Was Armourfend Standard?

[Alfa numeric]

I'm sure I know the answer to this but as I'm at work and all the stuff for the car is at home I can't check.

A bit of background- a few weeks ago something heavy fell off a car in front of me on the M4 and hit the nose of my car. The damage wasn't massive but it did break the join between two pieces of GRP and therefore required a new nose. The insurance company were fantastic, as were the bodyshop that did the work, and yesterday the car was delivered back to me looking like new.

I've just had a call from the insurance though. It would appear that they have had the bill and are now questioning the Armourfend fitted to the car. I stopped the bloke in his tracks, telling him that it was a standard fitment (I was told this when I bought the car, it was reconfirmed by a Lotus rep later and I've a brochure that I'm sure says the same thing) but he said that I should have a certificate saying this. I don't remember seeing one but then I've not looked for it in the past.

The car is a 2007 Elise R that I bought in April. Was Armourfend standard then, and should I have a certificate for it if it was factory fitted?

Thanks in advance.

[400SE Dave]

Basically No. The only bit that was done as standard was the bit ahead of the rear wheel arches.

[Alfa numeric]

Eek. This could get expensive.

Why didn't they mention this before they authorised the work!

Thanks for the speedy reply.

[telecat]

I would say it does not matter. They should restore the paintwork as it was, which includes the Armourfend. Now it could be argued that no paintwork is restored "as it was" however the Armourfend was obviously there and as such needs to be replaced.

[Alfa numeric]

The problem lies in the fact that when I insured the car I told the insurance company that the car was completely standard with no modifications or extras (beyond the touring pack)- and I'm guessing that they're going to say that if the Armourfend wasn't standard then it's a modification. I'm wishing that I'd not cut him off in mid flow now and actually listened to what he was going to say!

[Mattt]

I'm firmly in the 'declare everything' camp when it comes to insurance, but when it comes to Armourfend I'd tell them to feck right off.

[NathanE]

Are you claiming off a third party insurer? If so, they have to return the car as it was before the accident, including any modifications (or compensation of).

If it's a claim with your own insurer. It's basically going to be a pissing contest unfortunately!

[Alfa numeric]

Unfortunately not- the object that hit my car came from a mystery benefactor a few cars in front, flew over the car immediately in front of me and bounced just in front of the Elise. I was too busy trying to avoid it and not bounce off other cars to note where it had come from.

Bugger.

[Sumshi]

It is possible the original selling dealer ( when new ) fitted armourfend prior to delivery to the first owner as a sweetener to the purchaser

[400SE Dave]

Alfa numeric said:

Eek. This could get expensive.

Why didn't they mention this before they authorised the work!

Thanks for the speedy reply.

Don't worry too much. I would think you would pay £200-300 max to get the front only done. I got mine done by a guy in Silverstone, I can give you details if any use.

[Alfa numeric]

400SE Dave said:

Don't worry too much. I would think you would pay £200-300 max to get the front only done. I got mine done by a guy in Silverstone, I can give you details if any use.

Cheers, but it's done- I got the car back yesterday with the new Armourfend on. Only now (after they authorised the work) are they querying whether it was standard on the car. It's never been mentioned at all up to now.

[kambites]

I had exactly the same problem and told the garage I wasn't paying - that it was nothing to do with me and they should take it up with the insurance company. Not sure who paid in the end, but it wasn't me... I think it was the insurance company.

The garage's contract to repair the car is with the insurance company not you, you do not have to get involved.

[Alfa numeric]

Update- I had a look at home and confirmed that the only standard bit of protection is on the sills, and this was confirmed this morning by the dealer. I then rang the insurance company who said all they needed was a certificate or receipt to show the car had Armourfend on before the accident, or failing that a letter from the supplying dealer confirming the same. So panic over.

Thanks all for your help!