Rear ended

[davidlee0490]

So I'ts been one week since I received my brand new Polo GTI from the dealer, and I was lucky enough to get rear ended in the city this afternoon...

There are a few chips, scratches and minor dents across the bumper - it's really not that noticeable unless you're looking right at it, but I'm devastated none the less,

Anyway, I rang up NRMA to put through the claim, and they gave me the option of either getting the repair done through their partner smash repairer instead of one I nominated. My nominated smash repairer would be Californian Smash Repairs in Botany NSW, as they're certified by the VW dealer in Mascot

I've been told that if I choose my own repairer, the process could take a few weeks as NRMA need to get someone to assess the damage, among other things (and it the NRMA assessor is normally booked out for a week or two in advance). Doing the repair through NRMA's partner smash repairer on the other hand means I could get my car in for repairing and back within a week,

So I was just wondering when it came down to minor body work such as this - does it really matter where I take my car to get fixed? Should I just save myself the time and opt for NRMA's chosen repairer? If anyone has had any negative/positive experiences with Californian Smash Repairs as well that would be great to hear!

Cheers,

[Hoodie]

Recently in the same boat, someone rear ended us in our Touareg. Our insurer Coles gave us the same line giving us 3 options, the one we ended up going was great really went out of their way to make sure I was happy.

[Hail22]

DO NOT GO THROUGH NRMAS CHOICE. They use a system similar to Q plus and its a friggin joke! They just send it in, sand the damaged area back and spray the bar without colour matching the "entire" vehicle to the bumper. Do it once, do it right regardless if it takes a few weeks.

Suncorp own Qplus and there is nothing but complaints as they use cheap polymers / fillers to repair damage as well as using 2nd hand wrecker parts instead of properly repairing or ordering new parts.

[nat225]

These days when i drive i think i am extremely defensive against tailgaters cos i do not wish to experience this kind of repair troubles.

[nat225]

Worst offenders are female P platters in small hatchbacks and utes / tradies.

[davidlee0490]

Thanks for the heads up Hail, looks like I'm staying clear of NRMA's choice

[Hail22]

Thanks for the heads up Hail, looks like I'm staying clear of NRMA's choice

No problem, what the process will involve via your repairer is they will inspect the damage, the NRMA will send an assessor who will look at the repairers invoice have a chat with the panel beaters assessor to review the cost / labour involved in repairing the car then the NRMA warrants that amount of work / payment.

Re: Female P plate drivers...I have a very big problem with them in the S3 and Porsche...tail gating, pull up alongside giggling with doof doof blaring and I simply go in the left lane and go slow..I'm not risking my car or my personal time for morons on our roads who think public roads are drag strips / boxing rings.

[bigfoot]

Worst offenders are female P platters in small hatchbacks

Aggressive, aren't they?!

[davidlee0490]

Funnily enough, it was a female in a small hatchback who rear ended me (not a P plater though...),

I just got my car checked by my smash repairer, hoping to get a brand new bumper on - hopefully NRMA agrees that I'll need a new one rather than just repairing..

[lordsword]

Have just had the tailgate and rear bumper replaced after being backed into by someone who drove away without leaving a note, which is always nice.
Anyway as the car was only a year and a half old, insured with NRMA, they always like to replace the damaged parts with totally new ones, as there is that new for old policy thing until it's 2 years old. So you'll, most probably, be getting new parts I would think.
Same thing when you call up and they want you to use one of their "go-to" repairers. I just told them I want the panel beaters over the road from my work to do it. I've got a good relationship with a lot of the guys there and so happens that they are a NRMA preferred repairer anyway.
Their guy inspected the damage and gave a quote to NRMA, they ticked off on it. All done and finished within a week.
Any claims I've ever done with NRMA have had me satisfied 100% so I wouldn't think you would have too much of a problem with them.

[davidlee0490]

Great to hear that you've had a good experience with them.

I've been lucky enough to not have had any accidents of any kind until now, so it's actually my first time claiming any kind of insurance, but so far I can't be happier with the service!

Just wish the process could be a bit faster when not using a preferred repairer, my heart sinks whenever I see the back of my poor car...

[BLN355]

Just a word of warning to the OP.
I would steer clear of California Smash, an old work mate had work done through his insurer with them and when the work was checked there were parts missing (brackets/bolts/screws etc).
They guys at Scientific motor body repairs in Perry St Matraville have worked on previous cars of mine and done great work.