Written off my Spider
Discussion
Driving down the A3 this morning, roof down enjoying a rare bit of sun.
5 Cars ahead started braking very heavily to a standstill. I came to a stop, just and so did the van behind me, then I heard screeching and braced myself as the van behind was piled into by another van and car. I was smashed really hard behind which then pushed me into the car in front.
Most importantly, everyone was OK, however the Spider is pretty much f****d.
The rear didn't crumple, it just seemed to fold down from the wheel arches back, resulting in the boot sloping down and touching the ground. Front end was caved in but not too bad. Had to be dragged onto a low loader.
Sorry to anyone who was stuck in a massive jam on A3 this morning!
Now starts the drawn out insurance claim proceedure, then the fun of looking for a new toy and then the disappointment of my wife saying we need to spend the money on a new bathroom!!
5 Cars ahead started braking very heavily to a standstill. I came to a stop, just and so did the van behind me, then I heard screeching and braced myself as the van behind was piled into by another van and car. I was smashed really hard behind which then pushed me into the car in front.
Most importantly, everyone was OK, however the Spider is pretty much f****d.
The rear didn't crumple, it just seemed to fold down from the wheel arches back, resulting in the boot sloping down and touching the ground. Front end was caved in but not too bad. Had to be dragged onto a low loader.
Sorry to anyone who was stuck in a massive jam on A3 this morning!
Now starts the drawn out insurance claim proceedure, then the fun of looking for a new toy and then the disappointment of my wife saying we need to spend the money on a new bathroom!!
Oh man, sorry to hear the news - just looked at the car in your profile and had a lump in my throat, as you say the good news is everyone walked away.
When you get your insurance payout go and buy yourself a Barchetta (bags of fun for the money - decent ones are cheap as chips at the moment) and once you have put in your personal injury claim for your whiplash you will have the money for a new bathroom - problem solved!!
When you get your insurance payout go and buy yourself a Barchetta (bags of fun for the money - decent ones are cheap as chips at the moment) and once you have put in your personal injury claim for your whiplash you will have the money for a new bathroom - problem solved!!
Haha. The Barchetta is tempting. However I have already got my wife to agree that I can get another toy
..... on the condition that it has 4 seats, which I can deal with. So I'm thinking of a 70's 105 GTV Alfa or Lancia Fulvia. I'm looking forward to the classified trawling.
Of course, everyone else in the crash was holding their necks ready for a whiplash claim. Not sure I can be ar**d to go through it all but when you put it your way......
..... on the condition that it has 4 seats, which I can deal with. So I'm thinking of a 70's 105 GTV Alfa or Lancia Fulvia. I'm looking forward to the classified trawling.Of course, everyone else in the crash was holding their necks ready for a whiplash claim. Not sure I can be ar**d to go through it all but when you put it your way......
This thread has some pics of the damage.... 
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Thanks for the lift John, really appreciated after my dreadful morning!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...Thanks for the lift John, really appreciated after my dreadful morning!
Edited by jimmyjam on Saturday 16th August 21:07
Edited by jimmyjam on Sunday 17th August 09:40
Thought I'd update you on my write off.......
I have been really pleasantly surprised at how smooth and easy it has all been. Within 1 week of the accident, I had a agreed a figure for the insurance. They initially offered me £3k for it. I bored the assessor with a massive pile of evidence showing that the car was worth £6k+. He obviously couldn't be bothered to argue or thought I was too much of an anorak so gave me the full amount without further offers. Well chuffed!
So, the money has been burning a hole in my pocket. After many deep conversations with Mrs Jimjam about how selfish I was spending the money on another car, I resolved to buy a new carpet and patio and spend the rest on my toy.
I have today put a deposit on a beautiful little Verde Anglais 1972 Alfa Junior fitted with 2.0 engine. Hoping to pick up next weekend... can't wait!
I have been really pleasantly surprised at how smooth and easy it has all been. Within 1 week of the accident, I had a agreed a figure for the insurance. They initially offered me £3k for it. I bored the assessor with a massive pile of evidence showing that the car was worth £6k+. He obviously couldn't be bothered to argue or thought I was too much of an anorak so gave me the full amount without further offers. Well chuffed!
So, the money has been burning a hole in my pocket. After many deep conversations with Mrs Jimjam about how selfish I was spending the money on another car, I resolved to buy a new carpet and patio and spend the rest on my toy.
I have today put a deposit on a beautiful little Verde Anglais 1972 Alfa Junior fitted with 2.0 engine. Hoping to pick up next weekend... can't wait!
Glad you had a good result, have you bought this one?;
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C50782?pt=pf#
If so hope to see you at the ACE Cafe next Thursday for Italian motors night - I am sure you would draw a crowd!
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C50782?pt=pf#
If so hope to see you at the ACE Cafe next Thursday for Italian motors night - I am sure you would draw a crowd!
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