My Tig has taken a hit!

[Achtung Tiggy]

After 10 years of driving without any incidents, I got rear-ended today. I was on the Iron Cove Bridge heading to the city in heavy traffic. It was bumper to bumper and a lot of stop-and-go. The guy behind me didn't see me stop and... bang.







As a result my bumper has a few scratches, from what I can see. I hope there isn't any structural or internal damage. I haven't checked if the reverse sensors were affected.

The other car got it pretty bad. His headlight was smashed and a pool of water was forming under his car from what I think was a leaking radiator.

I plan to visit the VW-approved smash repairer on Monday to assess the damage and get a quote. Should I also get my insurer involved or just deal with this guy privately and get him to pick up the tab? If anyone has any experience I welcome the feedback...

[Transporter]

I'm sorry to hear that, main thing is that you're OK, it always hurt when it happens to the new car. From the picture I can see that Tig took it quite well. It is one tough car considering that it has also rear crumple zone. Lets hope that it is only scratched plastic, so they don't have to cut onto the metal or do any welding.

[JustCruisn]

Don't do it privately.
Call your insurance now. Its not your fault you wont pay any excess etc. Its up to the other guy if he wants to involve his insurance.

I've been down the private road before. The guy was so apologetic at the time, promised to pay all they way up to when I got it fixed. Its amazing how the story changed in the end. It took my insurance 3 months to get me the money I had spent.

[Pullstarter]

Commiserations, sux when it happens to a new car. Pretty damn strong though!

[h100vw]

Insurance job mate, cash is just too hard. He won't have any when it comes down to it. He'd be driving something a lot nicer if he did.
Gavin

[T&M]

Sorry to hear 'bout the Tiggy mate.

X 127816498614987102901201209214074 for insurance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's why you pay them for, so they can do all the running around getting the money from this dude when he starts crying about not having enough to pay you. What happens when in a day or so you get a sore neck? or something else that wasn't apparent at the time of the accident?

[Sanman]

Bad Luck. Every time I get a new car, someone always hits it within the first month, just to take off that new car shine. My Tiguan was no exception, Similar thing, rear-ended by a P-Plater in wet-weather traffic.
Put a hole in the grey bumper, no other (ie paint) damage.The Good news is that the grey bumper piece cost $350 complete fitted. Maybe $200 for the part only. Apparently the commonly hit VW parts are unpainted and cheap.

[Transporter]

Also make sure you report it to the police (if you already didn't), you will needed for insurance co.

[Achtung Tiggy]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I called up my insurer and gave me 2 options:
1. Drop the car off and they will fix it all up.
2. Let them inspect the car before I go to the repairer of my choice.

I chose the 2nd option and will go to the VW repairer recommeded by the dealer. My insurer also said that a police report is only required if someone was injured or a car needs to be towed.

Hopefully it will all go smoothly and the car good as new.

[Transporter]

Thanks for the feedback guys.
My insurer also said that a police report is only required if someone was injured or a car needs to be towed.

Or the damage is over certain amount of $$$ or damage to road sign, street light and so on. Also by reporting it you're making the statement how did accident happen, so the other driver doesn't go to the police and say that you reversed on him (it did happen to someone I know).