What to do for the best

Cherokee2015
Cherokee2015 Forum Participant Posts: 392
edited May 2016 in Caravans #1

On the way back from our bank holiday break yesterday we passed another caravan on the A158 (Skegness to Lincoln).   Unfortunately, their front locker cover flew off their van under our car wheels, popped up in between our car and van and subsequently was
crushed by our caravan wheels.    Hubby who was driving (I was following in our other car), carried on until it was safe to stop (around 1/4 mile), as far as I know the other driver did not stop (older van pulled by transit).

 

On stopping, we found damage to the front of the caravan, possibly resulting in a new front.   Having taken photos and sent them to the local repair shop they have suggested the following.

 

If going through insurance (£100 excess), the cost will be well over £1k (as the new front will cost that alone, plus new awning rail, and other bits and bobs).   The timescale quoted was 2-3 weeks to get approval from CC insurance, another 6-8 weeks for
delivery of parts from Swift, then another 6 weeks before they can fit it in - so looking at around 12 weeks (end August) before we get it back.   It is driveable so could be used although unsightly and worried more damage might occur. 

 

If not going through insurance, quoted around £400 for a repair (using fibreglass etc) where they will fill the hole and correct the damage to look like new, straighten awning rail and fill any minor dents.   Repairer not sure insurance would go for repair
rather than new panel.   Lead times around 5 weeks as no parts to order or authorisation to obtain. 

 

Not sure what to do for the best.    What are your thoughts.    The repairer suggested that if removing the front, you are disturbing the make up of the van and may uncover other problems or at worst cause damp.     

Have photos but unsure how to post them. 

Thanks in advance 

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,155 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited May 2016 #2

    I'd go for the repair. To me it's a no brainer.

  • Cherokee2015
    Cherokee2015 Forum Participant Posts: 392
    edited May 2016 #3

    I'd go for the repair. To me it's a no brainer.

    Do you mean the £400 repair or the full thing through insurance?  

     

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2016 #4

    put it into the hands of your insurance Wink

  • Canenriot
    Canenriot Forum Participant Posts: 113
    First Comment
    edited May 2016 #5

    My self personally i would go for the £400 repair,it will be done much quickrr for you. Plus if you claim on your insurance you may find your insurance premiums increase for submitting a claim and you could end up paying more than what the repair would cost.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585 ✭
    1000 Comments 250 Likes Photogenic
    edited May 2016 #6

    The CC insurance should authorise any work far quicker than suggested but getting parts is a problem. Not sure what I would do as from previous experience it took so long for parts I would probably have gone for a repair given the choice. If you do go for
    the repair do make sure it can be to the standard you require

  • Cherokee2015
    Cherokee2015 Forum Participant Posts: 392
    edited June 2016 #7

    Estimate received (was slightly more than originally quoted), faxed to Devitts - approved in about 5 minutes.  Repairer contacted, booked in for mid July - sorted. 

    PS - went for the fibreglass repair to alleviate the need for parts from Swift Undecided but will all be guaranteed.  

Categories