Damage to car - advise please?

mogwai

Hello all,

Would appreciate some advice on this, as this is the first time I am dealing with something like this so not sure what to expect/do.

My car was driven into the other day, while it was parked at my local workshop for repairs. Luckily this was caught on their CCTV, and they managed to get the details from the driver. The driver was driving a company van, so gave us the company details. On calling them, they have advised us that they are submitting the details to their insurance company.

My garage has advised me not to accept any amount for settlement, but instead to ask them to fund the full repairs. He also thinks they may offer to pay the value of the car, since the repairs may not be economically viable in relation to the value of the car.

So how will things pan out? I know this seems very straightforward, but Ive never had an insurance claim before, so not sure exactly how things happen. Do I need to get the damage looked at and get an estimate, or will the insurance company want to do this themselves?
Also, who determines the value of the car if they decide to pay out the full amount?

Quentin

You can either claim via your own insurance (if you have comprehensive cover) or direct from the third party if you don't.

It will be easier to claim via your own insurance if you can, though you will want to make use of any legal expense insurance you have to get back your uninsured losses (eg any excess you agreed to pay, out of pocket miscellaneous expenses etc)

Otherwise get an estimate and send it to the third party's insurance company, telling them he was responsible for the damage.

Ask if they want to inspect the damage before the repairs are carried out. Pay for the repairs and send them the bill.

If repairs aren't economic, then you will need to negotiate with over the write off valuation for your car.

Either way, hassle I'm afraid.