Saturday, October 25, 2008 - 01:54 pm, by: Ivan Teoh(Archangel)
Hey guys, I had a slight bump with another car yesterday. There is nothing major with my car though (fortunately). While the car I nudged into wasn't badly damaged as well (just small scratches and I can see the clips are broken on the rear bar) the lady wants to make a claim from my insurance for a whole new rear bar. She told me her panel beaters opened up and told her that the clips are all broken and the rear bar need to be replaced.
I just called my insurance and they told me to get two quotes for my car. One is their panel beater and another from a panel beater of my own choice.
Here's my question, I need a recommendation for a panel beater who's around Caulfield or any surrounding suburbs who specialises in Toyota Soarers just in case the lady goes ahead with the claim, I can assure my Soarer gets the repair that she needs as well.
Monday, October 27, 2008 - 03:42 pm, by: Andrew Stewart(Daboom)
that's bad news mate. you probably won't find a pannel beater that specilizes in any particular type of car. just find someone that has done many show cars and they will probably be what you are looking for.
Daniel Lee Goo Roo Victoria Soarer GT Limited UZZ31 V8
Now the problem is, the lady wants to change a new rear bumper for her car despite the minor damage. She gave me 2 quotes from 2 different workshops and both of them are more than $2500 to replace and respray the rear bumper. I'm looking for ways not to go ahead with the claim because by looking at the damage, i'm pretty sure the bumper just needs refitting and not a full replacement.
I'm thinking of bringing her to any panel beaters which is around the area for a FAIR quotation with me on site so i can get an honest opinion from the panel beaters.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 12:59 pm, by: Graham Dollisson(Alloyvee)
Usually when bumpers are hit they are stuffed. She is entitled to a new one. They are expensive. That is just the way it goes!! That looks like a fairly new Honda.
Andrew Stewart TryHard Queensland Manual GT-T VVT-i Single Turbo
Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 07:20 pm, by: Andrew Stewart(Daboom)
with alot of the newer cars, the clips don't actually break, they look a bit like a keyhole. when the clip slides into the bumper, it gets pulled back and the clip latches onto it, so in minor bumps, like yours, the bumper should be able to be re-aligned and the clips should pop back into place. it doesn't look like there is much damage anyways. but if you are getting it done under insurance, the only thing you should be worried about is your excess, that is the painful part. like for me it is $1300 and that is because of my age, vehicle and standard excess. aarrrrggghhh
Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 10:35 pm, by: Andrew Stewart(Daboom)
if this is the first accident since you got your licence, you would have a fairly good rating. i think your premium will stay the same instead of dropping. however if you were to have another accident in their "period" by which i mean when you sign up for insurance with a particular company, they will ask you how long since you have had an accident, of which you were the cause of the accident. i think just car is 3 years. correct me if i am wrong, if you were to have an accident within 3 years of this accident your premium will increase, to what extent i don't know.
but in regards to this incident i think you will be fine, so really find a place that you are happy to get your car done at and then let the insurance company do the rest