URGENT Help - Just had a crash.

sho_me_da_money

£700 might have been little too geneorous. I think the damage might be in excess of a grand.

the182guy

karenx wrote: »

when it comes renewal time you will have higher monthly premiums and you will lose a NCB.

This is an understatement, the insurance cost is going to be sky high: new driver with major claim in first year. If OP is under 25 years old then it'll be even worse. Many insurers won't even bother to give an insurance quote let alone a bad one.

I'm just saying don't rush into a decision, IMO it's definaltely worth getting an accurate quote for the repairs done yourself. You could also try getting an insurance quote as if you were renewing now with the accident on file, to see what the renewal is going to be like.

w.dws

Look on the bright side at least nobody was hurt. Hopefully if you do go through the insurance your insurance company will not write your car off as this will leave you without a policy/car and with an expensive next policy. Was there any damage to the pillar as you could expect that the company which runs this car park would sue you for costs to get this repaired or at the very least charge to have it structurally inspected (it happens).

neilmcl

sho_me_da_money wrote: »

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.

Lesson learned - always leave your car in gear when you park up.

kwaks

Hold up, you say your xs is £250?

Are you sure?

Most policies will have a compulsary xs, a voluntary xs AND A NEW DRIVER XS OF £250.

I suggest you recheck all xs on the policy before making a decision.

neilmcl

karenx wrote: »

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?

If he has no NCB to start with the OP won't be losing any come renewal, however they won't be gaining any for this year either. Also, they should be getting a higher premium regardless because, as they already should know, their insurance co. will probably require them to inform them of any accident at renewal, regardless of claim.

OP, pay your excess and claim on your insurance. How long have you got until renewal?

Paulos77

maninthestreet wrote: »

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.

I always leave my car parked in first gear too, just incase the handbrake fails. I have done since passing my test about 15 years ago now. Even if I have to drive another car at work I always check the car is out of gear before starting up, but thats just force of habit for me.

Hope you get things sorted.

neilmcl

kwaks wrote: »

Hold up, you say your xs is £250?

Are you sure?

Most policies will have a compulsary xs, a voluntary xs AND A NEW DRIVER XS OF £250.

I suggest you recheck all xs on the policy before making a decision.

Good point.

neilmcl

Paulos77 wrote: »

Even if I have to drive another car at work I always check the car is out of gear before starting up, but thats just force of habit for me.

Agreed. For those of us who were taught to drive correctly then this should be second nature before starting the ignition of any car.

sho_me_da_money

This is what my policy states about excess:

Compulsory Excess: £250

Renewal date is 23/05/2010

God willing all this stuff will work out and in future I will be getting into the habit of placing the car in 1st gear as well as pulling up the HB.