insurance policy is up for renewal at the end of March, as is the MOT. I'm taxed until Feb 2015. What are my responsibilities in regards to insurance etc.? Seems obvious the MOT can be allowed to lapse and I'd get it done before picking the fixed car up, but do I need to keep it insured? Can I SORN it while it is being fixed and get a refund of the tax?

Any advice welcome, thanks.

Next task is to get the old MGB out, dusted off and on the road, so I have something to play with!!!

[The Red Baron]

Well, to finally put this thread to bed...

After the little incident I had last year it seemed those who expected the other party to try for partial liability were right. This ended up going all the way to court.

So Central TVR had the car for repair for 3 months, but when I finally got it back it looked great. They did a fantastic job and I got them to do a couple of extra bits while it was there: 7 inch headlight upgrade, hot start kit fitted.

Every month or so I would hear from the lawyers saying the case was progressing, but basically the other party was claiming I was at fault and were claiming costs against me.

Yesterday it got settled in court. The judge heard from us both and after what can only be described as a joke of a case from the other party he dismissed their case entirely.

It only took 10 months to settle!

Lessons learned: take lots of photos of the accident site with the cars still in place. Get witnesses. Unless it is your fault, in which case man up and bite the bullet and take the hit. There are too many out there who will try and dump it on you given half the chance.

Drive safe.

[The Red Baron]

Neutral 3, I'm very sorry to hear your story. It p1sses me off no end that cowards like her do such stuff and then get away with such a lenient punishment.

I am pleased, though, that you are still around to tell your story.

I hope you can make a full physical and emotional recovery.

[The Red Baron]

Will post some photos soon, but am away till the weekend.

They look better in the car than the originals, but I'm not blown away by the difference in light output. It is still like driving at night with a couple of candles up front. Maybe higher output bulbs are required.

[The Red Baron]

Managed to work out how to do it via my iPad.