Non-fault crash repair delays
Discussion
Not sure if this is the right forum for this question, but hope it’s applicable. I had absolutely no idea how to title it, either!
Basically; my car is on PCP and is less than a year old. Three weeks ago it was crashed into by some clown and is now in a warehouse somewhere in bits. They have told me to be realistic with my expectations and it would not be out of the question for it to be off the road for 6-12 months due to a lack of parts, particularly the wiring looms.
In the meantime my like-for-like insurance replacement for a 5.0 litre F-Pace SVR is a 2.0 litre diesel Volvo XC90.
First question is whether that’s a fair like for like replacement? I have no idea what types of car the rental companies and insurers have on their books for courtesy cars but I’m guessing they don’t stretch to performance cars?
Second question - and my main one - is that I have another car on order which is going into build next month after a 12 month wait. My SVR was to be traded in against that. The problem here is that my car is off the road indefinitely and obviously I can’t trade it in. Is there anything I can push here with the insurance company? I don’t want to lose out on the incoming car just because someone was driving like a dick and wrecked my car. I’m seriously out of pocket on this whole affair.
I suspect I’m just s
t out of luck in all of this. Is that a fair assumption or is there anything I can do? Ideally I’d have preferred them to write off my car so I can start afresh but the repairs will amount to about £20k and the courtesy car is about £4k per month - well below the value of the car.
It’s all a complete pain in the arse; I’d had a difficult year last year and was working flat out so decided to treat myself to something a bit special - a nice V8 before they got banned. And now for the same monthly payments I’m getting a diesel Volvo which, incidentally, is st. 
Cheers for any advice.
Basically; my car is on PCP and is less than a year old. Three weeks ago it was crashed into by some clown and is now in a warehouse somewhere in bits. They have told me to be realistic with my expectations and it would not be out of the question for it to be off the road for 6-12 months due to a lack of parts, particularly the wiring looms.
In the meantime my like-for-like insurance replacement for a 5.0 litre F-Pace SVR is a 2.0 litre diesel Volvo XC90.
First question is whether that’s a fair like for like replacement? I have no idea what types of car the rental companies and insurers have on their books for courtesy cars but I’m guessing they don’t stretch to performance cars?
Second question - and my main one - is that I have another car on order which is going into build next month after a 12 month wait. My SVR was to be traded in against that. The problem here is that my car is off the road indefinitely and obviously I can’t trade it in. Is there anything I can push here with the insurance company? I don’t want to lose out on the incoming car just because someone was driving like a dick and wrecked my car. I’m seriously out of pocket on this whole affair.
I suspect I’m just s
t out of luck in all of this. Is that a fair assumption or is there anything I can do? Ideally I’d have preferred them to write off my car so I can start afresh but the repairs will amount to about £20k and the courtesy car is about £4k per month - well below the value of the car. It’s all a complete pain in the arse; I’d had a difficult year last year and was working flat out so decided to treat myself to something a bit special - a nice V8 before they got banned. And now for the same monthly payments I’m getting a diesel Volvo which, incidentally, is s
t. Cheers for any advice.
I’m assuming that was one major accident so hope you are ok.
Not knowing what your policy says or indeed who it is with means any reply is just personal opinion.
Firstly I think unrealistic to expect a like for like hire car although paradoxically if it had been then the repair cost added to the hire cost might have made the car a write off although I doubt for long term hire the cost would be as you state for the daily rate.
As it stands if a £20k repair plus over £40k in hire costs versus the car value must make it a close run thing although I have no idea of the value of yours prior crash.
A year to repair though does sound excessive !
In terms of changing your car yes that does appear very unlucky but that’s not the Insurers fault - I’m assuming this was a totally non fault claim btw ?
Your other issue will no doubt be dimutation of value - perceived or otherwise - post repair but that isn’t something you will find it easy to get recompense for - in fact you won’t.
If it were me I’d be going back to the Insurer particularly and politely on the estimated length of repair but pointing out the cost of repair plus hire car quantum might mean you are willing to discuss settlement now ?
Whether they would be interested or whether the numbers would work for you I’ve obviously no idea.
Otherwise I think you’ll be driving the Volvo for some time to come and then having to consider either delaying the new purchase until all resolved or finding an alternative method of funding.
