Hit up the arse, poss write off. What would you do

[mattjbatch]

Evening all,

Got my first bimmer a couple of months ago (a 318is) and was loving it to bits. Unfortunately I got rear ended last thursday causing a bit of damage. NSR 3/4 buckled, NSR lamp unit broken, exhaust bent, back panel bent, bumper and its carrier broken. Today the quotes started coming in and its not looking good. Ranging from 1400 to 1900 to repair all the bent panels. Not had a quote for replacing them but I can see that being very expensive. Unfortunately this is write off territory as the car is only worth £1500ish. They guy that caused the crash doesn't want to involve insurance if possible (he's got a grand excess, only 3rd party). Should I demand that the repairs are done or should I get a cash settlement and turn the car into a trackday weapon? What would you do if you were in my position? Also, is it better to have the bent panels replaced or repaired? If they're repaired they won't be 100% straight but is there anything to worry about with getting them replaced?

Sorry for the long post.
Cheers
Matt

PS Some of the body shops I went to suggested I sue for whiplash as its expected these days for a crash like mine. OK, I've got a bit of a stiff neck but whiplash? I don't feel like I deserve a couple of grand for what happened. Am I being naive in thinking you should only sue if you've been debilatated or should I just play the game and try and get as much cash as I can?

[UpTheIron]

mattjbatch said:

Am I being naive in thinking you should only sue if you've been debilatated

No, quite right IMO. Sh1t happens...a bit of a sore neck but that's all...could be a lot worse so just get on with your life. Perhaps if everyone else had your(sensible) attitude then the country wouldn't be in such a state.

[Graham]

mmm first off all get an admission from him in writing that the accident was his fault. just tell him if he doesnt do that then its going straight to the insurance and you'll also report it to the police.

once you've got that you want 2k, basing it on the range of 1400 to 1900 you've had so far...
that should cover anything unexpected and some buggerance factor...
though if the motors worth 1500 be prepared to settle for that. you'd still end up with the motor and 1500 quid which in worst case is 1500 quid for a new one and a spares car


if it goes through insurance and id still try to buy the motor back as part of the settlement...

hunt arounf and get plenty of prices and pics of similar motor for sale

G

[mattjbatch]

Cheers G, hadn't thought to get an admission in writing, will do that tomorrow. How was Sebring btw?

[Graham]

mattjbatch said:

Cheers G, hadn't thought to get an admission in writing, will do that tomorrow. How was Sebring btw?

its not so much of a problem if its all going through the insurance, but once they start talking about paying it them selves, as you havent reported the accident its easy for some one to walk away ad say it wasnt me. a bit difficult to put a claim in a month later ... just my trusting nature i suppose...

Sebring and detroit was a laugh, but knackerd now... need to get some time on the tas and work is manic...

G

[iguana]

I'd be very tempted to take a cash amount and as you say have a track car for free!

Its doubtfull the insurance company will repair it anyway given the costs involved & I doubt they would pay you the £1500 or so that you value it at, what does Glasses guide give for the car? Sub £1k?? if some how they did fix it the car will then be on HPI & worth a fair bit less.

Also worth thinking that if you take the cash you won't have to tick the box that says any claims accident or convictions in the past X yrs, and risk (despite you not being at fault) the posibly higher premuim as a result.

Ref whiplash etc you do indeed have a great attitude & should be commended on that, its a tough one I've claimed once from a bike smash, but over something genuinly serious injury wise- that has caused me a lot of grief, yet I got just a couple of grand more than my mate who had 'whiplash' from a rear ender & blatently played the system.

[mattjbatch]

iguana said:

I'd be very tempted to take a cash amount and as you say have a track car for free!

I think that's what I'm going to do to be honest. Like you say the insurance probably won't pay me what its worth and I don't need yet another claim on my record. Gotta start looking for a new motor now though. At least I've got a couple of weeks off to sort it out.

Cheers
Matt

EDIT: Fook me that's a nice 3V8 you've got there iguana

>> Edited by mattjbatch on Wednesday 31st March 01:43

[Davel]

Take the cash but don't claim whiplash unless genuine.

I know others milk the system but its still not right.

Use the car for trackdays and find another road car.

Glad you weren't hurt.

[M3BOB]

tell the guy you want 2 grand, but another 318is for the road with the money, and have a track car 318is, problem solved

[mattjbatch]

You read my mind. Have decided to settle for cash. Gonna keep the car for trackdays/drifting/speed events etc. I'm off to see another 318is tomorrow or the day after. Obviously I need to get a trailer. But all in all I've not done too bad out of the situation :touchwood: Will be fun preparing the car for track use too.

Just thought though. Can I tow with a 318 with a 318? Would the weight of the car and trailer be too much?