Car Dealer wants me to claim via Windscreen Cover [and pay my excess]?

Lou76

Firstly, thanks to everyone who answered me on my other thread asking about buying a Pre-Registered car vs New.

I bought a March 2012 [2500 miles on the clock] registered Toyota Aygo, from Arnold Clark, and not only saved myself a fortune (not that I could've afforded that particular model new anyway), but I also love my new wee car.

Anyway, here's the problem - has to be one, hasn't there? lol

On the day I collected the car, on my drive home, I noticed a ruddy great big scratch on the windscreen.

The garage have never desputed that the scratch was there before I drove off, and even admitted that they should've noticed it before I picked it up - it goes the opposite way to the window wiper, so couldn't even say they thought it was a mark caused by that.

They told me they'd have a look & see if it could be repaired, if not it'd be replaced, free of charge as I'd collected it that way.

They picked the car up yesterday, came back with it and told me they'd looked at it and they believe a repair will damage it, thus it'll need replaced, so a straighforward replacement is needed.

They gave me the option of either; have them repair it (and probably damage it in the process) or, I go through my insurance for a new windscreen, and they'll cover my excess.

I work nightshift, so was half dead when they came back with the car (at 6pm) & gave me these options, so I told them I'd think about it and phone them back in a few days.

So glad I did; the more I think about it, the less inclined I am to go through my insurance - why should I, just to save them money?

They said they'll send me a cheque to cover my excess - so I have to pay out, and then wait until when for my cash?

My no claims bonus won't be affected, but surely it'll affect next years premiums regardless, especially if I'm unlucky enough to have to genuinly claim on my windscreen cover?

Sorry for the long rant, but if anyone's still reading... Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Can you please give me more reasons why I shouldn't claim my insurance, as way of ammunition to use when I call tomorrow.

Thanks.

Lou xx

DTDfanBoy

As the damage occured to the window before your insurance cover began any claim made by yourself would be fraudulent, hopefully that is the only advice you will need

forgotmyname

Tell them to sod off. Replace it at their costs and insurance. You dont want to declare a windscreen claim for 5 years do you?

Tell them to fit a new screen.

redux

The trade price to them might not be a lot more than your excess anyway, so I can't see why they are being so mean.

I had a new screen fitted on insurance on my Citroen BX a few years ago, parked outside the workshop round the building from mine, by a bloke who came from a few miles away. My excess was £50 and he did a Renault 5 at the same time which was about £70 for the whole (non-insurance) job, which I know as I paid it in lieu of some other work done on my car.

Lou76

redux wrote: »

The trade price to them might not be a lot more than your excess anyway, so I can't see why they are being so mean.

I had a new screen fitted on insurance on my Citroen BX a few years ago, parked outside the workshop round the building from mine, by a bloke who came from a few miles away. My excess was £50 and he did a Renault 5 at the same time which was about £70 for the whole (non-insurance) job, which I know as I paid it in lieu of some other work done on my car.

He muttered something about £400 for a new windsreen, but as I said, I was half asleep when the car turned up.

I think they were hoping I'd be half asleep (they knew I worked nightshift) and just agree to whatever they said. :(

Thanks guys, you've confirmed what I already thought - but needed confirming. :T

I'll tell them to raffle themselves. :rotfl:

redux

I've found a couple of windscreen replacement websites which actually publish their prices

£165, £100 + vat

Posts on a couple of forums mention that the best price they had was from the main dealer, like £155 for a Mercedes SLK

I think your dealer ought to be able to afford something like that without messing about with your insurance

Lou76

redux wrote: »

I've found a couple of windscreen replacement websites which actually publish their prices

£165, £100 + vat

Posts on a couple of forums mention that the best price they had was from the main dealer, like £155 for a Mercedes SLK

I think your dealer ought to be able to afford something like that without messing about with your insurance

I knew [deep down] I was telling him to "Do One". :eek:

I think I just needed you guys to back me up.

missile

That is the sort of scam one might expect from AC. Their after sales service is ........

withabix

Tell the dealer to claim on their insurance and if they don't have cover, to replace the windscreen.

They are trying to have one over on you.

roddydogs

? the scratch wasn't there when you inspected the car?

marlot

Why should you commit fraud just to help their profits?