URGENT Help - Just had a crash.

sho_me_da_money

Hi guys,

Im a newbie driver and just had my first major accident.

I arrived in work about 20 minutes ago and parked on the 6th Floor Building Car Park. The spot where I park is directly in front of the ramp that leads you the next floor e.g. you drive up the ramp to level 6 and right in front of the ramp is a spot.

Like a numpty I left the handbrake accidentally off.

My mate arrived not long after (5 mins) and said the car rolled backwards down the ramp and just smashed into the pillar in front of him. The back is totally screwed (no bumper).

Will my insurance cover this?

Thanks very much!

Al1x

Are you fully comp?

maninthestreet

You didn't leave the handbrake off, otherwise the car would have started rolling backwards as soon as you has switched the engine off and taken your foot off the brake. Presumably you didn't leave the car in 1st gear (or in PARK if an automatic gearbox). Is the car covered by comprehensive insurance?

sho_me_da_money

My policy says:

Cover Type: Comprehensive

Is that the same?

maninthestreet

sho_me_da_money wrote: »

My policy says:

Cover Type: Comprehensive

Is that the same?

Yes it is.

sho_me_da_money

maninthestreet wrote: »

You didn't leave the handbrake off, otherwise the car would have started rolling backwards as soon as you has switched the engine off and taken your foot off the brake. Presumably you didn't leave the car in 1st gear (or in PARK if an automatic gearbox). Is the car covered by comprehensive insurance?

Didn't need to leave the car parked in first gear - it was on a flat surface. The car was not parked on a slope (not sure what rules apply here).

After stepping out the car (literally 30 secs) I heard a BANG. Looked back and thought nothing of it until my mate called me and said, your cars wrapped up in a pillar.

So the Car was probably trickling backwards.as I stepped out but I didnt turn back to check.

maninthestreet

Obviously, that 'flat surface' wasn't as flat as you thought it was. I always leave my car in first gear even when parked on a 'flat surface' - before anyone says this is dangerous just in case I forget to take the car out of gear before starting it again, I drive an AUDI A3, and the car won't start unless the clutch pedal is depressed.
Even though you appear to be comprehesively insured, you will still have to pay any excess, and expect your insurance premium to rise when it's time to renew your insurance.

sho_me_da_money

Thanks for all your advice guys.

• The excess is £250.00
• I do not have No Claims Bonuses (this is first year)
• The first year would have been 23/05/10

If I was risking say a 3+ year No Claims Record, I probably would have had the repairs done privately.

Any other tips before I call em?

Al1x

Is there much damage?

If you have a newish car I'd probably go through the insurance but if you have an old car I'd get a new bumper from a scrap yard and get it fitted.

sho_me_da_money

Al1x wrote: »

Is there much damage?

If you have a newish car I'd probably go through the insurance but if you have an old car I'd get a new bumper from a scrap yard and get it fitted.

Fairly newish. I'd say the repairs if done privately would cost in excess of £700.00ish

Can't really afford to fork out that much mula at this moment in time.

karenx

Well its either £700 now. Or £250 now and when it comes renewal time you will have higher monthly premiums and you will lose a NCB.
Before calling insurance I would go round some bodyshops and get quotes to fix it. Then decide what the better option would be.
What kind of car is it? Its possible theres a car enthusiast form that you could ask on if someone has the parts to fix it?