A badger has hit my car, what cover do I have?

northwest1965

henrygregory wrote: »

When I put the keys in the car earlier to check the mileage and petrol left (you gotta watch these repair places), I noticed on the computer screen it is flashing saying coolant level warning and brake pad warning. So they seem to be some extra faults other than the ones I have noticed from my visual inspection.

If its a reputable garage that the insurer uses, when you drop the car off they will (OR SHOULD) inspect all your damage-old and new and note on a drawing and will go round the whole car. They note mileage and petrol. Depending on how the damage occured they'll also inspect things like the chassis.

Cant stress enough though about checking hire car,inside and out. Person checking it out might not be as thorough as person checking it in.

henrygregory

Thanks for being so helpful.

northwest1965

Yes thats right! When I collected mine, the girl only checked rear, front & drivers side. Then it wasnt until I'd had the car 3 days noticed she'd filled it in wrong. When I did return it, she made a more thorough check (even the inside drivers door) I complained to her and told her she wasnt that thorough on collection!

lisyloo

Just incase they accuse me of damaging it?

Absolutely, especially if there is a fat juicy excess.
Carefully note down any damage before you leave.
Take pictures if possible (most people have camera phones these days).
Otherwise there is a risk that every stone chip and scratch will be put down to you.

Obviously most firms are honest, but IMO it's worth spending 10 minutes not to get caught out.

henrygregory

Thanks guys.

lisyloo

If it's 9-5 on a Monday-Friday then they may be able to call the DVLA to check if you have any convictions.
They won't however be able to do this out of office hours (I know because I tried to hire a car on a Sunday).

I woud give them a call and see if they can check your convictions this way.
Regardless of the answers I'd still carry on hunting for the licence because you will need it in future. I'm sure there is a procedure for lost licences but there will almost certainly be a fee.

Can you easily get a bus/train to work?
Obviously this isn't always convenient but with the number of issues that can occur, sometimes I think I'd rather get the train and be done with it all.

henrygregory

Thank you!

buglawton

No so uncommon, this happened in Lincs to a BMW

Link:
Stoat Trapped In CarGrille Animal Survives after being stuck there for 30 miles

margaretclare

henrygregory wrote: »

What a rubbish night, I was just on my way home when a badger ran in front of the car, could have swerved but it was a 60 zone and didn't feel safe doing so. It hit bang on in the middle of the car.
The car is not in a good state at all. Clearly there is too much damage for me to pay for it to be fixed. I believe the aircon rad as well as the normal one has gone and the bumper is well beyond repair. The car is still worth a fair bit so it wont be a right off.

I have fully comp insurance with protected no claims. Will I be covered for this inconsiderate badger? I can't see anything in my booklet that states otherwise.
I have a £250 excess, does any one know what sort of effect this would have on my following year premium?

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

What happened to the poor badger?

Your car is repairable, a real live flesh and blood badger is not.

henrygregory

Thanks! Your comments have been very helpful.