Damaged 997 - help...
Discussion
Was hoping to get some opinions on the following:
I run a 997C2S (my pride and joy). On Sunday a woman reversed into the front of my car in a supermarket carpark. Saw it happen but wasn't in the car (was walking towards it).
The impact was hard enough so that the front boot popped open and a horrible crunch sound. The impact was directly on the number plate so there is no real cosmetic damage to the car. However, on closer inspection:
- The big black plastic airscoop (behind the front bumper) is now totally loose
- Opening up the boot the plastic fittings around the boot have all popped up and won't fit flush making me think the whole front is now bent
- The boot lining at the front came unstuck and again won't fit back flush
- Closing the boot there is now zero gap between the front panel and the boot.
I'm no expert but I decided not to drive the car in case there was something majorly wrong and have had my local OPC pick it up. I've asked for a full inspection (alignment, suspension, panels, etc), strip down of the front to make sure the panels are not going to fall off at speed, etc, etc.
Whilst the woman gave me her insurance details and was very apologetic, her husband is now claiming that there was no damage to my car and is being an arsehole about the whole thing.
Therefore, I've decided not to take any crap and have instructed my solicitor (paid for by my insurance) to go after them/their insurance for my excess, all other expenses and for any valuation impact on my car. Basically to be a major pain in the arse and get every penny I can from them.
So:
- Does this damage sound serious?
- Am I doing the right thing asking for a full strip down inspection or am I over reacting?
- Will the value of my car be impacted?
- My solicitor reckons I won't end up paying anything even if they dispute the damage but that it may be a painful process to get them to pay? Anyone done this successfully?
Any help much appreciated.
I run a 997C2S (my pride and joy). On Sunday a woman reversed into the front of my car in a supermarket carpark. Saw it happen but wasn't in the car (was walking towards it).
The impact was hard enough so that the front boot popped open and a horrible crunch sound. The impact was directly on the number plate so there is no real cosmetic damage to the car. However, on closer inspection:
- The big black plastic airscoop (behind the front bumper) is now totally loose
- Opening up the boot the plastic fittings around the boot have all popped up and won't fit flush making me think the whole front is now bent
- The boot lining at the front came unstuck and again won't fit back flush
- Closing the boot there is now zero gap between the front panel and the boot.
I'm no expert but I decided not to drive the car in case there was something majorly wrong and have had my local OPC pick it up. I've asked for a full inspection (alignment, suspension, panels, etc), strip down of the front to make sure the panels are not going to fall off at speed, etc, etc.
Whilst the woman gave me her insurance details and was very apologetic, her husband is now claiming that there was no damage to my car and is being an arsehole about the whole thing.
Therefore, I've decided not to take any crap and have instructed my solicitor (paid for by my insurance) to go after them/their insurance for my excess, all other expenses and for any valuation impact on my car. Basically to be a major pain in the arse and get every penny I can from them.
So:
- Does this damage sound serious?
- Am I doing the right thing asking for a full strip down inspection or am I over reacting?
- Will the value of my car be impacted?
- My solicitor reckons I won't end up paying anything even if they dispute the damage but that it may be a painful process to get them to pay? Anyone done this successfully?
Any help much appreciated.
don't know to much but there does seem to be several scarry points in that story. if I where you I would do the following.
IMPORTANTLY contact your local police and get a crime number.
get in touch with supermarket and see if they have CCTV, if so get copy.
there is also the old story about insurance not paying out in supermarket car parks as they are not public roads..
as for the loss of value, yes it will be worth less but trying to cliam that will be very hard, a friend had the same got letters from BMW( his was a BM) to state this but no joy frim insurance.
Good luck....
PS please lets not have anyone saying " I dont take my P&J to supermarket, I take other car" that sounds like a coffee shaker.
IMPORTANTLY contact your local police and get a crime number.
get in touch with supermarket and see if they have CCTV, if so get copy.
there is also the old story about insurance not paying out in supermarket car parks as they are not public roads..
as for the loss of value, yes it will be worth less but trying to cliam that will be very hard, a friend had the same got letters from BMW( his was a BM) to state this but no joy frim insurance.
Good luck....
PS please lets not have anyone saying " I dont take my P&J to supermarket, I take other car" that sounds like a coffee shaker.
it sounds like the husband is just trying to get out of them having to pay - the fact is the damage was caused, the woman provided her details - you had the car collected for a full inspection.
Therefore they dont have a leg to stand on - you have the official statements of the tow truck guy - the garage etc.
And no, your not overreacting - if they had just had your car fixed as it was a no-brainer fault, then fair enough, trying to wriggle out of it is just pathetic!
Therefore they dont have a leg to stand on - you have the official statements of the tow truck guy - the garage etc.
