Ruby got hit!

paulb · Post by **paulb** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 10:27 am

As I was trying to caffinate and wake up this morning I heard a loud bang outside, looked over the fence and was rudely shocked to find that someone had hit my car.

I got a phone number and am now working out what to do from here, not ever having been in this situation before.

The damage is quite minor (she's probably worse off than me) but I still want it to be fixed.

She hit my bumper leaving paint and scratches and tore a few holes in my cover in the process.

You can get an idea of the difference by comparison from the next shot.

So, I need the bumper to be repaired - I assume replacement is not necessary - and the cover to be replaced.

I also assume that if we could work it out between us ( without insurance companies involved) it would be quicker and less hassle in the long run.

I was planning soon to get a cut and polish job done. The guys who do it said they'd polish up the chrome but I'm thinking something else would need to be done to fix this damage.

Can anyone offer any suggestions?

I'm happy to be corrected on all assumptions

Cheers

Paul

Devilrod · Post by **Devilrod** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 11:06 am

Bummer

From the photo's it looks like the rear quarter may have been chipped by the bumper where it ends? You will need to check where the bar bolts to the body to make sure there is no damage there as well.

The rear bar is easy enough to fix. You can pull it apart and get just the end repaired (but it may make the rest of the chrome look bad). If you can sort it out without insurance companies and they are happy to get whatever you want repaired go for it. But sometimes its just easier to let the insurance company deal with all the bullsh!t...

Either way make sure you account for all the damage and that they are fully aware of what you are expecting to need fixing. Wouldn't hurt either to go to a quote from a panel beater. It may make your request for an easier way out seem more appealing.

paulb · Post by **paulb** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 11:41 am

Thanks for the tips, Brett.

I'm beginning to think that the most relevant one was to avoid the bullsh!t. I'll prolly give Shannon's a call and let them know about it.

Cheers

Nekro63 · Post by **Nekro63** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 1:07 pm

Yeah to get the bumper rechromed would cost around $250 im thinking...dont bother trying to get it polished off, unless your paying for it...doesnt look like panel beatings needed, just a small chip in the paint...

Did they leave their number?? Let us know how you go...

paulb · Post by **paulb** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 1:17 pm

hi Nekro

..dont bother trying to get it polished off, unless your paying for it

what exactly do you mean by this? would it be ineffective? too expensive? both?

Did they leave their number?? Let us know how you go...

yeh, I'll follow it up tomorrow I imagine

cheers

Paul

earlyholdenfan · Post by **earlyholdenfan** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 5:16 pm

OH NO Poor Ruby!
By the looks of you may need to check ariound the edge of the bumper where it curves around the body, sometimes on impact they "spring" forward and touch the body, denting the panel or taking paint off. Hopefully that isnt the case?
Then if you are getting the other party to pay for the repairs, I would not simply get it polished out, as it will still leave scuff marks in the chrome, get a quote to have it replated, and straightened if needed, the end can be easily removed (if you need a hand yell) and sent to the chrome platers while you are on holidays! hehe
The insurance is a tough question, talk it through with the person that hit you, (keep using those type of terms during the conversation) and they may be as uneasy to get insurance involved as there will be an excess and premium increases for them as well, If you can say, this is gonna cost X$ to repairand replace the cover etc, they are more likely to come to the party, Talk to Shannons, but I think you will find it can sometimes drag out for ever and end up costing everyoine in the end,
Just my two bobs worth
Matt

Nekro63 · Post by **Nekro63** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 5:33 pm

What he said. If you try to cut and polish it out, it still wont be perfect. So if the other person is paying, get the whole thing rechromed, say its a one piece bumper. Otherwise you might end up with one really shiny end compared to the other with slightly older chrome work. All chrome shops will take ages and stuff you round though

I have a friend that works with shannons, if you like you can call me and get their name. I'll tell them about it and make sure they look after you.

Luke 0408 128 746

paulb · Post by **paulb** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 9:51 am

Thanks heaps, guys. Really appreciate your advice.

I checked last night and the side where the impact occurred did indeed bend in and meet the body.

I'll follow it up today. Fingers crossed this doesn't drag on...

Cheers

Paul

paulb · Post by **paulb** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 1:10 pm

Luke, I was told that Fiona doesn't work in claims; however the woman I spoke to seemed very helpful. I still need to track down the details of the woman who hit me to pass back to Shannon's. They've recommended I go to Alphington Collisions to get a quote then they'll send round an assessor to authorise the repairs.

earlyholdenfan · Post by **earlyholdenfan** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 4:04 pm

hey paul, just as a side not, I spotted Rubys twin! thought it was you at first, just round the corner form my place, but Rubys sister had red wheels! (must say I like the white better!)
Anyway just wanted to say it is great you appear to be getting this sorted in a timely manner!

Matt

paulb · Post by **paulb** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 4:06 pm

unfortunately the phone number I was given by the person who hit me hasn't answered the three times I've tried today. And since I was half asleep when it happened and inexperienced at dealing with this kind of thing, I don't have any other contact details or reg number or anything.

I'll keep trying.

grr.

paulb · Post by **paulb** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 10:19 am

well things have taken a turn for the better..

I finally made it to Alphington Collision Repairs this morning and found their rep (Michael?) very helpful. I was able to leave her with them to organise everything between them and Shannon's and was told that it would be an easy fix that may take five days after the approval (handy for me that I'm going away on Saturday and won't need her for nearly three weeks) and that I might find a few extra touch-ups (stone chips, glued loose rubbers) have been made when I pick her up

Matt, looks like these guys might be worthwhile for the panel work you're after?

Cheers

Paul

Nekro63 · Post by **Nekro63** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 11:31 am

paulb wrote:Luke, I was told that Fiona doesn't work in claims; however the woman I spoke to seemed very helpful. I still need to track down the details of the woman who hit me to pass back to Shannon's. They've recommended I go to Alphington Collisions to get a quote then they'll send round an assessor to authorise the repairs.

Allwell, I tried. Good to hear its starting to look better though. I'd still try that mobile though, ring them from different numbers and at weird times...

paulb · Post by **paulb** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 11:38 am

Actually, I already managed to get onto her and I've passed all the contacts and reg details etc to Shannon's. Should be cool now

Cheers