33 replies to this topic

[blackbelt1990]

The exact same thing happened to me

I got a damaged window (which I didn't notice untill it rained 4 days later and the glass went rusty!) a sign it had been hit with shards of hot metal,
A ROVER badge on my boot, where it should have said 1.3i
A chrome bumper... which rusted weeks later, unlike the S/S one that came off
And my broken boot handle didn't get replaced, apparently they don't make them anymore.

Unfortunately I was young and excitable... so I'd already signed it out

Edited by blackbelt1990, 09 July 2009 - 06:22 PM.

[wendy woo]

I had a similar problem with my previous mini a couple of years ago. It was sent to the approved workshop by Direct Line and not only too double the amount of time to be returned it was shoddy workmanship and they also damaged my clutch when removing my gearbox and tried to charge me for a new one by saying there was already a problem with it.

When I got the car back I took it to an independent mini specialist who reviewed all the work and provided a report which I passed on the direct line quoting all the issues and a quote for over £600 to put right the work. The insurers garage replaced my front valance and only painted the front and daft things like that. With lots of evidence and with the backing of an independent garage, Direct Line paid for the repair, you just need to get it checked, get it documented and then go back to the insurers to get it sorted, if no luck, contact the insurance ombudsman, they take weeks to sort it but will normal get the result you deserve.

[evansisgreat]

A quick update on this, I wrote a nice letter to my insurance company explaining the basics (wrong bootlid, boot floor not repaired) got a nice letter back and and got a call from a nice girl called Sarah who'll be my claims quality person throughout the process. I've got a guy coming out today to look at the repair so finger crossed it all goes well and he's not a big

[Guess-Works.com]

Don't get too involved with the price of the repair, that should be of no interest and in fact no concern of yours, that's between the insurance company and the repairer... What you need to highlight is the quality of the repair...

If it is not to specification or pre-accident condition then there is a case to be answered which the insurance firm will take up with the repairer.

[datsun100a]

It's your car and you can have who ever you like repair it. Insurance companies have approved repairers and you are not obliged to use them but it makes the prcess easier for them as well as giving you a hire car. I would not give a mini to a not specialist as these normal bodyshops are looking for quick money and no complaints.

[evansisgreat]

So, if anyone cares anymore (I know I'm losing interest) Miles went into get repaired today.

My insurance company have again been really good and have arranged for me to speak to only two people at the place, because last time I felt I was being thrown about.

But, they’ve said the can’t find the correct parts for the car and have asked me to source them, which I more than happy to do so they don’t get the wrong parts again.

The guy I was talking to today when I dropped the car seemed nice, and said they’ll fill my tank and take off the dummy r/h filler cap which was fitted by a previous (presumably blind) owner which I hate.

So fingers crossed it should all fall into place, I have a really nice insurance assessor who knows his minis and said he’s gonna inspect the job after it’s complete so it could be the end of this saga!

Thank god, and thanks for all the advice everyone!

[Ethel]

Pleased you seem to have found some decent people to deal with. Try and arrange to be present when the insurance guy inspects the car, cynical old me wouldn't want to give them the opportunity to state it was repaired to perfection when they inspected it if you have to go back to them again.

[evansisgreat]

Pleased you seem to have found some decent people to deal with. Try and arrange to be present when the insurance guy inspects the car, cynical old me wouldn't want to give them the opportunity to state it was repaired to perfection when they inspected it if you have to go back to them again.

Good thinking, I'm sure that won't be a problem with them, and thankfully my work is fine with me slipping out for the odd hour here and there.

[evansisgreat]

So a second last post on this tread (I hope). So Miles was meant to be sorted last friday, alas no. I got a call saying they didn't know how to fix it in the first place!!! After it being returned before 'fixed'.
So I rang up my insurance saying I wanted my car taked away from these monkeys NOW! Of course, that didn't happen. My car will apparently be ready tomorrow and I've told it'll be inspected by an independant engineer. Now I've met the engineer and he's a nice bright guy, but I just don't trust anyone except John at my local mini garage, so I've told my insurance company that I'm not signing anything until I have it inspected by him, and, if he recommends, a coachbuilders that do work for him and are well versed in minis.

I'm sure everyone is past caring but I thought I should just keep going.

[Teapot]

We're still with ya. Fingers crossed ...

[evansisgreat]

Thanks teapot. So no car yet. They say they're waiting on the indepenant engineer coming out, but they say it'll definitley be ready on monday so we'll see what they've done.
Ugh, I just want my car before I get so angry with the courtesy fiesta that I burn it and have to pay for it.

[miniman retford]

I bet that courtesy cars getting some thrashing !

[warhonowicz]

I'm sure everyone is past caring but I thought I should just keep going.

don't think we are ... two reasons, a) it's about a Mini so we always care and b) it's always good to know how insurance companies and workshops handle these "little" issues, so we can all learn and go elsewhere

[minimininut]

Yep, I defo agree whole heartedly with warhonowicz!

I can only speak for myself but I am always interested in people's mini experiences (even though it's sad when the stories involve bodged jobs and heartache, it's still very useful info to have available, and to learn from.)

When people abandon their posts on the forum I wonder what the outcome was, even if I've only read the thread and not posted a reply. I doubt I am the only mini forum member that feels that way (!!) so really, please do keep us all posted, our mini hearts are with you and and our mini fingers are crossed that Miles is spick and span and that the job's a good un.

[daemonchild]

I'm so glad you're all as outraged as I am, I was worried someone would say I've left it too long or that I wouldn't have a leg to stand on. This is my first car and my first insurance claim so this is all uncharted territory to me. Thanks for all the replies.

Every insurance claim is uncharted territory.