new car seat after accident

jetcat

i am not really sure whether to put this here or in motoring, so apologies if it is in the wrong place!

I had a minor car accident last night, someone reversed into me as quite some speed. I am a little sore but otherwise ok, and kids are fine. I have been advised by halfords that i should replace car seat for 2 yr old (they supplied and fitted last one). Other driver has agreed to pay, and she is suggesting that she comes with me.

Now, for those who know me, know i struggle somewhat with going out, and have a carer who comes with me. I am worried that if i say to other driver i will go myself (with carer) instead of her coming with me, that she will think i am trying to rip her off! I dont really want to explain myself to her, and i know that car seat make that i want (i always by same brand - bar for one, which was a big mistake!!!) and know that that isnt the cheapest. As i feel quite vulnerable at the moment, i know that i would get talked down into getting the cheapest. I hope that doesnt make me sound like a money grabbing b***!

Also, her husband is coming down to check the damage to my car - a scratch/dent on the bumper. I do have other scratches on the car from a previous accident where the other driver wasnt insured, so couldnt get them done. Would he be right to argue that he shouldnt pay to get his scratch done, as one more scratch wouldnt make much of a difference?? I do want to get it repaired, as it is quite a nasty scratch, but again, not sure if i can stand up for myself enough!

Any thoughts would be great - and please be assured i am not looking for them to pay for all damage to car, just the damage she did!

RedBern

I don't think it is unreasonable of you to say you want the seat replaced with the same one that you have already (if I'm reading your post right?) - and that it costs £x from Halfords if she'd like to go and buy it. If her husband is challenging the amount of damage and what he'll pay for then just say 'ok, I'll contact the insurance company and they can sort it out' - that's what you pay insurance for (and presumably it's not enough damage for him to lose his no claims over). You've not done anything wrong - so don't be out of pocket and don't feel guilty for standing up for yourself (says she from a distance who would also crumple when challenged!:o)

tiamai_d

Just explain to her that your carer will take you out as you feel more comfortable with this. Is the new car seat going to be the same make/model as the one you have? If it is more expensive than like for like, why not agree that she should pay the value of a like for like and you will top up the rest to get a different one? Your current car seat, see if you can find it online and print off the details and price from a couple of websites.

Reagardless of how many scrapes, dents, missing bits your car may have, it is still their responsibility to repair what they did to your car in that accident.

If they do try to wriggle out of it, police and insurance claim.

Good luck.

ailuro2

Can you give her the code number for it and order it online for her to have it delivered to your address?

It's a bit strange her wanting to come with you to buy the car seat, imho.

seraphin_2

i totally agree that you should get exactly the same make of carseat, it wasent your fault she reversed into you,so you should have what you had before.

with regards to the damage to your car,again id say if its a problem you will go through your insurers and im sure they will sort out the carseat for you as well, you certainly dont need to explain yourself to anyone.

im afraid id argue black was white if i knew i was in the right(much to my oh embaresment !!), but if she insists in coming with you, you could go to halfords or mothercare (they fit them as well) and give the details of what you have now and they can contact her direct to sort out payment so you can just collect it.

bestpud

My insurance company (Sainsburys) will replace the car seat after an accident so it may be worth checking that out.

If they start to get too funny just tell them you will leave it to the insurance company.

You do not have to justify any dents/scratches on your car!

jetcat

when i rang halfords, they checked their stock, and the cheapest one they have in stock is about £20 more than i paid for mine- though mine was on special at the time.

I would prefer to buy it instore, as they will fit it for me, its just i dont want to be pressured into going with someone at a time which might not suit - it can take me a while to prepare myself for going out - but i do get really embarrassed if having a panic attack etc! I also need it get it sorted asap, as obviously i cant take little one out in car with dodgy car seat, and i struggle with walking places.

I am bricking it for when husband turns up! I cant even get to garage to get estimate for repairs, as would need to take kids with me!!!

Thanks for your reassuring words!
x

bestpud

Can you clarify if you are looking at like for like, or are looking to replace the cheaper 'mistake' seat with one that you would normally buy?

nadnad

just to say the same as everyone else really! They are not informing their insurance company (which they are supposed to do) so you are doing them a favour by letting them fix this themselves, if they get twisted about either the seat or fixing the bumper then just ask for their insurance details.

Oh and don't throw your old seat out until its been replaced as at least having it is proof of the make and model of the seat and they can't argue with you then and if it did go to insurers then they like to see either a photo of the seat or original receipt as proof you actually have it.

annie-c

You could just go straight to your insurers. If they want to pay to avoid losing no clauims then you insurers can let them do that. It will be quite straight forward.

My biggest worry is for your car as much as the car seat. A rear shunt can cause considerable damage to the underside which cannot be seen and needs to be examined by a garage. the costs can be considerable but that's what insurance is for. The first time you get a rear shunt your car is weakened (but can look ok) The second time your car will concertina up and offer no protection - in which case your child seat will be the least of your worries.

Please, please, please ring your insurers for advice ASAP. I have been in this position and was feeling pressured by the mum of the other driver. The insurers took it all off me, gave me a courtesy car and repaired mine and I had no contact with her again.

maggie21

If I were in your position, I would be grateful, that the person seems to genuinely care. If you car already has a few scratches, does it really matter? Would you want to claim your insurance if you accidentally scratched another car? If it's brand new and in pristine condition then yes, but if it's anything like mine (only 4 years old and bumped from car doors in car parks, scratches round the sides) does another one really make much difference?

Safety is the most important thing, so if shes buying you a new car seat I would settle for that, unless of course, there is more damage than just a few scratches.

As for her shopping with you, why don't you provide her with the make & model you want and just ask her if she can price it & give you the money to buy it yourself.

Good luck, I hope it all works out.