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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: snakehips on 20 December 2009, 18:52

Title: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: snakehips on 20 December 2009, 18:52
Driving along minding my own business when a car coming the other way decided to pull out to overtake only 50 yards away from me. I had nowhere to go and we hit pretty much head on. Amazingly I staggered away with no more than cuts and bruises to the arms but my beloved is a write-off. But shows how well built the Golf is that I could walk away - the other driver's car disintegrated and the poor man had to be taken away in an ambulance. What a star the Golf is!!!! I reckon it just saved my life.

Anyway, has anyone gone through post-crash dealings with insurance companies etc? Never had an accident before so don't know what to expect.
I have fully comp insurance with GAP, and witnesses who left their names at the scene, stating that it was the other driver's fault.
I need a hire car immediately and of course need to buy a new car, but how long will I typically have to wait before I get the insurance cash to get another car?

Any advice appreciated,
Snakey
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: Jimp on 20 December 2009, 19:15
Sorry to hear about the GTI  :cry: Good to hear you weren't hurt though  :smiley: 5 star safety rating  :cool:
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: HasH on 20 December 2009, 19:46
Driving along minding my own business when a car coming the other way decided to pull out to overtake only 50 yards away from me. I had nowhere to go and we hit pretty much head on. Amazingly I staggered away with no more than cuts and bruises to the arms but my beloved is a write-off. But shows how well built the Golf is that I could walk away - the other driver's car disintegrated and the poor man had to be taken away in an ambulance. What a star the Golf is!!!! I reckon it just saved my life.

Anyway, has anyone gone through post-crash dealings with insurance companies etc? Never had an accident before so don't know what to expect.
I have fully comp insurance with GAP, and witnesses who left their names at the scene, stating that it was the other driver's fault.
I need a hire car immediately and of course need to buy a new car, but how long will I typically have to wait before I get the insurance cash to get another car?

Any advice appreciated,
Snakey

rule number one...do not trust the third party. i have been stitched up on two occasions. the first when an old fella hit me in his 1960 Ford model T. in no way was it my fault, i was stationary and he came onto my side of the road head on in my mk4 golf. he accepted responsibilty at the scene then when it was all going through denied it & it ended up a 50/50 split, loosing me 3 years no claims.

and the second i hit a van in heavy traffic...a minor bump, it wasnt even enough to crack plastic headlights on the mk4 astra i was driving & there was no visable damage to the van. a hair line scratch if anything. the bloke was out of the car like lightning. i asked if he was ok he said he was fine & dandy. next thing i get is a letter for £10,000 whiplash claim. tosser

anyway, rant over.

the pay out will all come down to how quick they can decide who was at fault, from what you have described it's blatently his fault and you have witnesses so it should be pretty sharpish. i had a payout within 2 weeks before! im sure youll have the cheque in no time

good to hear your alright btw
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: jaydubveedub on 20 December 2009, 20:01
Glad to hear you walked away from it. There are some idiot drivers out there.

If you are insured with Admiral then I suspect they will d1ck you around and try to fleece you.

Good news is that you have GAP insurance. However, the insurance company will offer you a stupidly low valuation/pay out at first and although your GAP policy will make up the difference you should still squeeze them for as much extra cash as possible.
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: snakehips on 20 December 2009, 20:41
Thanks Guys. I am indeed with Admiral so thanks for the warning!
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: sambo on 20 December 2009, 21:17
Doesn't matter who you are insured with as you will be claiming off the third parties insurance!?

You could quite easily file a claim for personal injury, but if you don't you may be able to use that as a good way of getting a reasonable price for the car? You can get a hire car staraight away and all costs will be claimed back off there insurance, your insurance should offer you there legal advise and sort it all out I would imagine.

Start collecting examples of similar cars so you have something to base the valuation on from autotrader/pistonheads etc

Hope it get's sorted easily, can't see there being much arguement involved if the accident happened on your side if the road?

Sam
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: Jay on 20 December 2009, 21:19
Sorry to hear, if he admits it's his fault to his insurance co. then it will be quite quick in getting this resolved. Expect it to be at least a month if he admits fault.

and yes, claim off HIS insurance - not yours.
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: Martz on 20 December 2009, 22:15
www.kindertons.co.uk

They will sort it for you mate.
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: snakehips on 20 December 2009, 22:27
www.kindertons.co.uk

They will sort it for you mate.

Have you used them? How do they make money from the deal?
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: JonnyG on 20 December 2009, 22:29
Good to hear you are OK ... sounds like a big impact and remember some injuries can take a while to show up (bruising / soreness / whiplash etc.) so don't tell the other insurance you are fully OK just yet. 

My advise would be to keep a written record of all the details, witnesses contact details etc.

Have you got legal protection cover with Admiral ?   If not there are 3rd party companies that could deal with the claim if Admiral don't.

