Hit by new driver

Herzlos

straighttalker wrote: »

New driver doesn't pay an excess on third party claims.

Good point :beer:

Aretnap

You're already doing the neighbours a big favour by giving them the opportunity to settle outside of insurance. If you're feeling generous you could do them another favour by getting a back street garage to bodge it up at mates' rates, if not you're quite entitled to go through their insurers and have it done at a garage of your choice. It's up to you really - you're in the right, but whether it's worth risking falling out with your neighbours over is another question.

Retrogamer

Just be careful that your neighbours don't spit the dummy and try and deny liability if you push the insurance route.

colino

Incredible that a neighbour is taking this attitude. Remind them they are responsible for the damage and that you are getting the localised repair done to a decent standard, not claiming for a bumper cover, reinforcement bar, set of pdc sensors and Rolls Royce paint job.
There's a reason new drivers pay high premiums.

McKneff

I don't know why people get so uptight when they are liable and the innocent party wants to go with their own choice garage. It doesn't make their premium any higher whether its a claim for 500 or £5000.

arcon5

McKneff wrote: »

I don't know why people get so uptight when they are liable and the innocent party wants to go with their own choice garage. It doesn't make their premium any higher whether its a claim for 500 or £5000.

Because if you read the op then you'll see the other party want to pay the bill themselves.

arcon5

PDC wrote: »

If that figure is including fixing an issue with the reversing sensors then it doesn't sound a bad figure to me.

Had quotes for damage in a similar instance last year and small local places came in around £300-350 and larger dealer £1200. This was only for paint damage of a similar size to what you describe.

If they don't want to pay and have seen the invoice then I would just tell them you will go through insurance then. Seems to me you have done them a favour by offering to settle outside of that as they asked already.

Not sure what point you're trying to make, but all you've done is confirmed dealer prices are ridiculous compared to other local competent bodyshops.

Would hardly call it a favor, it benefits op as well as them. And just because ops willing to consider this route doesn't mean the other party have to be robbed of significantly more money than necessary for what amounts to the same work. Plenty of bodyshops can give a dealer a run for their money!

loskie

A decent back street repair place will do a far better job than the main dealer who will contract the work out. My MX5 was rear ended I insisted it was fixed at the Mazda dealer. Bumper re spray was mismatched and had to be done again and the second time I collected it they hadn't even plugged in the light clusters. Totally disinterested. My old company astra (I did 60000m year) was in the body shop a few times. A family company worked out of an old farm yard and the work was excellent.

smjxm09

Also worth pointing out that even though you was not at fault you will be seen as a higher risk so you will pay extra for your insurance next year if the insurance company is contacted.

Norman_Castle

You could try getting quotes from other repairers who you view as competent. It is likely your VW dealer passes the work to a body shop. Ask if they do the work themselves and if not, who they use.

When you have a firm quote ask for payment in advance. If they refuse contact the insurers.