Brand new GTI - Rear ended today

[ConR]

WOOHOO!! I may hold the record..let me know if not.

Took it for a spin today...MK6 GTI fully loaded...rear ended by a P plater!! Only 300km's on it! Got me pretty good on the rear bumper. Totally his fault.

Not sure if they can repair it? It's plastic...and seems as though I have the imprint of his license plate as well in my bumper...haha. Plus I have the parking sensors, paint protection, etc...Not alot of damage, but I think they'll need to replace the whole bumper.

I feel bad as he's a P plater. His father rang me to try and convince me to take it to a mate of his to get it fixed. I had already reported it to my insurer before he called me. Plus, not too keen on having his mate fix my $60k GTI.

Anyone know any good panel beaters in Sydney that specialize in VW's? Pics below....

Sigh....



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[Corey_R]

That sucks. But thankfully there doesn't appear to be any metal demand - that's what you need to worry about.

I had my GTI for just over 3 months when a bus driver feel asleep and rear ended me at about 60kph. My GTI ended up about a metre shorter than it started.

[HY001]

Only 300km on the clock.! eeeek! Sorry to hear...

[ConR]

That sucks. But thankfully there doesn't appear to be any metal demand - that's what you need to worry about.

I had my GTI for just over 3 months when a bus driver feel asleep and rear ended me at about 60kph. My GTI ended up about a metre shorter than it started.

Ouch...that sucks dude. My is nothing compared to that.

These things happen I guess. I just want to be sure, like you said, that there isn't any other damage under the plastic...I'd say he hit me at around 15km/h or so. If there is damage to the frame, I lose it! Have been driving it since...seems fine. Parking sensors still work, so does the RVC. But still, u never really know.

The dude is insured with AAMI too, which worries me, as they don't let you choose your repairer. Called the dealer where I bought it from. They told me where I should take it. But I'll let my insurer sort that out with AAMI...they can say what they like, I'm getting it fixed where I want it fixed.

[Eclipze]

That really does suck! Hopefully it's an easy repair job, so you're not off the road long. To think I've already done a quick check when I parked at the shopping center for door dings etc...

[cameronp]

The dude is insured with AAMI too, which worries me, as they don't let you choose your repairer. Called the dealer where I bought it from. They told me where I should take it. But I'll let my insurer sort that out with AAMI...they can say what they like, I'm getting it fixed where I want it fixed.

I'm pretty sure it'll be your insurer that arranges and pays for the repairs, and then sends their insurer the bill the bill when it's done. That's how it worked when someone ran a stop sign and hit me several years ago.

Bad luck to have this happen to a brand-new car, but at least it looks pretty minor as far as crashes go. If it makes you feel any better, my windscreen was hit by a stone chip a few days after I got my Golf and ended up with a massive crack in it along the driver's side. Cost me $639 to get a new one fitted since the RAC don't provide free windscreen repairs unless you're on maximum no-claim bonus. Those darned headlight and rain sensors must be pricey.

[hooba]

But I'll let my insurer sort that out with AAMI...they can say what they like, I'm getting it fixed where I want it fixed.

Sorry to hear this mate. You are spot on about how to deal with it, it is irrelevant who they are insured with. Deal with it through your insurance company and let them sort out how to seek reimbursement from the at fault party, that's what you pay for when you get comprehensive insurance.

[ConR]

Bad luck to have this happen to a brand-new car, but at least it looks pretty minor as far as crashes go. If it makes you feel any better, my windscreen was hit by a stone chip a few days after I got my Golf and ended up with a massive crack in it along the driver's side. Cost me $639 to get a new one fitted since the RAC don't provide free windscreen repairs unless you're on maximum no-claim bonus. Those darned headlight and rain sensors must be pricey.

Ouch...that sucks too.

These things happen. Obviously I'm upset, but it could have been alot worse No one was hurt thankfully, and yeah, the damage seems small. Speaking to my dealer, he said that the repairer they use has new bumpers ready in stock to replace mine (if I can use him), and that VW Australia supplies most of the bigger smash repairers with parts, so shouldn't take long to get one.

I feel worse for the guy that hit me, as he's on his P2's. I understand how me might feel, as about 15 years ago, I was in his shoes. Rear ended someone REALLY bad. My car was a write-off. I want to be a nice guy in the end, but don't want to take my car to this guys' friend to get it fixed. Seems dodgy to me.

[ConR]

Sorry to hear this mate. You are spot on about how to deal with it, it is irrelevant who they are insured with. Deal with it through your insurance company and let them sort out how to seek reimbursement from the at fault party, that's what you pay for when you get comprehensive insurance.

Thanks hooba

On another note, will me making this claim affect my premiums? I'm not at fault, but still have a feeling it will.

[FJ Steve]

Most motor vehicle insurance policies would protect you and your no claim bonus if you can name the party at fault. Check your policy disclosure (should be available on line with whoever you are insured with). Also, I would consider it poor form if your premium increased at the next renewal, due to the poor driving of someone else.

[Corey_R]

Yeah - I've had that issue in the past where even though I haven't been at fault my premium has gone up. It just depends on your insurer. It seems that most insurers go through cycles of wanting to reduce their client base and then wanting to expand. If they do increase your premium a heap come renewal time, just go to another insurer as most will put you straight back onto max no claim and give a discount to get your business

[goodfella]

If you nominate/provide details of the offending driver.. then you keep your no-claim bonus... Also, I am with AAMI and I have used my preferred repairer before. It drags out the process a little, but basically you have drive around and get 2 places to Fax the quote into the AAMI assessors then drive in to an AAMI centre and they give you the nod, dont know if its changed but this is how I did it a few years back.

[PassatB6]

WARNING! Don't fall for the 'take it my mate' story. Copped that one years ago. Getting a mate to do it is getting work done on the cheap.The 'mate' will do a **** job and you've got no comeback.

[hooba]

Thanks hooba

On another note, will me making this claim affect my premiums? I'm not at fault, but still have a feeling it will.

It is impossible to say, premiums fluctuate for a variety of reasons (e.g. other policy holders in your postcode start making a lot of claims). Your insurer may require you to pay the excess which they will refund once they determine that the other party that you have identified is at fault.

[ConR]

If you nominate/provide details of the offending driver.. then you keep your no-claim bonus... Also, I am with AAMI and I have used my preferred repairer before. It drags out the process a little, but basically you have drive around and get 2 places to Fax the quote into the AAMI assessors then drive in to an AAMI centre and they give you the nod, dont know if its changed but this is how I did it a few years back.

hmm...thanks for that info...but wondering, I'm not insured with AAMI...I'm with QBE (I also work for them). I've already told QBE, but they said they would call me first thing Monday to sort it out, as it's Saturday. I assume they'll contact AAMI, get all the info, etc.

But does that mean that I have to go through AAMI to get my car fixed? I certainly hope not.