Because it is clear cut that the other chap is to blame, you can claim back all reasonable costs that you incur whilst waiting for a payout / new car.  Keep a record of any time off work etc. dealing with the claim.  Whoever deals with your claim against the 3rd party should be able to sort out a hire car (like for like in size etc) very quickly, and get it delivered to your address.

Because the 3rd parties insurance will be paying for your car hire and all other associated expenses, they will probably try and sort the claim out fairly quickly if it is clear cut.  Make sure you also tell your GAP insurers and read the small print,  as they may want to handle/negotiate the value of the payout for your car (to make sure they are'nt paying over the odds for the GAP)

Hope all goes well  :smiley:

How old was your car by the way ?   as you may come out of this £££'s up with the GAP insurance  :wink:
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: Martz on 20 December 2009, 22:31
www.kindertons.co.uk

They will sort it for you mate.

Have you used them? How do they make money from the deal?


They work closely with us (at work). They make their money of the 3rd party. You don't have to worry about a thing.

Martz
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: Hurdy on 20 December 2009, 23:48
Sorry to hear about the car :cry:

What are you thinking of for a replacement if it is written off?
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: TagnuT on 21 December 2009, 09:25
Glad to hear that your ok!  Like you said at least you have GAP insurance.
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: FamilyDub on 21 December 2009, 09:33

Cars can be replaced, you are ok and that's the main thing! 
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: squirrelGTi on 21 December 2009, 13:16
Firstly glad to hear your'e ok!

I've used Help Hire (recommended by VW) and so did my other half. Top service and we didn't have to do a thing. They kept us up to date weekly or fortnightly. (probably because they claim the admin cost back!)

Mine and gf's car were fixed within a week.

Glad to hear you have GAP. Once blame has been established from an insurance view, i would say 4 weeks tops really.
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: VWjon on 21 December 2009, 13:28
Sorry to hear. You walked away, thats the main thing.
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: snakehips on 21 December 2009, 13:34
Thanks to everyone for your best wishes and advice!
Admiral have been excellent and their legal dept has arranged for a new Golf GTi hire car to be delivered tomorrow. That can serve as a test drive as I would definitely look to get a Mk6 as a replacement (will I be disappointed???). My car was a June 08 with all the bells and whistles so don't know if GAP will leave me quids in or out.
I have a sore back and shoulder, cuts and bruises, but no worse that I get on the rugby pitch and if you saw the car you'd expect me to be in hospital so I don't think personal injury is a factor right now (but I will see what happens).
Anyone know of any cars like mine on the market right now, around £20K, or what else I should have a look at?

Thanks,
Snakey
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: Egbutt Wash on 21 December 2009, 13:39
Does the airbag hurt when it pops out?

For that sort of cash the Golf GTI is the really sensible choice.  If you were to go secondhand £20,000 will buy almost anything.
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: Guy on 21 December 2009, 13:44
glad you are ok and that you're not putting in a false claim for whiplash etc - hope the insurance sorts it
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: squirrelGTi on 21 December 2009, 14:07
Keep an eye on your back. My gf was a passenger in an accident and had a sore back. 4 yrs later she's having to pay out of pocket to get her back fixed!

Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: snakehips on 21 December 2009, 14:40
Does the airbag hurt when it pops out?

For that sort of cash the Golf GTI is the really sensible choice.  If you were to go secondhand £20,000 will buy almost anything.

Dunno if the airbag actually helped as the driver's area wasn't distorted and I think the seatbelt did its job but I've got some burns down my arm that may have come from the airbag detonation. Stings like hell!
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: Egbutt Wash on 21 December 2009, 14:52
Does the airbag hurt when it pops out?

For that sort of cash the Golf GTI is the really sensible choice.  If you were to go secondhand £20,000 will buy almost anything.

Dunno if the airbag actually helped as the driver's area wasn't distorted and I think the seatbelt did its job but I've got some burns down my arm that may have come from the airbag detonation. Stings like hell!

Ouch. :smiley:
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: Yorkishire on 21 December 2009, 20:18
Sorry to hear about 'your' accident, what a $hitter just before crimbo, there are some real bankers about this time of year.

I'm with Admiral so good to hear they are been ok.
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: mr magoo on 21 December 2009, 21:42
I can pm details of a really good solicitor (friend of mine) who's acted for me on a few occasions if you like.

He gets his ££ off the other driver's insurers.

Really sorry to hear about this by the way - even though it's a Golf it's still only a car, and you walked away thank G0d.

"All Golfs go to heaven"
Title: Re: Just crashed my GTi!
Post by: snakehips on 21 December 2009, 22:50
I can pm details of a really good solicitor (friend of mine) who's acted for me on a few occasions if you like.

He gets his ££ off the other driver's insurers.

Really sorry to hear about this by the way - even though it's a Golf it's still only a car, and you walked away thank G0d.

"All Golfs go to heaven"

Many thanks for the offer, and I'll get back to you if my current legal advice fails me. Hoping it's an open and shut case and all will be sorted in no time.