Accident repairs

[Poolio]

Some idiot drove into my much-loved Jaguar XK a couple of weeks ago and caused a small dent (about 20cm) in the wing. They’ve admitted liability so that’s all fine and dandy, but I was wondering if anybody could help me with a couple of questions:

1) An authorised Jag repair centre told me that it would be almost impossible to repair the wing to a satisfactory standard, and that I should insist that the wing be replaced. Yesterday I took it to the repair centre which my insurance company have told me to use and they said they would repair, not replace. When I told them the Jag centre had specifically said not to do this, they said they’d be happy to replace it but the insurance company will almost certainly refuse it on grounds of cost. If they refuse, what can I do about it if anything?

2) Will this repair show up on HPI checks etc, or does that only happen if it’s a write off? And if it shows up, what sort of impact might it have on resale value? The Jag guys said that if the wing is repaired it would have an impact, but if it was replaced it would not… I don’t know why that would be, any thoughts?

3) If the insurance company insist on repair and I can show that it would reduce the resale value, can I claim any of that lost value back on the insurance?

Thanks very much in advance!

Cheers
Anthony

[MoonMonkey]

Poolio said:

Some idiot drove into my much-loved Jaguar XK a couple of weeks ago and caused a small dent (about 20cm) in the wing. They’ve admitted liability so that’s all fine and dandy, but I was wondering if anybody could help me with a couple of questions:

1) An authorised Jag repair centre told me that it would be almost impossible to repair the wing to a satisfactory standard, and that I should insist that the wing be replaced. Yesterday I took it to the repair centre which my insurance company have told me to use and they said they would repair, not replace. When I told them the Jag centre had specifically said not to do this, they said they’d be happy to replace it but the insurance company will almost certainly refuse it on grounds of cost. If they refuse, what can I do about it if anything?

2) Will this repair show up on HPI checks etc, or does that only happen if it’s a write off? And if it shows up, what sort of impact might it have on resale value? The Jag guys said that if the wing is repaired it would have an impact, but if it was replaced it would not… I don’t know why that would be, any thoughts?

3) If the insurance company insist on repair and I can show that it would reduce the resale value, can I claim any of that lost value back on the insurance?

Thanks very much in advance!

Cheers
Anthony

1) try and push for a new wing by all means but if the assessor believes a repair is acceptable then not alot you can do about it.

2) No and no impact on resale IF repaired properly. Cars get banged all the time.

3) No you have no claim on anyone

[MarJay]

Unless the car is written off you won't be able to claim against anyone for loss of value. If the car is written off then you should get full market value for the car. Sounds a bit over the top for a dinged wing. The car's value won't be affected unless it is classified as a write off.

I'd press for a replacement wing if I were you, especially as you weren't at fault, but that doesn't mean you'll get it necessarily.

[Poolio]

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. I'm going to try to get the repairs done at a Jag approved centre, not sure of my chances but worth a punt.