Can or Should I claim for this?

Irishorangutan

Hi - can someone possibly give me some advice on this?

I was coming out a friend's driveway and as I was doing a 3 point turn, I pulled away and caught the edge of my rear bumper on a sticky out bit of barbed wire on his fence.

Their is a fairly deep scratch but the bit of the fence managed to somehow catch the rear bumper at just the right point and it's pulled half the rear bumper off and ripped all the bits underneath so that it definitely needs replaced. Don't ask quite how it managed to do so much damage, but there you go!

Anyway, I'm with swiftcover, I have 8 years no claims and no claims protection and a £150 excess.

1) Should I claim for the damage?
2) As it was me who hit the fence, CAN I claim for the damage?

Many thanks in advance! :A

McKneff

1. You need to take it to a main garage for an estimate of the cost first. Then take it to a little garage to see if the cost would be around your excess figure. Only then can you decide really

2. As long as you have your car insured fully comp there is no reason for you not to claim. Did you cause any damage to the fence which you may be liable for

Inactive

That is assuming that the OP has Fully Comp insurance, I would get an estimate for repair costs first.

McKneff

daily wrote: »

Depends how much the repair would cost, compared to loss of £150+15% noclaims loss this year, + 5% next, +inevitable future premium increases. A plastic bumper, or no repair may be cheaper.

OP says he has 'no claims' protection

Irishorangutan

Hi there.

I do have fully comp insurance. The fence is pretty much fine - though it's an ancient fence and I'm very good friends with the owner so it isn't an issue.

I'd heard that getting a replacement bumper could cost up to £700. I've a Golf Mark 5. As it's on a business lease I will need to get it fixed.

So perhaps getting a quote first?

McKneff

I would ring your insurance people up first and take instruction from them.

I know its no consolation but most of us have probably done similar things. Its only metal and no one was hurt.

harveybobbles

Depends how much you value friendship LOL...

Middlers

McKneff wrote: »

I would ring your insurance people up first and take instruction from them.

If you are going to get it done out your own pocket DO NOT tell the insurance company as they will put the accident on your record even if they don't deal.

amandada

I think when a vehicle hits a stationary object then the responsibility lies with the driver....

nomoneytoday

amandada wrote: »

I think when a vehicle hits a stationary object then the responsibility lies with the driver....

True - Unless the fence "ran out in front of the car" lol

steveo3002

just becasue you have protected , the premium may go up next year as you will still need to state that you had a claim

get a quote ...it might be near your excess anyway