And no, your not overreacting - if they had just had your car fixed as it was a no-brainer fault, then fair enough, trying to wriggle out of it is just pathetic!
I work in the motor insurance investigation/litigation industry 
The first thing anyone says after an accident where they were at fault is "there wasn't any damage"
their insurers will take this comment with a pinch of salt and probably pay the claim without any agro. you have a good timeline to show the damage couldnt have been caused after as the car was recovered by the OPC
yes you are probably being a little over sensitive with the strip down (absolutely no offence intended) as this work will be done during the repair process. What you need to be careful of is the fact that you have a common law duty to mitigate your losses. If your legal opponents can argue you incurred unnecessary costs you may not be able to recover the cost of the initial strip.
With regards to diminution (reduction of value) this is a hard point to prove and insurers are VERY reluctant to pay for this head of damage. the principle is simple - if you have the choice to buy two identical cars, same spec, mileage etc and you knew one had been involved in an accident which one would you choose?
Calculating financial recompense for this head of damage is, unfortunately, tricky to prove especially if the damage is not extensive, and could ultimately delay payment of the claim.
The first thing anyone says after an accident where they were at fault is "there wasn't any damage"
their insurers will take this comment with a pinch of salt and probably pay the claim without any agro. you have a good timeline to show the damage couldnt have been caused after as the car was recovered by the OPC
yes you are probably being a little over sensitive with the strip down (absolutely no offence intended) as this work will be done during the repair process. What you need to be careful of is the fact that you have a common law duty to mitigate your losses. If your legal opponents can argue you incurred unnecessary costs you may not be able to recover the cost of the initial strip.
With regards to diminution (reduction of value) this is a hard point to prove and insurers are VERY reluctant to pay for this head of damage. the principle is simple - if you have the choice to buy two identical cars, same spec, mileage etc and you knew one had been involved in an accident which one would you choose?
Calculating financial recompense for this head of damage is, unfortunately, tricky to prove especially if the damage is not extensive, and could ultimately delay payment of the claim.
Cheers guys,
If the other party had simply put their hands up and said 'sorry we damaged your car, let's just get the whole thing sorted out' I would've been happy. Accidents happen and all that...
However, I've already been told by my insurance company that the whole matter will be sorted out but given that they are disputing the damage I will most likely have to pay my excess (and it may affect my premium next year). I have a great insurance policy that gives me free legal cover and free replacement courtesy car, etc so I thought I'd use it to my full advantage.
The car is less than a year old and is my pride and joy so it really pisses me off that people try and wriggle out and so I have decided that 'two can play that game'. Being petty I know, but if I have to pay my excess etc, then at least knowing that my solicitor (again free for me) is going to make their life a bit more miserable for the next few weeks will make me feel better.
Really is sad but I guess this is the modern world for you.
If the other party had simply put their hands up and said 'sorry we damaged your car, let's just get the whole thing sorted out' I would've been happy. Accidents happen and all that...
However, I've already been told by my insurance company that the whole matter will be sorted out but given that they are disputing the damage I will most likely have to pay my excess (and it may affect my premium next year). I have a great insurance policy that gives me free legal cover and free replacement courtesy car, etc so I thought I'd use it to my full advantage.
The car is less than a year old and is my pride and joy so it really pisses me off that people try and wriggle out and so I have decided that 'two can play that game'. Being petty I know, but if I have to pay my excess etc, then at least knowing that my solicitor (again free for me) is going to make their life a bit more miserable for the next few weeks will make me feel better.
Really is sad but I guess this is the modern world for you.
had a similar thing a few years ago. I had to pay the excess as at the time of repair, the 3rd party still did not admit fault
A year later, she eventually remembered she drove into me, and admitted fault. Surprisingly, a short time before it was due to go to court
I then got my excess back
I think you always pay the excess in a scenario that is not clear cut (i.e. 3rd party denying things) and then your insurance company goes after them for the excess once agreement is reached
A year later, she eventually remembered she drove into me, and admitted fault. Surprisingly, a short time before it was due to go to court
I then got my excess back
I think you always pay the excess in a scenario that is not clear cut (i.e. 3rd party denying things) and then your insurance company goes after them for the excess once agreement is reached
JEBLondon said:
Cheers guys,
If the other party had simply put their hands up and said 'sorry we damaged your car, let's just get the whole thing sorted out' I would've been happy. Accidents happen and all that...
However, I've already been told by my insurance company that the whole matter will be sorted out but given that they are disputing the damage I will most likely have to pay my excess (and it may affect my premium next year). I have a great insurance policy that gives me free legal cover and free replacement courtesy car, etc so I thought I'd use it to my full advantage.
