New driver, low wage, huge problem.

teddypicker93

Hi everyone, first post here after months of regular viewing.

I arrived at work this morning and whilst reversing, I underestimated how close I was to a tree and this happened:

*I am new so i can not post links, so go on imgur(dot)com and then type "/alHdgO4"*

First thing I did was call my insurance company and told them my window had been smashed, didn't tell them how I did it, and they quoted me £65 to get it replaced. "Fine.." I thought, £65 I don't really have but it could be worse. I was then contacted by the approved window-replacement company, where I made them aware of the dent in the car and how I think it may affect things. Long story short - I sent them pictures, they confirmed that it would need to be sorted out before they came to fix it.

I have approached a few body-work companies to ask for budgetary quotes, I have sent them pictures. I have had no response as of yet, and I am concerned that i'm looking at forking out £300-£1000. Before my estimate is criticized, I have a feeling that the worst case could be a complete replacement of the boot.

I was hoping someone could give me some suggestions at how I can approach the next few weeks, things I should and should not say to my insurance company, professional opinions of my car and what work needs to be done, and any general tips on the cheaper options.

FYI - I have considered going to a scrap yard, but even if I do find a car similar to mine, I don't want to have a 'red' or 'green' boot which a grey car, regardless of the money.

I hope I have followed the forum rules and I hope my question is an easy read.

Thanks - Teddypicker93

elsien

http://imgur.com/alHdgO4

motorguy

I would be getting a bootlid from a scrappie and getting it fitted and painted.

You could have it done for £250-£300. If you stick it through the insurance you may well have significant excess to pay, and it will bump your premium up next year.

teddypicker93

Motorguy, thanks for posting the image.

You're saying it will cost me around £250-£300 to get the car door from a scrappy, and how that is the best option. Can I assume then that you think I will pay much more for the dent?

Thanks

Axial

eBay

A quick look seems to show a dark grey Polo tailgate for just short of £40 (excl delivery), plenty more if you keep scrolling

motorguy

teddypicker93 wrote: »

Motorguy, thanks for posting the image.

You're saying it will cost me around £250-£300 to get the car door from a scrappy, and how that is the best option. Can I assume then that you think I will pay much more for the dent?

Thanks

Door? I take it you mean bootlid?

Yes, shouldnt cost a fortune to get one second hand - someone above just posted details of some on ebay?

You could be lucky and get one the right colour and just need to get it fitted. :beer:

User925

teddypicker93 wrote: »

Motorguy, thanks for posting the image.

You're saying it will cost me around £250-£300 to get the car door from a scrappy, and how that is the best option. Can I assume then that you think I will pay much more for the dent?

Thanks

In a word, most likely.

A quick Google search has brought up a tailgate for £24.50 off eBay, don't know the colour. I assume yours is the Mk4 model?

This includes the glass, but not the wiper motor and they have most colours in stock.

Go to ebay UK and type this after it: /itm/VW-VOLKSWAGEN-POLO-MK4-TAILGATE-FIT-GTI-1-4-1-6-16V-ECT-/220924700812

Mr_Mink

For a Lupo I'd say go with the scrapyard plan if the quotes come back really steep. There's plenty of Lupo's about, you shouldn't have much trouble finding another black one. Even if you can't, you could always repaint a different coloured boot with the correct colour.

As a new driver I'd advise going this road and not making a claim. You'll see an increase in premium because they know about it 9 and you will need to update them on the full circumstances) but it won't be as bad as if you need to claim it. £300 - £400 now may be hard to swallow but a bump of God knows what to next year's insurance premium could well be worse.

forgotmyname

Get a suction puller on the dent and tell the glass people to fit it as best as they can.

You then have time to look for a better bootlid. A complete unit with glass and locks in the right colour.

The dents at the bottom so i cant see them having a problem fitting the glass. It wont leak.

cajef

It is a condition of most insurance policies that you notify them of any accident even if you do not make a claim.

tykesi

Mr_Mink wrote: »

For a Lupo I'd say go with the scrapyard plan if the quotes come back really steep. There's plenty of Lupo's about, you shouldn't have much trouble finding another black one. Even if you can't, you could always repaint a different coloured boot with the correct colour.

As a new driver I'd advise going this road and not making a claim. You'll see an increase in premium because they know about it 9 and you will need to update them on the full circumstances) but it won't be as bad as if you need to claim it. £300 - £400 now may be hard to swallow but a bump of God knows what to next year's insurance premium could well be worse.

Don't think a Lupo tailgate will be much use on a Polo