GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Lordie on 11 September 2020, 18:19

Title: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Lordie on 11 September 2020, 18:19
Soooo long story short, a tree fell on my car the other week in the high winds. It's a highways owned tree but I doubt they will pay a penny as it's like trying to get water from a stone and takes them 3 months just to investigate. Then when they reply to you with a letter the don't provide any contact details so you can't reply or argue back (had the same issue with pothole damage).

Took it to a couple of places and it doesn't seem like it's an easy fix. It's not possible to do a smart dent repair and massage it out so it seems like it's going to have to be a full roof panel replacement though my insurance. The quote I got was between £2-£3,000 in total. 20 hours of labour and around a week to do.

If anyone has any tips or advice on the situation then it would be much appreciated. I'm currently going around in circles trying to find the best place to take it, or if I should just let me insurance pick and use their recommended repair place

(https://i.postimg.cc/Kzs3xVcN/IMG-2751.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/2SmMfjcC/IMG-2691.jpg)
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Watts on 11 September 2020, 18:44
Sorry to see that, what a mess. Insurance? Also do some research on smart repairers and get some additional opinions, that has to be a better option than a new roof.
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Gnasher on 11 September 2020, 18:50
Ouch - I'd keep up with the claim against the highways agency.

As a way to get proper evidence to support your claim, put in a freedom of information request on when the trees on that stretch of road were last inspected and the schedule of inspections. I hope you have photos of the offending tree and branch etc. too. I doubt they inspect them regularly which will really help your case.

It's slightly different from a pothole case but at the end of the day, their tree has damaged your car. I personally would make sure I'm not out of pocket for something that wasn't your fault. If it was (for instance) a neighbour and their roof tiles came off and landed on your car, they would be liable, so I don't see why the highways agency shouldn't be. Stick at it and I'm sure you'll get it sorted.

If you need someone to email high up, try here... https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/highways-england (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/highways-england)
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Lordie on 11 September 2020, 19:41
do some research on smart repairers and get some additional opinions, that has to be a better option than a new roof.

3 out of 3 have said it's too bad to be repaired with the smart dent repair methods. Was a a right pain to hear that as I was initially relived when I saw the damage as I didn't think it was too bad and would be easier to repair than replacing the roof panel

Apparently the roof panel is spot welded into place, that gets taken out and replaced with a new panel. Obviously all the headlining with all the lights and anything else in the way needs to be removed


put in a freedom of information request on when the trees on that stretch of road were last inspected and the schedule of inspections. I hope you have photos of the offending tree and branch etc. too. I doubt they inspect them regularly which will really help your case.

I personally would make sure I'm not out of pocket for something that wasn't your fault. If it was (for instance) a neighbour and their roof tiles came off and landed on your car, they would be liable, so I don't see why the highways agency shouldn't be. Stick at it and I'm sure you'll get it sorted.

If you need someone to email high up, try here... https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/highways-england (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/highways-england)

I have a camera so caught it falling on video

I emailed the council and highways england. The council initially confirmed it was their tree and refereed me to their legal department. Then I got an email from them which said I was misinformed and the fault lies on Highways England. Great shout on the freedom of information request though. Bet that will take months to get a reply but collecting as much evidence as possible is vital. Exactly! If it was a neighbours tree they will be liable. But because it's the council/Highways I imagine them doing the same as they did with the pothole claim. They will just say 'it was never reported so as we didn't know we aren't at fault and no chance to stop it". If the tree was shorter it wouldn't have happened, but they pretty much never trim trees unless large branches look dangerous.

If I get it repaired through insurance they're likely to just say as it has been repaired it counts as the problem being solved. But I lose 4 years off my no claims and my price will go up a little. I heard this (but not sure if it's true), apparently if the total the insurance paid for the repairs is payed back to them they wipe the claim and you get your no claims back. No idea how true that is but I can't imagine getting anywhere near £3k from the Highways
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Rob_benton on 11 September 2020, 19:41
I’ve seen some amazing dent removed from roofs.
Maybe worth joining a couple of detailing Facebook pages and seeing what they think. There might be some smart repairs specialist on there.

Also join detailing world forum. Some of the best detailers in the country are on there and will have contacts.
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Lordie on 11 September 2020, 20:28
I’ve seen some amazing dent removed from roofs.
Maybe worth joining a couple of detailing Facebook pages and seeing what they think. There might be some smart repairs specialist on there.
Also join detailing world forum. Some of the best detailers in the country are on there and will have contacts.

Thanks, anything is worth a try at this point as I'm running out of ideas.

I'm unsure how it could get fixed back to the standard it was prior without a replacement. The dents too deep to fill, filling a dent that deep risks it cracking if a stone hits it etc

Also, isn't detailing just car cleaning? or does it include repairs too? I have no idea myself

Ha ok, so to sign up on Detailing World there's a security question to stop bots signing up. The question it "What does DW stand for?". Stand for Detailing World, right?. Apparently it's wrong every time I enter that. So confused
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Lordie on 11 September 2020, 20:37
Oops, somehow posted 3 replies
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Lordie on 11 September 2020, 20:38
Oops, somehow posted 3 replies
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Rob_benton on 11 September 2020, 20:52
I’ve seen some amazing dent removed from roofs.
Maybe worth joining a couple of detailing Facebook pages and seeing what they think. There might be some smart repairs specialist on there.
Also join detailing world forum. Some of the best detailers in the country are on there and will have contacts.

Thanks, anything is worth a try at this point as I'm running out of ideas.

I'm unsure how it could get fixed back to the standard it was prior without a replacement. The dents too deep to fill, filling a dent that deep risks it cracking if a stone hits it etc

Also, isn't detailing just car cleaning? or does it include repairs too? I have no idea myself

Ha ok, so to sign up on Detailing World there's a security question to stop bots signing up. The question it "What does DW stand for?". Stand for Detailing World, right?. Apparently it's wrong every time I enter that. So confused

The roof is really thin and flexes. No way it could be filled unfortunately.
Yes detailing is cleaning but in my opinion it’s all connected. Detailing and smart repairs are both to do with improving a cars appearance.. As I said , there maybe a recommendation. Professional detailers use the forum and may know someone that’s done a few roofs.
Another option is PistonHeads. Someone may have had a roof smart repair in the past and you’d be asking car enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Sorry just thinking of ideas.
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: SRGTD on 11 September 2020, 20:53
I’ve seen some amazing dent removed from roofs.
Maybe worth joining a couple of detailing Facebook pages and seeing what they think. There might be some smart repairs specialist on there.
Also join detailing world forum. Some of the best detailers in the country are on there and will have contacts.

Thanks, anything is worth a try at this point as I'm running out of ideas.

I'm unsure how it could get fixed back to the standard it was prior without a replacement. The dents too deep to fill, filling a dent that deep risks it cracking if a stone hits it etc

Also, isn't detailing just car cleaning? or does it include repairs too? I have no idea myself

Ha ok, so to sign up on Detailing World there's a security question to stop bots signing up. The question it "What does DW stand for?". Stand for Detailing World, right?. Apparently it's wrong every time I enter that. So confused

@Lordie; Really sorry to hear about your misfortune.

I’m a fan of Mat Watson’s videos on YouTube. Mat had / has a Porsche 911 with some serious vandal dent damage to the roof. The dents were removed using paintless dent removal and the results were amazing IMO. It wasn’t cheap - £1,500 - but you keep the original roof and judging by the repair to the Porsche roof, the results are really impressive. A company called TDN Group did the repairs - link to their website and to Mat Watson’s YouTube video below;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI1_l1J9SjU

https://www.tdngroup.co.uk

Might be worth giving TDN a call.
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Rob_benton on 11 September 2020, 21:09
I’ve seen some amazing dent removed from roofs.
Maybe worth joining a couple of detailing Facebook pages and seeing what they think. There might be some smart repairs specialist on there.
Also join detailing world forum. Some of the best detailers in the country are on there and will have contacts.

Thanks, anything is worth a try at this point as I'm running out of ideas.

I'm unsure how it could get fixed back to the standard it was prior without a replacement. The dents too deep to fill, filling a dent that deep risks it cracking if a stone hits it etc

Also, isn't detailing just car cleaning? or does it include repairs too? I have no idea myself

Ha ok, so to sign up on Detailing World there's a security question to stop bots signing up. The question it "What does DW stand for?". Stand for Detailing World, right?. Apparently it's wrong every time I enter that. So confused

@Lordie; Really sorry to hear about your misfortune.

I’m a fan of Mat Watson’s videos on YouTube. Mat had / has a Porsche 911 with some serious vandal dent damage to the roof. The dents were removed using paintless dent removal and the results were amazing IMO. It wasn’t cheap - £1,500 - but you keep the original roof and judging by the repair to the Porsche roof, the results are really impressive. A company called TDN Group did the repairs - link to their website and to Mat Watson’s YouTube video below;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI1_l1J9SjU

https://www.tdngroup.co.uk

Might be worth giving TDN a call.

That was the video I was thinking of.
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Lordie on 11 September 2020, 21:21
Yes detailing is cleaning but in my opinion it’s all connected

Thanks  :smiley: I've signed up and waiting for my account to be approved so I can post. There is a sub on there for repairs so I'll give it a go. No need to apologies, grateful for the help! Cheers


The dents were removed using paintless dent removal and the results were amazing IMO. It wasn’t cheap - £1,500 - but you keep the original roof
Might be worth giving TDN a call

When I mentioned smart repairs in the original post I meant paintless dent repair, didn't know what to call it. I took it to one place that does that and they didn't want to touch it, the accident repair garage also did it too and didn't recommend it at it's too bad to get back and said it would leave ripples.

I'll send some picture to them and see what they thing. Obviously I need to get as many opinions as possible

Thanks
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Rob_benton on 11 September 2020, 22:06
Yes detailing is cleaning but in my opinion it’s all connected

Thanks  :smiley: I've signed up and waiting for my account to be approved so I can post. There is a sub on there for repairs so I'll give it a go. No need to apologies, grateful for the help! Cheers


The dents were removed using paintless dent removal and the results were amazing IMO. It wasn’t cheap - £1,500 - but you keep the original roof
Might be worth giving TDN a call

When I mentioned smart repairs in the original post I meant paintless dent repair, didn't know what to call it. I took it to one place that does that and they didn't want to touch it, the accident repair garage also did it too and didn't recommend it at it's too bad to get back and said it would leave ripples.

I'll send some picture to them and see what they thing. Obviously I need to get as many opinions as possible

Thanks

Definitely try PistonHeads too. It’s a great forum. Enthusiasts vary from running a £100 car to the next with millions of pounds of cars in their garage. As well as people in every motor trade you an think of that might be able to advise.
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Lordie on 11 September 2020, 23:02
Definitely try PistonHeads too. It’s a great forum. Enthusiasts vary from running a £100 car to the next with millions of pounds of cars in their garage. As well as people in every motor trade you an think of that might be able to advise.

Thanks, registered  :cool:
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: dervy on 12 September 2020, 07:00
Last year a pizza delivery bike pushed away from the kerb an caused a nasty dent to the c-piller of my car. I visited a few body shops and was told that a paintless dent repair would not work and that I’d need filler/respray etc. The VW dealership confirmed this. I contacted Dent Devils and the tech said he’d get it 90% right. He didn’t, he got it 100% right. I know that every job is different, but worth a go.
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: SRGTD on 12 September 2020, 07:31
Last year a pizza delivery bike pushed away from the kerb an caused a nasty dent to the c-piller of my car. I visited a few body shops and was told that a paintless dent repair would not work and that I’d need filler/respray etc. The VW dealership confirmed this. I contacted Dent Devils and the tech said he’d get it 90% right. He didn’t, he got it 100% right. I know that every job is different, but worth a go.

Yes, it’s amazing what pointless dent removal (PDR) can achieve.

Nowhere near as serious as the OP’s roof damage, but my last car was damaged while parked in a public car park (I hate car parks and inconsiderate drivers and their inconsiderate parking!). Someone planted a nice parking ding in my nearside rear wheel arch that couldn’t be accessed from the rear of the panel because of the location of the ding. The PDR guy removed it from the front using glue pullers that he attached to the front of the panel and he then removed any small surface irregularities with a selection of special hammers that are the tools of their trade.

Really nice guy and incredibly skilled at his work. He asked me if I wanted to watch him do the repair (I did!). I’d always opt for PDR over traditional repair methods if the paintwork’s not damaged.

@Lordie - I’ve watched a few videos on the 1st Track Dents YouTube channel. Worth a watch to see what can be done with some really difficult dents, and might be worth contacting them as well for their opinion on your roof damage - Links;

Website; https://www.1sttrackdents.co.uk/
YouTube channel; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUyEa2HVxn64Ppd34qCtAvw/videos

Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Gnasher on 12 September 2020, 09:44
do some research on smart repairers and get some additional opinions, that has to be a better option than a new roof.

3 out of 3 have said it's too bad to be repaired with the smart dent repair methods. Was a a right pain to hear that as I was initially relived when I saw the damage as I didn't think it was too bad and would be easier to repair than replacing the roof panel

Apparently the roof panel is spot welded into place, that gets taken out and replaced with a new panel. Obviously all the headlining with all the lights and anything else in the way needs to be removed


put in a freedom of information request on when the trees on that stretch of road were last inspected and the schedule of inspections. I hope you have photos of the offending tree and branch etc. too. I doubt they inspect them regularly which will really help your case.

I personally would make sure I'm not out of pocket for something that wasn't your fault. If it was (for instance) a neighbour and their roof tiles came off and landed on your car, they would be liable, so I don't see why the highways agency shouldn't be. Stick at it and I'm sure you'll get it sorted.

If you need someone to email high up, try here... https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/highways-england (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/highways-england)

I have a camera so caught it falling on video

I emailed the council and highways england. The council initially confirmed it was their tree and refereed me to their legal department. Then I got an email from them which said I was misinformed and the fault lies on Highways England. Great shout on the freedom of information request though. Bet that will take months to get a reply but collecting as much evidence as possible is vital. Exactly! If it was a neighbours tree they will be liable. But because it's the council/Highways I imagine them doing the same as they did with the pothole claim. They will just say 'it was never reported so as we didn't know we aren't at fault and no chance to stop it". If the tree was shorter it wouldn't have happened, but they pretty much never trim trees unless large branches look dangerous.

If I get it repaired through insurance they're likely to just say as it has been repaired it counts as the problem being solved. But I lose 4 years off my no claims and my price will go up a little. I heard this (but not sure if it's true), apparently if the total the insurance paid for the repairs is payed back to them they wipe the claim and you get your no claims back. No idea how true that is but I can't imagine getting anywhere near £3k from the Highways

I can't remember the exact timescales, but a freedom of information request has to be fulfilled in something like 20 days or something. I know mine came through within that time.
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: fredgroves on 12 September 2020, 10:43
If you have legal protection on your insurance policy, get that started. Let them battle the highways agency for you. Failing that get a specialist solicitor on the case. Their costs can be recovered from the highways agency too. Probably the first letter sent will see them buckle anyway.
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Lordie on 12 September 2020, 14:29
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI1_l1J9SjU
https://www.tdngroup.co.uk
Might be worth giving TDN a call.

Emailed TDN with pictures and he said it certainly doesn't need a new roof but needs to see the car or a video. They're 2.5 hours away so going to send a video and see what he says. But if it seems possible to repair it then I'll have a search around more places and see if there's somewhere like that but closer

If you have legal protection on your insurance policy, get that started. Let them battle the highways agency for you. Failing that get a specialist solicitor on the case. Their costs can be recovered from the highways agency too. Probably the first letter sent will see them buckle anyway.

I do but the insurance just aren't interested with things like that. I imagine them just saying that it's one of those things that happen and to pay it and get it done.
Obviously I could just pay for the repairs myself and then get a solicitor involved but then I risk the chance of losing and being a could of grand out of pocket with the repair costs and paying the solicitor

Edit// Quote from someone that works for an insurance company:
"Highly unlikely. I work for an insurer and used to deal with these types of recoveries against councils. You have to prove the council have acted negligently, so you’ll need evidence that the tree was basically rotting or in poor condition. Your insurer should still look to pursue the recovery on your behalf though, albeit they will probably abandon it without strong evidence."

@Lordie - I’ve watched a few videos on the 1st Track Dents YouTube channel. Worth a watch to see what can be done with some really difficult dents, and might be worth contacting them as well for their opinion on your roof damage - Links;
Website; https://www.1sttrackdents.co.uk/
YouTube channel; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUyEa2HVxn64Ppd34qCtAvw/videos

Unfortunately only coverers the outskirts of London but I'll message him and see if he thinks it's repairable too

I can't remember the exact timescales, but a freedom of information request has to be fulfilled in something like 20 days or something. I know mine came through within that time.


Yeah thats correct. Found that somewhere eventually and going to shoot off a FOI request today to Highways England and possibly the council if it involves them
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Gnasher on 14 September 2020, 13:18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI1_l1J9SjU
https://www.tdngroup.co.uk
Might be worth giving TDN a call.

Emailed TDN with pictures and he said it certainly doesn't need a new roof but needs to see the car or a video. They're 2.5 hours away so going to send a video and see what he says. But if it seems possible to repair it then I'll have a search around more places and see if there's somewhere like that but closer

If you have legal protection on your insurance policy, get that started. Let them battle the highways agency for you. Failing that get a specialist solicitor on the case. Their costs can be recovered from the highways agency too. Probably the first letter sent will see them buckle anyway.

I do but the insurance just aren't interested with things like that. I imagine them just saying that it's one of those things that happen and to pay it and get it done.
Obviously I could just pay for the repairs myself and then get a solicitor involved but then I risk the chance of losing and being a could of grand out of pocket with the repair costs and paying the solicitor

Edit// Quote from someone that works for an insurance company:
"Highly unlikely. I work for an insurer and used to deal with these types of recoveries against councils. You have to prove the council have acted negligently, so you’ll need evidence that the tree was basically rotting or in poor condition. Your insurer should still look to pursue the recovery on your behalf though, albeit they will probably abandon it without strong evidence."

@Lordie - I’ve watched a few videos on the 1st Track Dents YouTube channel. Worth a watch to see what can be done with some really difficult dents, and might be worth contacting them as well for their opinion on your roof damage - Links;
Website; https://www.1sttrackdents.co.uk/
YouTube channel; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUyEa2HVxn64Ppd34qCtAvw/videos

Unfortunately only coverers the outskirts of London but I'll message him and see if he thinks it's repairable too

I can't remember the exact timescales, but a freedom of information request has to be fulfilled in something like 20 days or something. I know mine came through within that time.


Yeah thats correct. Found that somewhere eventually and going to shoot off a FOI request today to Highways England and possibly the council if it involves them

Hopefully if you find that the trees haven't been inspected for safety (from you FOI request) that'll be your evidence of the negligence of the highways agency which is the one thing that opens lots of doors. I don't think you actually need to prove the tree was in poor condition, just that the highways agency haven't checked the condition of it frequently enough to prevent this sort of thing happening. Fingers crossed - it might take a while but for that bit of effort, things should get sorted.
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Lordie on 16 September 2020, 18:54
I've submitted a freedom of information request so we'll see how that goes. As far as I'm aware they should inspect trees every 5 years at least. Unlikely to get anywhere without forking out tons of personal money on a lawyer, but worth a try

Well I've been in touch with PDR companies and they all seem to say it's too bad to 'massage' out. TDN from youtube/the link in another comment said it can be repaired using 'push to paint' methods. You can google it for information on how its done, but essentially it's pushing the dent out as good as possible then grinding the metal down to make it smooth again, and repainting. Problem is they seem to be the only company I've contacted capable of doing it that way.

Every other place seems to just say the roof needs cutting out and replacing with a new one  :cry:
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: dubber36 on 16 September 2020, 21:02
Just a thought...

https://www.webasto-comfort.com/en-uk/product-overview/#!Car///1
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: barrym381 on 17 September 2020, 01:46
I think you’ll need a new roof skin to repair and as it’s a red car good luck getting it to match the rest of your car  :sad:
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: SRGTD on 17 September 2020, 08:23
I think you’ll need a new roof skin to repair and as it’s a red car good luck getting it to match the rest of your car  :sad:

Historically, flat red has had a reputation for being a quite difficult colour to match, and newly painted panels can have an orange appearance under certain artificial lighting. Light metallic colours also have a reputation for being difficult to match - especially silver. I’ve seen many silver coloured cars with very obvious evidence of repairs, with distinct shade differences between old and new paint, even allowing for blending of the new paint into adjoining panels.

However.......back to 2020. Paint matching technology has moved on. Spectrophotometric paint matching technology is likely to be used by high quality, reputable car repair body shops. A spectrophotometer is used to take multiple readings around the car to capture accurate data of the actual car’s colour, and the paint is mixed based on that data, rather then just using the car’s paint code. This should mean a high degree of accuracy in paint colour matching..

@Lordie - your insurer will want you to use one of their approved repairers as it will be more cost effective for them. If you check the small print in your car insurance policy it should give you the option of using a repairer of your choice. If you opt to use your preferred repairer rather than one recommended by your insurer, then they may impose a higher excess, and a courtesy vehicle may not be provided. However IMO, a few days inconvenience might be a price worth paying if your end up with a better quality repair. I’d also be asking the repairer what method of paint matching technology they use.

 
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Watts on 17 September 2020, 08:29
I think you’ll need a new roof skin to repair and as it’s a red car good luck getting it to match the rest of your car  :sad:

My TR PP unfortunately needed paint on three seperate occasions (only one was my fault.....). There were no colour matching issues.
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: clubsport on 17 September 2020, 08:38
Lordie, reading your post above in regard to grinding away metal, the roof skin is quite thin, there would not be metal to grind away!
An competent  dent repairer, would have to remove the headlining, which is a task in itself, only the experienced will be able to replace the original intact!
Once the internal structure of the roof is seen, it will determine if a repair is possible, there are double skinned structures that you cannot tap out from underneath. In that case dents can be pulled up, the liklihood is that these are pulled up too far beyond flat and will be gently tapped back down rather than grinding away.

To replace the roof skin, you will have to remove the internal headlining anyway. As far as painting it red, it will probably show a mismatch for a while unil it fades in, being a flat panel you will not notice a slight difference in shade compared to say a front wing.
Another option could be to paint the roof black? My own red mk7 came from VW with a black roof & mirrors. 
Title: Re: Tree damage to roof
Post by: Lordie on 19 September 2020, 20:30
First of all I'd like to thank everyone for the replies  :smiley: it's really a big help

The current update:
The car certainly needs a new roof as the dents too deep and just not repairable. I have the challenge now of trying to find the best place to do the work with care and put everything back together as good as possible. Obviously a roof panel replacement means removing the headlining, a lot of the interior, all the wiring in the roof, the boot, and the windscreen etc. I'm really worried about it all going back together well. Currently the interior has no creaks and I'm upset that might not be the case when I get it back.

It's certainly going to be an insurance job as the total price will likely be around the £3,000 mark

Just a thought...
Unfortunately it's close to the windscreen  :grin: but I did think about that too haha

Historically, flat red has had a reputation for being a quite difficult colour to match

Spectrophotometric paint matching technology is likely to be used by high quality, reputable car repair body shops

@Lordie - If you check the small print in your car insurance policy it should give you the option of using a repairer of your choice,  they may impose a higher excess, and a courtesy vehicle may not be provided. However IMO, a few days inconvenience might be a price worth paying if your end up with a better quality repair. I’d also be asking the repairer what method of paint matching technology they use.
Really useful reply, thank you. After reading this I'll certainly be quizzing places to see how they plan to match the colour. It would without a doubt be a much better colour match if technology like that it used.
Yeah I heard that might be the case with my insurance co. My compulsory excess is £75 and voluntary is £0. I heard they might double my excess but that's not bad at all. As for the inconvenience, it doesn't effect me too much as I don't use the vehicle for work anyway. I just want it done right, so they can take their time as much as they like (within reason). One accident repair place said 20 hours labour. Will take them about a week, so not too bad.

My own red mk7 came from VW with a black roof & mirrors. 
I think I might attempt the red respray to see how good of a job they can do. I will ask them to keep the overspray on the side pillars as minimal as possible (if they can). Then if I'm not happy with the colour match I'd consider spraying the roof gloss black to make it look better. I do actually have gloss black wheels so it would match. I'd rather have a red roof but if it looks more factory black then go for it.
Do you have a picture by any a chance so I can see how the black roof looks? Thanks. Was the black roof a factory option or something?