The car is less than a year old and is my pride and joy so it really pisses me off that people try and wriggle out and so I have decided that 'two can play that game'. Being petty I know, but if I have to pay my excess etc, then at least knowing that my solicitor (again free for me) is going to make their life a bit more miserable for the next few weeks will make me feel better.
Really is sad but I guess this is the modern world for you.
If the other party had simply put their hands up and said 'sorry we damaged your car, let's just get the whole thing sorted out' I would've been happy. Accidents happen and all that...
However, I've already been told by my insurance company that the whole matter will be sorted out but given that they are disputing the damage I will most likely have to pay my excess (and it may affect my premium next year). I have a great insurance policy that gives me free legal cover and free replacement courtesy car, etc so I thought I'd use it to my full advantage.
The car is less than a year old and is my pride and joy so it really pisses me off that people try and wriggle out and so I have decided that 'two can play that game'. Being petty I know, but if I have to pay my excess etc, then at least knowing that my solicitor (again free for me) is going to make their life a bit more miserable for the next few weeks will make me feel better.
Really is sad but I guess this is the modern world for you.
the whole motor insurance world is sad and simply comes down to one thing - money. everyone knows that when you thump a prestige car repairs will be costly so the first thing someone says after an accident is what I alluded to earlier in the hope their insurers will not pay and their NCB will be preserved.
Yes you will have to pay your excess but liability is not in dispute and your solicitor will recover it.
The bottom line is that neither the driver or her husband are qualified to state the car was not damaged and their layman's eveidence will not be accepted by a court. you have a raft of credible potential witnesses, yourself, the recovery driver, the OPC
you will have little difficulty in proving the car was damaged in the manner described and despite what the other drivers insurers say they will dispute, when they establish the true facts they will pay up.
As I said the loss of value aspect may be tricky but otherwise you will be OK. If you want to chat or go through anything else PM me
Sorry to here about that JEBLondon.
I'd imagine that all you want is your P&J returned to it's former glory - nothing more, nothing less.
If they're not prepared to pay for damaging someone's car (be it peugeot, porsche or pagani) they shouldn't be on the road (or in the supermarket car park).
I say screw them any way you can. People need to start accepting the consequences of their actions.
*end rant*
That said, soon after passing my driving test at 17, I *nudged* the car in front (an uncared-for old nissan with about 1000 "people" crammed inside) in 2mph traffic. There was no damage but they claimed for a bent chassis etc. I was furious and wished i'd just run them all over and driven off. Ended up costing a fortune (relatively). Still paid up though. Was my fault.
Good luck.
I'd imagine that all you want is your P&J returned to it's former glory - nothing more, nothing less.
If they're not prepared to pay for damaging someone's car (be it peugeot, porsche or pagani) they shouldn't be on the road (or in the supermarket car park).
I say screw them any way you can. People need to start accepting the consequences of their actions.
*end rant*
That said, soon after passing my driving test at 17, I *nudged* the car in front (an uncared-for old nissan with about 1000 "people" crammed inside) in 2mph traffic. There was no damage but they claimed for a bent chassis etc. I was furious and wished i'd just run them all over and driven off. Ended up costing a fortune (relatively). Still paid up though. Was my fault.
Good luck.
1jeb said:
Sorry to here about that JEBLondon.
I'd imagine that all you want is your P&J returned to it's former glory - nothing more, nothing less.
If they're not prepared to pay for damaging someone's car (be it peugeot, porsche or pagani) they shouldn't be on the road (or in the supermarket car park).
I say screw them any way you can. People need to start accepting the consequences of their actions.
*end rant*
That said, soon after passing my driving test at 17, I *nudged* the car in front (an uncared-for old nissan with about 1000 "people" crammed inside) in 2mph traffic. There was no damage but they claimed for a bent chassis etc. I was furious and wished i'd just run them all over and driven off. Ended up costing a fortune (relatively). Still paid up though. Was my fault.
Good luck.
I'd imagine that all you want is your P&J returned to it's former glory - nothing more, nothing less.
If they're not prepared to pay for damaging someone's car (be it peugeot, porsche or pagani) they shouldn't be on the road (or in the supermarket car park).
I say screw them any way you can. People need to start accepting the consequences of their actions.
*end rant*
That said, soon after passing my driving test at 17, I *nudged* the car in front (an uncared-for old nissan with about 1000 "people" crammed inside) in 2mph traffic. There was no damage but they claimed for a bent chassis etc. I was furious and wished i'd just run them all over and driven off. Ended up costing a fortune (relatively). Still paid up though. Was my fault.
Good luck.
Totally off topic 1jeb but do you really own the plate 1 JEB? JEB are my initials so if you're interested in selling...??
JEBLondon said:
1jeb said:
Sorry to here about that JEBLondon.
