Absolutely Devastated

[Koz]

Haha koz,

so mentally scarred that only a $1M settlement would ever help you to overcome these fears eh?

Exactly right. You must have been in this situation before.

[GT3]

... but wouldn't be so naive.

me naive apparently an inside source at VWA has revealed there's an ASIO file on some of us MI5 and the CIA have photos of Kai's pod filter, timbo's monster truck dp, ..and all agencies frequently watch the video of flap's dyno run. Most of us will be arrested on entry to these countries and detained without trial

[VW Convert]

me naive apparently an inside source at VWA has revealed there's an ASIO file on some of us MI5 and the CIA have photos of Kai's pod filter, timbo's monster truck dp, ..and all agencies frequently watch the video of flap's dyno run. Most of us will be arrested on entry to these countries and detained without trial

Hmmmm I think I detect a case of paranoia here!

[tobes]

Hmmmm I think I detect a case of paranoia here!

Just because you're paranoid. It doesn't mean there isn't someone out to get you.

[WEDEL.1]

Why do I have the feeling this post has lost the plot??

[Koz]

2nd Update

ok,

I popped into VW today to take photos and see the Service Manager. He mentioned that he had a meeting with his boss re: my car today and at this stage he was unsure of the cause of the fire.

His boss mentioned that I would need to call me insurance company (AAMI) to get an assessor out to assess the damage so VW can go through their insurance company (Allianz) and decide what will be done.

After just speaking with AAMI the only way a assessor will come out is if I make a claim and that means if its accepted I will have to pay my excess + the claim will damage my insurance record.

Im not having that!! Ive just left a message for the service manager to call me so I can tell him my insurance has nothing to do with it because I wont be making a claim!!

Update will come.

PS - still have to resize pics to post them up

[VW Convert]

ok,

I popped into VW today to take photos and see the Service Manager. He mentioned that he had a meeting with his boss re: my car today and at this stage he was unsure of the cause of the fire.

His boss mentioned that I would need to call me insurance company (AAMI) to get an assessor out to assess the damage so VW can go through their insurance company (Allianz) and decide what will be done.

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

Hi Koz,

More than ever I believe DaveMack's words are words of wisdom. You need to get on the front foot NOW and come out swinging. I would have no more discussion with either your insurer or the dealer let your solicitor represent you. To me, the meeting with his boss and "being unsure of the cause of the fire" and suggesting you get your insurer involved means "we are not admitting liability and are looking for a way to avoid paying"

This has all the hallmarks of playing the blame game with everyone pointing at the other and you stuck in the middle.

My 2 cents for what it is worth.

Cheers

George

[Koz]

I did get legal advice from my solicitor yesterday and going down the legal action route should be the absolute LAST resort as to who they are ie BIG CORPORATION so obviously lots of funds.

I want to wait to speak to the service manager once again before going to step two.

[SoVeReIgN]

Mate you should have taken pics before they got their hands on it.

Unsure = We are trying to weasel out of it.

Surely your insurance company could suggest what to do - You pay them well to handle these sort of situations.

And if you made a claim and it turned out the dealer was at fault you don't have to pay your excess.

[Tim]

have you spoken to your insurance company about it yet?
If the mechs are at fault then you shouldnt have to pay a cent! and the insurance company should chase them! I dont think VW are going to admit liability that easily.

Tough situation but I think liability lies between the dealer and VW Australia. Cars arent sposed to catch on fire whilst theyre under new car warranty. So it was either defective from the factory or someone that worked on it was defective.

[DAN682]

The people you should be speaking to is the RAC for your state, I had an issue with a vehicle of mine and they guided me the whole way through resolving it.

And it was at no cost (well I am a member for roadside assist, that is it)

[philthy]

Hey Koz.

I had an accident a while ago that wasnt my fault. I rang the insurance company (NRMA) and lodged a claim. They sorted out the whole thing without me having to talk to the other guy again, and I didnt have to pay anything. Obviously this isnt a prang, but if it's not your fault you might find that the insurance company will be able to help you out and won't necessarily charge you for it.

You usually only ever pay the excess after the car has been fixed anyways (yes.. that one was my fault )

[GT3]

The problem is you don't have an independent assessment of the damage. A AAMI assessor will be able to quantify the damage, but may lack the knowledge and/or skill to isolate and identify exactly what caused it (they're ex-panel beaters, not members of CSR ). ..and even if the dealer has identified what caused it, they won't aknowledge or admit to it (surprise surprise). So as long as you don't know exactly what caused it, neither the dealer or AAMI are willing to accept responsibility for repairs. If you make an insurance claim, AAMI will just treat it like any other claim, ie there's damage and it has to be fixed. So I think the dealer is suggesting that an insurance/insurance scenerio is how these matters are generally resolved. If you want to avoid going legal on a personal level, it sounds like your options are limited to making a claim with AAMI. You'll need to pay an excess (good ol AAMI) but it could be refunded once the matter is settled (hopefully in your favour). Realistically, this is the only way forward, or you'll go mad

[philthy]

The problem is you don't have an independent assessment of the damage. A AAMI assessor will be able to quantify the damage, but may lack the knowledge and/or skill to isolate and identify exactly what caused it (they're ex-panel beaters, not members of CSR ). ..and even if the dealer has identified what caused it, they won't aknowledge or admit to it (surprise surprise). So as long as you don't know exactly what caused it, neither the dealer or AAMI are willing to accept responsibility for repairs. If you make an insurance claim, AAMI will just treat it like any other claim, ie there's damage and it has to be fixed. So I think the dealer is suggesting that an insurance/insurance scenerio is how these matters are generally resolved. If you want to avoid going legal on a personal level, it sounds like your options are limited to making a claim with AAMI. You'll need to pay an excess (good ol AAMI) but it could be refunded once the matter is settled (hopefully in your favour). Realistically, this is the only way forward, or you'll go mad

Panel beaters? They would need to be assessing the mechanical & electrical damage so I don't think so. The guy has nothing to lose by getting an assessment from his insurance company. They are there to help. Thats why you pay them so much money.

[Koz]

Thanks so much everyone. I appreciate all input. Ive decided not to make any more public posts regarding this so I dont jeapordise my challenge.

I will be sorting more things out tomorrow and moving ahead from there. Its time for a stand!!!!

Im more then happy to discuss this topic with anyone via PM.

Thanks again

Cheers

Colin