Car fell off MOT ramp!!

ChrisM28

While having MOT and service the ramp collapsed and 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee overland rolled off and into steel chest. Repairs needed: complete new bumper and grill, near side wing mirror, passenger door, near side rear wing damaged up to roof line, near side rear light cluster.

To add to the horror we're booked for a holiday in France next Wednesday 15th for a month towing a caravan.

Talked to garage insurer this morning they're trying to get an equivalent replacement hire vehicle for the holiday. As to our jeep he said they want to repair it. My view is why should I accept a vehicle which has had major surgery? Do I have to? Auto trader are listing equivalent at 13,995 but hasn't got tow bar which cost me £870 + I put 4 new tires on it two days and two miles ago at a cost of £700.
Are we entitled to any compensation for the sheer inconvenience and worry of all this, not big fans of the claims culture but don't see why we shouldn't be compensated. Any and all advice gratefully received.

InsideInsurance

ChrisM28 wrote: »

My view is why should I accept a vehicle which has had major surgery? Do I have to?

They'd be legally required to indemnify you, ie put you back in the same financial position as you were before the incident. If the vehicle is repairable and safe & economical to be repaired then this is the normal course of action.

If you dont want them to repair it then the alternative would be a cash in lieu of repairs which would be for the cost it would be to have it repaired minus the VAT element and you would get that and the damaged vehicle back.

If the repairs cannot be done or its not economical to be repaired then the vehicle will be deemed a total loss and they will have to put you back in the same financial position by giving you the cash value of the car immediately before the incident.

You can always submit a claim for inconvenience/ miscellaneous expenses however the cap for this tends to be exceptionally low (normally £20 or less) unless there has been a major mistake in the handling of the claim and on the basis they are dealing with the car, getting you a replacement vehicle etc it doesnt sounds as if there have been.

ChrisM28

Thanks very much Inside Insurance

ChrisM28

Thanks very much Inside Insurance

rs65

Not much to add to InsideInsurance's post other than to look on the bright side - you won't be putting your holiday miles on your own car.

Check that you are allowed to take the hire car out of the country.

forgotmyname

There are a few places that hire vehicles with a towbar. SHB is one they used to have Landrovers, Rangerovers and crewcab pickup type vehicles.