Absolutely Devastated

[Koz]

http://www.aami.com.au/policy-documents/html/car-insurance/car_comp_b9.aspx

From the AAMI Policy.

[SoVeReIgN]

http://www.aami.com.au/policy-docume...r_comp_b9.aspx


From the AAMI Policy.

The mechanical bit?

I think that means that they wouldn't replace things if they failed mechanically - Not if a part caused a fire!

[GT3]

Page 32 (AAMI - 'Are you covered' section), states you are covered "If your car was being used in connection with it being serviced or repaired". It's the "in connection" part that you need to establish. Look for evidence, eg lines left off etc that may have caused it. If you get stuffed around by the dealership, get an independent expert/assessment of the damage to determine what caused the fire. AAMI might be able to assist you do that.

[GT3]

..did you speak to the service manager?

[Koz]

..did you speak to the service manager?

He was in a Manager's meeting.....I left a message for him to call me ASAP.

[GT3]

You did call VW Roadside Assistance and they organised a tow truck, so there is evidence that it occured directly after leaving the service dept. Even if the service manager accepts responsibility, you need to ensure the repairs are 100% satisfactory. Let AAMI handle the matter otherwise you risk being compromised by the dealership.

[NickZ]

If they dont call by lunchtime call them back. Service managers are shocking at returning calls (from my personal experience).

[The_Hawk]

http://www.aami.com.au/policy-docume...r_comp_b9.aspx


From the AAMI Policy.

So basically your looking at this one:

"Mechanical, structural, electrical, electronic or other failure or breakdown."

I would say that clause was started for older cars where breakdown was a major concern (and possible to prevent insurance paying for shoddy workmanship).

In this case your warranty should cover it.

[Flaps]

I wouldn't be calling the manager I'd be down there in person.

[GT3]

Well it seems the car is being dropped off there today so the service manager has no choice but to deal with it. Seek an assurance that it will be repaired and rectified at their expense asap, otherwise your insurance company will be handling the matter.

Failing that, send Flaps down and he'll sort the mess out. In addition to a new car, he wouldn't accept anything less than a stage 3 +++ kit with 250 atw just for the inconvience

[Flaps]

Damn straight!!

I'd be asking for a new car personally.

Got any pics of the damage Koz?

[gareth_oau]

be very careful how you proceed here.

if you lodge a claim with the service department, you are acknowldeging that the fire wasnt an accident, and therefore wouldnt be covered under the insurance policy. Your insurance company will see to this.

If you then fail to prove that the fire was a DIRECT result of the service (which i'm sure you will not be able to prove) you will be left with nowhere to turn.

My suggestion is that you pursue the insurance direction. Ive read the PDS you posted for your insurance, and it seems to me that the insurance company would not be able to prove that the fire was a result of poor mechanical maintenance.

In fact, youve just had the car serviced which is evidence of good maintenance. Leave it up to the insurance company to prove neglect on the service company's side.

IMO Following the insurance route is your best chance of a successful outcome.

suggest you log a claim with the insurance company and see what happens - if they reject it, pass it on to the insurance ombudsman for independent opinion

[Cygnus]

Hey Koz,

That's terrible new! I hope things work out for you! Keep us posted!

[DaveMack]

One thing I would suggest ... is getting a solicitor involved. That generally gets the attention of both the insurance company and VWA because they will know where their areas of liability occur and if they think they can pull the wool over your eyes (when you are not represented by a lawyer) ... they will try to do that.

If however they are aware that you are getting a lawyer to look at both your insurance policy and/or the dealer's responsibilities regarding damage resulting from work performed in their workshop ... you might find that they are suddenly more cooperative. I've tried this ... it works.

Dave

[Koz]

Update

Here is an Update -

I decided not to wait for a return call & went down there in person. I explained it all to the service manager and he was obviously gob smacked.

He was actually great about it and gave me a Jetta as a courtesy car. He will be organising for the car to be dropped off there today so he can assess the situation and go from there.

I have no photos as of yet but I will get some when the car is dropped off - for my records.

I know a solicitor from my real estate contacts so I may give him a call but Im unsure what to say/ask him.

Also I sooo wanna demand a r32 for my new car due to the inconvenience.