All sounds really bad luck but other than my writing to them idea not sure that many alternatives other than as you say sucking it up.
Best of luck.
Not knowing what your policy says or indeed who it is with means any reply is just personal opinion.
Firstly I think unrealistic to expect a like for like hire car although paradoxically if it had been then the repair cost added to the hire cost might have made the car a write off although I doubt for long term hire the cost would be as you state for the daily rate.
As it stands if a £20k repair plus over £40k in hire costs versus the car value must make it a close run thing although I have no idea of the value of yours prior crash.
A year to repair though does sound excessive !
In terms of changing your car yes that does appear very unlucky but that’s not the Insurers fault - I’m assuming this was a totally non fault claim btw ?
Your other issue will no doubt be dimutation of value - perceived or otherwise - post repair but that isn’t something you will find it easy to get recompense for - in fact you won’t.
If it were me I’d be going back to the Insurer particularly and politely on the estimated length of repair but pointing out the cost of repair plus hire car quantum might mean you are willing to discuss settlement now ?
Whether they would be interested or whether the numbers would work for you I’ve obviously no idea.
Otherwise I think you’ll be driving the Volvo for some time to come and then having to consider either delaying the new purchase until all resolved or finding an alternative method of funding.
All sounds really bad luck but other than my writing to them idea not sure that many alternatives other than as you say sucking it up.
Best of luck.
As you say the replacement car is a bit of a side issue.
For the main problem, I can't see any resolution other than fund the money tied up in the Jag yourself in some way or cancel the new car order. Not ideal.
I presume the replacement car is being provided by an accident management company under credit hire?
For the main problem, I can't see any resolution other than fund the money tied up in the Jag yourself in some way or cancel the new car order. Not ideal.
I presume the replacement car is being provided by an accident management company under credit hire?
Crumpet said:
poo at Paul's said:
4K a month for a courtesy car? Wtf?
So if the delays are 12 months for parts, that will be 48k for a courtesy car?
Insanity.
My apologies; just checked and it’s £118 per day, so £3658 per month. But yes, over £40k in courtesy cars if it stretches to 12 months. So if the delays are 12 months for parts, that will be 48k for a courtesy car?
Insanity.
Thanks all.
Car is worth about £70k and I guess the gap insurance would make up any shortfall - hence why I’d have preferred a write-off. That’s out of the question according to them, though.
But the damage isn’t that severe; my wife was making a left turn into a driveway and some clown thought it would be a good idea to drive up the bus-lane chevrons on her left and pass her on the inside. The result being him impacting the nearside wheel and ripping off the front bumper.
Unfortunately it’s ripped all the connectors for the cameras and sensors and needs a whole new loom and I believe this is the main issue. There are also lots of parts you’d never even imagine like automated radiator grilles, steering rack, new headlights, road wheel, tyres, suspension components etc… I’m going to face a battle arguing that replacing one tyre on an axle isn’t acceptable, either! The chap at the repair centre said they’d had an SVR there since the spring waiting for a part and numerous Mercedes in a similar position. Maybe I’ll get lucky.
Fortunately no one was injured but, despite being caught on CCTV and the dhead who did it clearly speeding, the police aren’t interested. It’s all just a complete pain in the arse. As usual when something goes wrong it’s when I’m away with work so it’s literally been dumped on the insurance company and they’ve done everything while I try to arrange stuff from 6000 miles away. I assume they’ll recover the cost of the hire car from the other driver.
Another things is that the car is due it’s 12 month service in December and obviously now won’t be able to have it. This will then invalidate the warranty. It really is one thing after another and is making me just want to go back to driving sheds.
Looks like I’m just going to have to take it on the chin then. I’ll call the insurance company tomorrow to discuss these issues but expect they’ll frequently use the term ‘uninsured loss’ - that’s what they said when I spoke to them previously.
Car is worth about £70k and I guess the gap insurance would make up any shortfall - hence why I’d have preferred a write-off. That’s out of the question according to them, though.
But the damage isn’t that severe; my wife was making a left turn into a driveway and some clown thought it would be a good idea to drive up the bus-lane chevrons on her left and pass her on the inside. The result being him impacting the nearside wheel and ripping off the front bumper.
