Insurance claim advice
Discussion
Background
Parked the 130 in a multi-storey last week, and as I walked away somebody caught it as they were parking next to it. We exchanged details and within a couple of hours I had a phone call from his insurers admitting liability and asking me to get in touch.
When I did get in touch they wanted me to use their approved scheme and offered me the use of a hire car while it was being fixed. Or I could get it fixed at my own place, in which case I need to send an estimate. The car will be going to a BMW dealer in Essex today to get an estimate.
Issue
I suspect that they will not be happy with the estimate as it will be 'much more than their 'approved' people etc.etc' I don't want to use their people, I want it repaired by a main agent, so that in the event of any warranty claims with the car I don't have any issues. I also think that it impact its resale value if not repaired by a BMW agent. I'm just want to be placed back in the position that I was before the incident.
Anybody got any advice or previous experience?
Parked the 130 in a multi-storey last week, and as I walked away somebody caught it as they were parking next to it. We exchanged details and within a couple of hours I had a phone call from his insurers admitting liability and asking me to get in touch.
When I did get in touch they wanted me to use their approved scheme and offered me the use of a hire car while it was being fixed. Or I could get it fixed at my own place, in which case I need to send an estimate. The car will be going to a BMW dealer in Essex today to get an estimate.
Issue
I suspect that they will not be happy with the estimate as it will be 'much more than their 'approved' people etc.etc' I don't want to use their people, I want it repaired by a main agent, so that in the event of any warranty claims with the car I don't have any issues. I also think that it impact its resale value if not repaired by a BMW agent. I'm just want to be placed back in the position that I was before the incident.
Anybody got any advice or previous experience?
My sisters just gone through a similar thing, they wanted her to use their bodyshop and she wanted to use my best friends bodyshop, You have the right to say where your car goes and thats all there is to it.
I also wouldn't rate a BMW bodyshop over many smaller places and wouldn't at all supprised if they simply took it elsewhere anyway.
it might be worth asking for recomendations of bodyshops in your area on here.
I also wouldn't rate a BMW bodyshop over many smaller places and wouldn't at all supprised if they simply took it elsewhere anyway.
it might be worth asking for recomendations of bodyshops in your area on here.
Had a similar issue a few years back.
Went through the hassle of getting a main dealer to do the work only to find out later it was sent out to a small bodyshop who did the repairs, which by the way was excellent.
I think the quality of the bodyshop is more important than it being a main dealer
Went through the hassle of getting a main dealer to do the work only to find out later it was sent out to a small bodyshop who did the repairs, which by the way was excellent.
I think the quality of the bodyshop is more important than it being a main dealer
TBH it's not a tricky repair, so I'm not worried about the bodyshop too much.
I also wouldn't be suprised if they sub it out.
However my point was that in the event of any claim (with say the rear bumper sensors) I could end up in BMW saying the problem was caused by the repair.
Any idea how long the BMW body warranty lasts? Can't see it on the BM web site
I also wouldn't be suprised if they sub it out.
However my point was that in the event of any claim (with say the rear bumper sensors) I could end up in BMW saying the problem was caused by the repair.
Any idea how long the BMW body warranty lasts? Can't see it on the BM web site
As mentioned, speak to Europa Consultants - Google them. Ask for Mike Chandler.
They will liaise with insurance company for you, organise for all repairs and then organise a like for like replacement car for the duration your car is in the bodyshop.
When my Z4 needed repair, i wanted it to go to BMW for peace of mind but also wanted replacement car.
Seriously, hassle free.
They will liaise with insurance company for you, organise for all repairs and then organise a like for like replacement car for the duration your car is in the bodyshop.
When my Z4 needed repair, i wanted it to go to BMW for peace of mind but also wanted replacement car.
Seriously, hassle free.
Don't worry - It is up to you where YOU take it.
The only thing you may "forefeit" is the insurance company's warrantee for work (unless the Main Dealer does in. repair work u may be ok), but you'll probably get a better job anyway.
However, the repair should come with its own warrantee - especially if it's through BMW.
The only thing you may "forefeit" is the insurance company's warrantee for work (unless the Main Dealer does in. repair work u may be ok), but you'll probably get a better job anyway.
However, the repair should come with its own warrantee - especially if it's through BMW.
See if you can find any references for whatever shop you take it to. A bunch of years ago I had a door damaged by a delivery van. The local dealer's bodyshop did a terrible job matching the paint - a blind man could have seen it. Then they scratched the trim but I couldn't be bothered to go back again. And make sure you collect the car in the daylight on a dry day so that you can assess the repair properly.
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