I'd imagine that all you want is your P&J returned to it's former glory - nothing more, nothing less.
If they're not prepared to pay for damaging someone's car (be it peugeot, porsche or pagani) they shouldn't be on the road (or in the supermarket car park).
I say screw them any way you can. People need to start accepting the consequences of their actions.
*end rant*
That said, soon after passing my driving test at 17, I *nudged* the car in front (an uncared-for old nissan with about 1000 "people" crammed inside) in 2mph traffic. There was no damage but they claimed for a bent chassis etc. I was furious and wished i'd just run them all over and driven off. Ended up costing a fortune (relatively). Still paid up though. Was my fault.
Good luck.
I'd imagine that all you want is your P&J returned to it's former glory - nothing more, nothing less.
If they're not prepared to pay for damaging someone's car (be it peugeot, porsche or pagani) they shouldn't be on the road (or in the supermarket car park).
I say screw them any way you can. People need to start accepting the consequences of their actions.
*end rant*
That said, soon after passing my driving test at 17, I *nudged* the car in front (an uncared-for old nissan with about 1000 "people" crammed inside) in 2mph traffic. There was no damage but they claimed for a bent chassis etc. I was furious and wished i'd just run them all over and driven off. Ended up costing a fortune (relatively). Still paid up though. Was my fault.
Good luck.
Totally off topic 1jeb but do you really own the plate 1 JEB? JEB are my initials so if you're interested in selling...??
I've just noticed that I had trouble eariler on with "here" and "hear".
Sorry to hear about that JEBLondon.
In answer to your question, yes it is mine. Had it since 1996.
It's not for sale, I'm afraid (though everything's always for sale at the right price...!)
I would want to be able to replace it with something else so it really depends on what else is on the market. 1 JB doesn't come up very often, as I'm sure you're aware!
Know people with 17 JB, JEB 99, and JB 3000 if you care to bid?
1jeb said:
JEBLondon said:
1jeb said:
Sorry to here about that JEBLondon.
I'd imagine that all you want is your P&J returned to it's former glory - nothing more, nothing less.
If they're not prepared to pay for damaging someone's car (be it peugeot, porsche or pagani) they shouldn't be on the road (or in the supermarket car park).
I say screw them any way you can. People need to start accepting the consequences of their actions.
*end rant*
That said, soon after passing my driving test at 17, I *nudged* the car in front (an uncared-for old nissan with about 1000 "people" crammed inside) in 2mph traffic. There was no damage but they claimed for a bent chassis etc. I was furious and wished i'd just run them all over and driven off. Ended up costing a fortune (relatively). Still paid up though. Was my fault.
Good luck.
I'd imagine that all you want is your P&J returned to it's former glory - nothing more, nothing less.
If they're not prepared to pay for damaging someone's car (be it peugeot, porsche or pagani) they shouldn't be on the road (or in the supermarket car park).
I say screw them any way you can. People need to start accepting the consequences of their actions.
*end rant*
That said, soon after passing my driving test at 17, I *nudged* the car in front (an uncared-for old nissan with about 1000 "people" crammed inside) in 2mph traffic. There was no damage but they claimed for a bent chassis etc. I was furious and wished i'd just run them all over and driven off. Ended up costing a fortune (relatively). Still paid up though. Was my fault.
Good luck.
Totally off topic 1jeb but do you really own the plate 1 JEB? JEB are my initials so if you're interested in selling...??
I've just noticed that I had trouble eariler on with "here" and "hear".
Sorry to hear about that JEBLondon.
In answer to your question, yes it is mine. Had it since 1996.
It's not for sale, I'm afraid (though everything's always for sale at the right price...!)
I would want to be able to replace it with something else so it really depends on what else is on the market. 1 JB doesn't come up very often, as I'm sure you're aware!
Know people with 17 JB, JEB 99, and JB 3000 if you care to bid?
Nice plate that one... I thought I saw it for sale recently on one of the websites? Just out of interest, what would you look for it if you were going to sell - I'd figure around £40k? PM me if you don't want to post here.
I'm always on the lookout for a nice plate with JEB on it. The middle "E" is quite important as its my full initials and my day to day nickname is JEB. I currently use the plate X15 JEB as 15th is my Birthday but I'd love something a bit more special..
The car looked ok from the outside (ie. no paint damage) but the damage was on the inside. Just got a call from OPC saying its over £5k worth..
My insurance company just instructed their lawyers on the case so looks like its going to get messy. As such, I won't post any more details but will let you guys know the outcome.
Thanks for all the comments.
My insurance company just instructed their lawyers on the case so looks like its going to get messy. As such, I won't post any more details but will let you guys know the outcome.
Thanks for all the comments.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff