S2 Avant Damaged :( Advise ?

[sorrentomi16]

So, I get to work this morning, park up and go about my day.. mid morning I get told that a huge wagon wtih a cherry picker on the back has just reversed into my once lovely S2 and damaged the rear end. (Rear bumber half hanging on, scratched etc bracket sheared in half, light cluster cracked and corner of bodywork is dented and paint gone etc)

Phoned my insurance and they have declared it a total loss down the phone.

What should I do in this situation? They want to take it away and make an offer but I'm worried I will lose the car or control if I do that. I have the drivers details and it is a big national firm, if they insist on insurance then I have no where to go.

There's no way I am letting them take it away.

Absolutely gutted, I want to cry.























Any help / advise gratefully received.. and to think I was going to cycle in this morning

[Error404]

Talk to GT500 on the forum he will sort this out for you

[re2500]

Most of the damage looks like a bumper and a light cluster.
Very minimal work to repair the bodywork i would have said.
U have two options IMHO:
1) Fight till your blue in the face about getting it repaired (even get a quote from a garage you trust to get it fixed using 2nd hand bumper and cluster, provide this to the insurance company (as im sure it'll be fairly cheap).
2) Go with the total loss and buy it back (make sure this is possible to buy back with your insurance company first)
Make sure you get as much as you can for total loss (you may get 2,500-3,500 for the car) and buyback could be as little as £100! The advantage is you could be quids in, the disadvantage is your car will be a registered write-off, if this is your route, make sure you take pics of the damage as it is very minimal (so a future buyer knows the history of the claim)

There is a third option, take the hit and fix it yourself.... but i know i wouldnt.

[Christophski]

Thats not that bad bud, dont worry. I smashed the front of my car the other year and the insurance paid out to fix it. Required a new bumper, fog light, headlight, grill and boost pipe across the front. You can chhose where it goes for inspection. if they want to write it off just buy it back and fix it with the money and you will still be left with change. Just dont worry. i know how it feels cos I panicked like mad but it all worked out and they didnt write my car off.

[sorrentomi16]

Thanks for the replies, I feel absolutely sick at the moment.

I'm worried about the buy back as whilst they did offer it I haven't got a clue what they would offer, where the car is going or whats going to happen to it when its out of my possession. I feel totally shafted by this, I have done nothing wrong and going to be a much worse situation whichever way I go??

Problem is they won't give any indication of what they will give me until their 'salvage' department have it.. I have a feeling knowing my luck that I would end up not seeing it again and be left with a pitiful amount of money in return.

[dest]

Most importantly, DO NOT let them take it away, you will never see it again!
They cannot take it without your permission but will try their best to talk you into it

[RustyNut]

Call Dean @ Carrington. He did my claims and was spot on. He's in Bristol too so nice and easy. 07860259567. Tell him Russ gave you his number.

[RustyNut]

PM me if you like.

[sorrentomi16]

Thanks for your message. Who are Carringtons, a law firm?

[RustyNut]

They are an independant claims assist company. Very good and work for you not the insurer!

[Rikki Kitto]

I had similar thing few years back, Valet parking nightmare, still waiting for final payment after two years. Get as much as you can straight off don't take an interim payment like I did they string you along for ever. Good luck

[sorrentomi16]

Ok will do

[RustyNut]

Whatever you choose to do don't go through insurers yourself. It will be a nightmare.

[bluequattro]

1. Get a quote to fix and then speak to a director of the firm
2. Let them write it off n fix it yourself
3. Insist they fix it from their insurance
My disco was hit last year, other party s company paid even though disco wasn't worth much, but I was firm with them

[benntenn67]

Hi' sorry to read about you pride & joy getting damaged but it looks an easy enough fix-think positive

There was this thread (similar situation to you) http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57045