Quick Insurance Claim Question

[Zedboy]

Looking for a little knowledge to guide my next steps on getting my 12 month old vRS repaired. I was exiting a local football club car park this morning when the unsecured gate swung into my car thanks to a gust of wind, smashing the widescreen and gouging the roof.

I was dropping my son off to an official (and insured) holiday activity being run at the club (also insured). The activity provider admitted not securing the gate and accepted liability, offering to pay repair costs. He insisted it was his company's fault as he had not secured the gate. However, I noticed there was nowhere for the gate to be secured and when I've been there before it was often swinging into the exit area... so a known issue.

When I activate a claim through my vehicle insurer Aviva who do I make liable? Will Aviva sort it all out as it will be initially logged as an at-fault claim against me or .... do I not log a claim and get it sorted for a few hundred quid at an official repair centre I know very well and get the activity provider to pay?

I know the activity provider very well so am relaxed about any option going forward, just keen to minimise impact on insurance history whilst getting quality repair

[ScoobyChris]

If the Activity Provider have admitted liability and offered to cover repair costs (and you have confidence in them), isn't it better to go through them, rather than involving your own insurers?

Chris

[Zedboy]

Yep makes sense to me too … thanks for second option

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

Indeed, if they have offered to pay for repairs, I would get a quote from your favoured place, present it to them, get the money and get the car repaired. No need to involve insurance IMO

[HustleRussell]

That repair isn't a few hundred quid, that'll be well into four figures. Just as likely two grand as one.

[Sebring440]

HustleRussell said:

That repair isn't a few hundred quid, that'll be well into four figures. Just as likely two grand as one.

Definitely. New windscreen at full price (not the insurance excess "windscreen cover" price); full roof repair & repaint including removing sunroof trim pieces. More paintwork to be done for colour-matching purposes? Yes, an expensive repair.

The "activity provider" may change his mind when you present him with the estimate!

[Zedboy]

Thanks HR - my smart repair chap ran away screaming exactly this when I popped in and asked for an opinion. Claim filed and handing it all over to Aviva.

Sebring440 said:

HustleRussell said:

That repair isn't a few hundred quid, that'll be well into four figures. Just as likely two grand as one.

Definitely. New windscreen at full price (not the insurance excess "windscreen cover" price); full roof repair & repaint including removing sunroof trim pieces. More paintwork to be done for colour-matching purposes? Yes, an expensive repair.

The "activity provider" may change his mind when you present him with the estimate!

[sunnyb13]

Go through your insurer.

If the repair isn’t up to standard you can hold your own insurer accountable. Less so if it’s the 3rd parties.

[romeogolf]

Go through your own insurer.

There is a strong chance that while the bloke you spoke to admitted liability, his insurance company will see things differently. You should go through your own insurance who will claim against the organiser's insurance.

[Sebring440]

Zedboy said:

Claim filed and handing it all over to Aviva.

sunnyb13 said:

Go through your insurer.
If the repair isn’t up to standard you can hold your own insurer accountable. Less so if it’s the 3rd parties.

romeogolf said:

Go through your own insurer. There is a strong chance that while the bloke you spoke to admitted liability, his insurance company will see things differently. You should go through your own insurance who will claim against the organiser's insurance.

He obviously took your advice! Before you even posted it!

[sunnyb13]

good stuff