Fender bender on 997... Use insurance?
Discussion
Hi all
While I was stopped at traffic lights in central London today, an idiot managed to roll in to my 997.2 4S cabrio. It was a very low-speed affair so the only damage is some scraped paint on the (very flexible) lower-rear bumper and a scratch on one of the exhaust hubs. All details were exchanged etc.
The last few times I have had just cosmetic damage to my Porsches (each time through no fault of my own), I have opted for the no-insurance route: pay £800-£1200 to get the panel replaced by an authorised Porsche bodyshop, rather than go through the tedious and long process of getting insurance payouts which could impact my future no claims bonus. Leaving the damage there is not an option given this is a speed yellow and I don't want to be driving around with bodywork imperfections!
This time, I've finally had enough. This is my 3rd no-fault incident in the past few years and I am not inclined to pay for it myself. The driver was obviously not paying attention and let his car creep forward into mine. When I asked for insurance info, he presented me with some CompareTheMarket quotes. I took down license plate and driving license and address details and submitted them to the police but inevitably they will just file an accident report. From past experience, Porsche will obviously recommend that the whole bumper and exhaust outlets are replaced, repainted, blended, etc. I am thinking of just putting the whole lot through insurance - despite the impact on my future premia, the 3m workout delay and all the hassle - just to make sure this idiot gets carted out.
Appreciate your thoughts
Oli
While I was stopped at traffic lights in central London today, an idiot managed to roll in to my 997.2 4S cabrio. It was a very low-speed affair so the only damage is some scraped paint on the (very flexible) lower-rear bumper and a scratch on one of the exhaust hubs. All details were exchanged etc.
The last few times I have had just cosmetic damage to my Porsches (each time through no fault of my own), I have opted for the no-insurance route: pay £800-£1200 to get the panel replaced by an authorised Porsche bodyshop, rather than go through the tedious and long process of getting insurance payouts which could impact my future no claims bonus. Leaving the damage there is not an option given this is a speed yellow and I don't want to be driving around with bodywork imperfections!
This time, I've finally had enough. This is my 3rd no-fault incident in the past few years and I am not inclined to pay for it myself. The driver was obviously not paying attention and let his car creep forward into mine. When I asked for insurance info, he presented me with some CompareTheMarket quotes. I took down license plate and driving license and address details and submitted them to the police but inevitably they will just file an accident report. From past experience, Porsche will obviously recommend that the whole bumper and exhaust outlets are replaced, repainted, blended, etc. I am thinking of just putting the whole lot through insurance - despite the impact on my future premia, the 3m workout delay and all the hassle - just to make sure this idiot gets carted out.
Appreciate your thoughts
Oli
Edited by CurlyOli on Saturday 19th November 17:08
oli911C2S said:
Hi all
While I was stopped at traffic lights in central London today, an idiot managed to roll in to my 997.2 4S cabrio. It was a very low-speed affair so the only damage is some scraped paint on the (very flexible) lower-rear bumper and a scratch on one of the exhaust hubs. All details were exchanged etc.
The last few times I have had just cosmetic damage to my Porsches (each time through no fault of my own), I have opted for the no-insurance route: pay £800-£1200 to get the panel replaced by an authorised Porsche bodyshop, rather than go through the tedious and long process of getting insurance payouts which could impact my future no claims bonus. Leaving the damage there is not an option given this is a speed yellow and I don't want to be driving around with bodywork imperfections!
This time, I've finally had enough. This is my 3rd no-fault incident in the past few years and I am not inclined to pay for it myself. The driver was obviously not paying attention and let his car creep forward into mine. When I asked for insurance info, he presented me with some CompareTheMarket quotes. I took down license plate and driving license and address details and submitted them to the police but inevitably they will just file an accident report. From past experience, Porsche will obviously recommend that the whole bumper and exhaust outlets are replaced, repainted, blended, etc. I am thinking of just putting the whole lot through insurance - despite the impact on my future premia, the 3m workout delay and all the hassle - just to make sure this idiot gets carted out.
Appreciate your thoughts
Oli
Not sure about the UK but in the USA what my insurance sources tell me is that in the event of something like you experienced, the other driver though at fault will deny being at fault.While I was stopped at traffic lights in central London today, an idiot managed to roll in to my 997.2 4S cabrio. It was a very low-speed affair so the only damage is some scraped paint on the (very flexible) lower-rear bumper and a scratch on one of the exhaust hubs. All details were exchanged etc.
The last few times I have had just cosmetic damage to my Porsches (each time through no fault of my own), I have opted for the no-insurance route: pay £800-£1200 to get the panel replaced by an authorised Porsche bodyshop, rather than go through the tedious and long process of getting insurance payouts which could impact my future no claims bonus. Leaving the damage there is not an option given this is a speed yellow and I don't want to be driving around with bodywork imperfections!
This time, I've finally had enough. This is my 3rd no-fault incident in the past few years and I am not inclined to pay for it myself. The driver was obviously not paying attention and let his car creep forward into mine. When I asked for insurance info, he presented me with some CompareTheMarket quotes. I took down license plate and driving license and address details and submitted them to the police but inevitably they will just file an accident report. From past experience, Porsche will obviously recommend that the whole bumper and exhaust outlets are replaced, repainted, blended, etc. I am thinking of just putting the whole lot through insurance - despite the impact on my future premia, the 3m workout delay and all the hassle - just to make sure this idiot gets carted out.
Appreciate your thoughts
Oli
Edited by CurlyOli on Saturday 19th November 17:08
If there are no witnesses and no physical proof the other driver was at fault the 'case' goes to arbitration. The arbitrator's decision is to cut the baby in half which means your insurance pays for your car's damage repairs and the other driver's insurance pays for his car's damage repairs.
Also, here insurance companies have some sort of agreement that any claims below a certain dollar amount even though the other driver admits fault does not result in the other driver's insurance company paying. To save costs each insurance company will pay for their customer vehicle repairs.
Unless you can make a claim against the other driver and have it stick, you'll have to file a claim with your insurance company and suffer whatever ramifications there are for filing a claim.
Or you pay to have the car fixed out your pocket.
Sincerely,
Rockster.
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