Some genius thought it would be funny to knife the softtop of my car

Pandilex

Any advice welcome.

I used to drive an old banger and was sinking endless money into it to keep it running. I couldn't trust it to start, or last for any time without developing yet another fault. So in the end I thought I'm gonna treat myself to a nice new car on a lease and I'll never have to worry about paying repairs again! Hurrah!

I got an mx-5 lease and now, 6 months in, with only 1500 miles on it, somebody thought it'd be hilarious to knife the roof, so there is a tear on it. I can only assume this is what happened as it doesn't look like it was accidental.

Now I have no idea what to do. I've taped it up a bit but it looks awful.

I could phone my insurance (Admiral) but it's unclear from their policy documents if it's covered, and I'll probably lose my 2 years no claims bonus and have my insurance premium hiked right up Again, the document doesn't mention damage from vandalism, only from an accident. Mazda will cover the excess (on the first occurance) if I make a claim provided I phone Mazda first instead of the insurance company and let them handle it.

I could get it repaired, which looks like it might be about £100-£150 but not from an official mazda garage? If it's repairable.

I could get it replaced, non-official for about £500ish maybe more since my car is 2017.

I could get it replaced officially which would cost literally thousands.

I don't know what happens at the end of my lease if the softtop has been repaired or replaced, officially or unofficially.

I assume it was a one-off occurrence but who knows, my street is a dark side street but well-trafficked by people coming back from pubs and stuff.

Plus I'm so fuming mad that some idiot would do this, if that's what happened.

Here's some pictures https://imgur.com/a/NVfz5

Just have no clue what to do.

consumers_revenge

some idiots really are ar5eholes!

Ectophile

That's one reason I don't have an MX-5 any more.

But why wouldn't the insurance company cover it? Mine did when it happened to me. It was taken to a local independent company that specialises in hoods and vehicle trimming.

Pandilex

I'm sure they would cover it but would it really save me money if they cancel my no claims and put my premium up?

forgotmyname

Some insurers will let you keep your no claims after a vandalism claim. But you still have a claim to declare for upto 5 years.

If they spot the roof is not a genuine Mazda one you could get an inflated bill for a new one when you return it.
Same with repairs to the roof.

Have you reported it and got a crime number?

custardy

also consider if you get a non OEM replacement.
What about on return at the end of the lease?
likely it will be a good enough match but what if they catch it and hit you for a new roof again?

trailingspouse

In insurance-speak this sort of thing is called 'malicious damage', so have a look in your policy documents for that wording. And speak to the lease company - I'm sure it won't be the first time something like this has happened to a lease car. They'll tell you where you stand.

And as the proud owner of two MX5's in the past, I feel your pain.

Pandilex

Thanks guys. Last time i have a soft-top. This is why we can't have nice things :-(

wgl2014

I would consider taking it to a Mazda garage to see if they can repair it to an acceptable standard, at least you have a starting point then.

(Also I hope karma comes and kicks whoever did that square in the plums!)

ndf9876

http://www.themx5restorer.co.uk/

Speak to these guys. I own an MX-5 myself, and although I haven't had roof issues, they come highly recommended (by the MX5OC as well).

missile

Sorry to hear your woes. This happened to my wife's TT and it cost £2,500 to replace.
Fortunately vandalism did not count as a fault claim on her policy.