Unfortunately it’s ripped all the connectors for the cameras and sensors and needs a whole new loom and I believe this is the main issue. There are also lots of parts you’d never even imagine like automated radiator grilles, steering rack, new headlights, road wheel, tyres, suspension components etc… I’m going to face a battle arguing that replacing one tyre on an axle isn’t acceptable, either! The chap at the repair centre said they’d had an SVR there since the spring waiting for a part and numerous Mercedes in a similar position. Maybe I’ll get lucky.
Fortunately no one was injured but, despite being caught on CCTV and the d
head who did it clearly speeding, the police aren’t interested. It’s all just a complete pain in the arse. As usual when something goes wrong it’s when I’m away with work so it’s literally been dumped on the insurance company and they’ve done everything while I try to arrange stuff from 6000 miles away. I assume they’ll recover the cost of the hire car from the other driver. Another things is that the car is due it’s 12 month service in December and obviously now won’t be able to have it. This will then invalidate the warranty. It really is one thing after another and is making me just want to go back to driving sheds.
Looks like I’m just going to have to take it on the chin then. I’ll call the insurance company tomorrow to discuss these issues but expect they’ll frequently use the term ‘uninsured loss’ - that’s what they said when I spoke to them previously.
Chrisgr31 said:
Who is providing the replacement car? Did the guy who crashed in to it hang around and were they insured?
It might be cynical but if this is being dealt with by an accident management company they appear to have limited interest in getting your car fixed quickly!
My wife went straight through the insurer. The other driver stopped but instead of asking if everyone was ok went straight on the offensive and said it was my wife’s fault. It might be cynical but if this is being dealt with by an accident management company they appear to have limited interest in getting your car fixed quickly!
So it’s my insurer providing the car and presumably they’ll claim it back from him - providing they manage to get them to admit fault. I’d put up the cctv but not sure which platform to use….
Two different aspects I can offer, I was offered a 7 seat Toyota Previa courtesy car via Enterprise Hire to substitute for my Discovery Sport - because it has 7 seats, rather than being a 4WD SUV. Ended up with a scratched to death Ford Kuga which the same hire car depot had the nerve to get a scratch measurement template out on its return to measure the scratches it originally came with…
My Cupra Formentor Hybrid is currently in for repair to the front wing, it’s waited three and a half months to be booked in, no idea why so long or how long it’s going to take. Gave up paying for the equivalent car nonsense and have a 1.2 Turbo Corsa which is actually quite fun (in Sport mode).
My Cupra Formentor Hybrid is currently in for repair to the front wing, it’s waited three and a half months to be booked in, no idea why so long or how long it’s going to take. Gave up paying for the equivalent car nonsense and have a 1.2 Turbo Corsa which is actually quite fun (in Sport mode).
Personally, I'd see this as being enough money at stake to be worth talking to a serious lawyer, loss adjuster whatever kind of suit makes insurance companies listen.
You'd have to look at what your insurance company is contracted to do.
And whether they need to do that in a reasonable time scale.
And whether they are doing that.
If they want to prat about with your car for 12 months, they could do it at their own leisure and sell it when they've finished.
I don't buy the 'wait 12 months for a wiring loom', it's only rocket science, a decent tech can make or mend a wring loom as good as the original.
In my view, a car that's been apart to have a wiring loom changed is likely going to be 'soiled goods'.
You'd have to look at what your insurance company is contracted to do.
And whether they need to do that in a reasonable time scale.
And whether they are doing that.
If they want to prat about with your car for 12 months, they could do it at their own leisure and sell it when they've finished.
I don't buy the 'wait 12 months for a wiring loom', it's only rocket science, a decent tech can make or mend a wring loom as good as the original.
In my view, a car that's been apart to have a wiring loom changed is likely going to be 'soiled goods'.
Dashnine said:
Ended up with a scratched to death Ford Kuga which the same hire car depot had the nerve to get a scratch measurement template out on its return to measure the scratches it originally came with…
That’s a concern. My wife has no idea about these things; a car was simply delivered to her and she signed a piece of paper. I’ve come home and inspected the car and, as you can imagine, it’s got the wear and tear of 18,000 miles of hire car driving. They could argue that I’ve done all sorts of damage as nothing is listed. Your story suggests I should just stay quiet and be thankful they’ve given me a £70k car - although you’d have to be mad to pay that for an XC90!
