Dodgy garage

[peter hh]

I've just had a bump where someone has drove into the side of me at a crossroads, my right of way and theirs also an independent witness.

Pulled up to check my car and car isn't damaged to bad and seems driveable, it mainly cosmetic but they did catch my wheel so I've just takeny car to a garage to have them check it wasn't buckled or damaged underneath.

The garage said that it should be ok by having a quick look but that they can put me I touch with a company who will get me a courtesy car and also process a claim for compensation. Apparently the company could get me money for my car plus deal with my compensation claim. I refused but I am wondering what is in it for the garage? I'm assuming the other company what they are referring to would get their money from the other parties insurance?

[barryrs]

Sounds like hes trying to earn himself a referral fee by passing you onto an accident management company.

Personally i would stay well away after my wifes experience with a accident management company is anything to go by.

[peter hh]

They have damaged my car and my back is giving me and the mrs problems but I'm sure we'll be ok. They were saying they wouldn't need to go through my insurance at all and it wouldn't cost me anything and also said I could but my car back assuming it was wrote of for 10%.

Hmmmm.

[barryrs]

If its non fault there is a good chance your own insurance company will palm you off on a accident management company anyway (admiral did this to the wife). We were passed onto Albany assistance and the experience was most unsatisfactory.

Personally i would deal with the third party insurer direct if possible as things will most likely run much smoother.

[dibblecorse]

Compensation for what ?

[Bisonhead]

dibblecorse said:

Compensation for what ?

This. Compensation is quickly becoming something that people think is the norm for any accident, regardless of severity or responsibility. Boils my proverbials.

What ever happened to having an accident and accepting that they happen? Get the person or their insurance to pay for the damage done plus any costs as a direct result eg time missed from work.

My dad is a bus driver. A taxi t-boned him the other year (completely taxi's fault) and within a week he had a call from a claims management company. Old man had 2 days off work and some pain in his shoulder, he successfully claimed £3.5k. I was livid to say the least as I know the pain and suffering he went through wasnt anywhere near severe enough to warrant that amount of 'entitlement'.
The money really helped him out but he agreed that he was surprised he was 'entitled' to that much. He just didnt get/understand why I was morally angry about the situation.

OP - just keep in touch with the person involved and explain that all you want is the cost to repair the damage they did. There is no justification in raising everyone elses insurance premiums by chasing compensation.

[vixen1700]

dibblecorse said:

Compensation for what ?

My thoughts exactly. WTF?

[TwistingMyMelon]

Referral fee , probably 100-200, could even be in "cash"

Some of the stty buy and sell groups on Facebook have individuals posting: "HAd an accident in last 6 month? I will split my referral fee with you if you claim through me"

[peter hh]

Told him no I'm not into the compensation culture.

[JimmyConwayNW]

TwistingMyMelon said:

Referral fee , probably 100-200, could even be in "cash"

Some of the stty buy and sell groups on Facebook have individuals posting: "HAd an accident in last 6 month? I will split my referral fee with you if you claim through me"

Referral for hire car maybe £200, plus a percentage of the overall hire.

Injury Referral's have dropped slightly but would still be around £500.



If you have been genuinely injured then go to a Dr.

[nickfrog]

This has to stop. Weren't those fees going to be made illegal. If even the insurance industry pussh them, is it just corruption and deceit is now tolerated ?

[peter hh]

Follow up....

Just had a call of said garage where they were trying to persuade me to change my mind and saying if I wanted to go ahead that I would need my licence, insurance details, mot certificate, logbook for my car, natinonal insurance numbers for all passengers. Why the hell would they need my logbook/natinal insurance numbers for?

[KungFuPanda]

They want your logbook so they can deal with the vehicle on your behalf if its been written off.

NI numbers are required in the event that you do decide to present a claim for personal injury and the details have to be registered with the Department for Work and Pensions.

[peter hh]

Thanks for the info. The car isn't a wrote off though but I think they would try to say it is because they mentioned something about buying the car back for 10% of what they give me for it.