Incident

[yellowplum]

Was stuck in traffic and some person decided to rear end the car - looks like a new bumper. Annoyingly she wants to pay for the repair herself, tried putting her off but she still wants me to call her (I will sort out putting her off).

Two things, whats the best way to find a repairer that doesn't chuck the cars through at record speed and ruin them?

Second, it seems she lifted the car, what is behind the rear bumper? Just trying to ascertain myself what damage was caused.

[maisbitt]

I wouldn't leave it to her to find a repairer or ascertain the damage beyond the obvious. Do you have rear parking sensors? Since my rear shunt, the drivers side corner parking sensor doen't see to be as responsive as the other 3. Finding a repairer locally with a good reputation is the hardest bit. Make it clear to her that you want to done properly whoever is paying (her privately or her insurance).

[salsajoe]

Sorry about the incident. Hope it is not too bad. Tell her you need to go through your insurers because you need a courtesy car to get to work. Her insurer so you don't pay and you can choose your own repairer.

[yellowplum]

I do need a courtesy car, I know how to put her off. It is just finding a good repairer locally, I don't mind travelling a little for it - at least then you get the peace of mind that it is to be done correctly.

Funny thing is that I had one of the rear sensors repaired under warranty by VW (not going to the 'approved' repairer they are not very good) and it is that one that has fallen back into the bumper, so now in reverse it is permanently audible being too close to something, very annoying.

I was just amazed that it doesn't look half as bad. I'll take a pic in a sec and upload it somewhere.

Any suggestions for a good repair centre?

[Cuprabob]

I would use a VW Approved bodyshop in order to maintain the 12 year corrosion warranty, plus in my experience they are pretty good.

I would get a quote for the repair and a modest hire car for the period and then give her the option of paying direct or via insurance.

Going through insurance is preferable though, as once she gets an idea of the cost, she might start denying the incident or saying you reversed into her and unless you have any witnesses it's her word against yours.

The sad thing is, even a non fault claim, increases your risk profile so your premium will go up slightly even if your NCD is unaffected.

[rm0rgan]

Deffo go via Vw - they generally do a really good job and you can get a car from them whilst its being done.

[yellowplum]

Found an approved repairer in Poole that has a local dealer to examine the vehicle first from this site, http://www.vwgroup-paintandbody.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looked at this one... http://www.pooleaccidentrepair.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Taking it later today to see... the sensors are now not working on the rear, you just get the acknowledgement beep and that is it, whereas previously they would be constantly on as two of them where pushed in and fell behind.

Pic...http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/3638/bcbl.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Gilez]

If I were you, insurance company every time mate. It isn't your fault she shunted you, so don't go out of your way to accommodate her. You are already talking about getting quotes etc..so you are spending time and money doing the run around to get them. Sod that. As has already been mentioned, she might start backing ff once she knows how much she is going to be forking out.

The only problem you may have now though is not informing your insurers straight away.

[yellowplum]

That really makes no difference, I would still have to obtain two quotes to go through her insurance company to claim. Why would I claim on mine when it was a TP incident.

Anyway had it up on the ramp today, it needs a new bumper, number plate lights, number plate, supports, exhaust and impact bars. Other than that it hasn't gone through to the body it seems.

[Foxu]

Had similar story with my Laguna. From outside looked ok, just small cracks on bumper. When guys in garage remove linings inside a boot, bumper holders was pushed inside for around half an inch.

[carmanvw]

hi there,
i had a similar misfortune, and the other driver's dad wanted me to go to a small garage which also did repairs. i thought it safer to contact his company, and i got a quote from a firm which was recommended to me by the main dealer service place who dont do bodywork themselves.

unfortunately this repair firm was not up to the standard i would have hoped for, they promised the car would be exactly as it was before, but the colour was miles off, on the first attempt- which they were happy enough with to tell me to collect the car (3 goes later it was a better match, but it no longer seemed like a new bumper when it was sanded 3 times). there is a bar behind the bumper which may have been damaged depending on the force of the impact. i insisted on a brand new bumper and that this bar was replaced on mine if there was even a scratch on it, and it was replaced (or so they said anyway!!).

it was only after this repair that a firm was recommended to me who do a lot of mercedes work etc, and have apparently a great record. in the case of my car, the repair company just work from paint codes from VW. they then order this paint from the manufacturer, and how close it is to the rest of the car can be a matter of luck , depending on how diligent your chosen repair firm is.

definitely, you can chose who you wish to do the repair, and chose carefully, maybe ask in a high end car dealer like a porsche specialist etc. most repair firms will get u to sign a form stating you accept the repair as full settlement of the claim. it's worth maybe checking as to whether you actually have to sign this. i would at least write any misgivings you have on the form before signing it.

god luck.
(i just checked your post again and see that your car is deep black- should not really pose a colour match problem after all!!

[yellowplum]

I've picked Poole Accident Repair from the local Porsche dealer - she got the quote and said she wanted to go through her insurance. Got a call from her insurance company over the weekend and are arranging the repairs with them. Although as per usual they wanted to me to use an approved repairer, Sewards - after the last time never again.