OutInTheShed said:
Personally, I'd see this as being enough money at stake to be worth talking to a serious lawyer, loss adjuster whatever kind of suit makes insurance companies listen.
You'd have to look at what your insurance company is contracted to do.
And whether they need to do that in a reasonable time scale.
And whether they are doing that.
If they want to prat about with your car for 12 months, they could do it at their own leisure and sell it when they've finished.
I don't buy the 'wait 12 months for a wiring loom', it's only rocket science, a decent tech can make or mend a wring loom as good as the original.
In my view, a car that's been apart to have a wiring loom changed is likely going to be 'soiled goods'.
I haven’t read the ins and outs of the insurance contract. So far I don’t think they’ve been bad at all; the hire car is decent, although not what I’d want. The repairer seems to have a decent reputation and said they want the car fixed and out the door as they now have half the parts paid and won’t get paid ‘til it’s fixed. You'd have to look at what your insurance company is contracted to do.
And whether they need to do that in a reasonable time scale.
And whether they are doing that.
If they want to prat about with your car for 12 months, they could do it at their own leisure and sell it when they've finished.
I don't buy the 'wait 12 months for a wiring loom', it's only rocket science, a decent tech can make or mend a wring loom as good as the original.
In my view, a car that's been apart to have a wiring loom changed is likely going to be 'soiled goods'.
I have a huge concern about the quality of the repairs. In my (limited) experience, I haven’t seen an accident repair that isn’t obvious. They’re never quite right and, as you say, a wiring loom is a big job. I believe it’ll entail some interior trim removal and all the rattles that’ll come with it.
To top it all, the remote app said the windows had been left open when it was outside the compound after collection - in a rainstorm.
I genuinely don’t want the car back.
The issue will be with parts from JLR, if they cant supply the parts, then there isn't much your insurers can do to speed it up, if they don't use genuine parts, then JLR could refuse to deal with any issues going forward.
The replacement car you have received is likely a Similar vehicle under the ABI, they likely both fall under the same ABI category, and the likelihood is, that if the accident is settled in your favour, then they will come to a fixed amount with the TPI for the hire vehicle.
Do you have an image and time of the accident location, as your description sounds like she turned across a Bus Lane that someone was driving in.
The replacement car you have received is likely a Similar vehicle under the ABI, they likely both fall under the same ABI category, and the likelihood is, that if the accident is settled in your favour, then they will come to a fixed amount with the TPI for the hire vehicle.
Do you have an image and time of the accident location, as your description sounds like she turned across a Bus Lane that someone was driving in.
Hopefully posting in a public domain won’t affect any outcome….
But my wife is the blue arrow turning left (indicating); the green arrow is the other car cutting up the inside.
https://youtu.be/P0-OCidFGb0
But my wife is the blue arrow turning left (indicating); the green arrow is the other car cutting up the inside.
https://youtu.be/P0-OCidFGb0
The Volvo is a larger segment, better car than an F-Pace, albeit with a less exciting drive train, so I'd say that, just on the courtesy car point, you've lucked out.
The not getting yours back for 12 months and the other deal falling over is a real pain. I would be talking to your ins co about how this becomes the at-fault driver's insurance company's problem, not yours
The not getting yours back for 12 months and the other deal falling over is a real pain. I would be talking to your ins co about how this becomes the at-fault driver's insurance company's problem, not yours
I believe the markings are there to narrow the carriageway, probably to try and prevent people doing this. Along the road they vary from maybe 3 feet in width to this point where it’s the width of a full lane. It’s definitely not a bus lane. The bus stop just happens to be in a part of the road where the narrowing is widest.
ClaphamGT3 said:
The Volvo is a larger segment, better car than an F-Pace, albeit with a less exciting drive train, so I'd say that, just on the courtesy car point, you've lucked out.
It’s a £70k car instead of my £85k car. Technically it’s segment above but they agreed that by value they’d issue the XC90. Whether the XC90 is a better car is a whole other topic; it’s not a patch on my SVR in almost every area, except the headlights are better. 
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