Minor Bingle - Insurance Claims

[101RRS]

While backing out of a driveway yesterday I impacted a car parked on the opposite of the road. When starting off the car was outside the view of the mirrors and the parking sensors and as I turned the rear swung towards the other car and into the range of the sensors but too late. The sensors on my RRS have a 1m range but as the car was turning in reverse they did not pick up the car until too late. As well the parking sensor always sounds when backing out of drive ways as they pick up the road as you cross to the tar.

My fault for sure but I am not the only one who has hit cars parked across the street.

Anyway I backed into a black Yaris just on dark. The passenger corner of my car hit the Yaris drivers door at the front pushing it in. The RRS bumper popped back out with only the paint cracked. The Yaris rear vision mirror did not fold back and smashed my passenger side rear tail light fitting. With paint an parts about $1000 in damage. The Yaris will need a new door skin or panel beated and paint - so maybe $1000 to $2000 work. My excess is $850.

I am with Allianz and the Yaris is with NRMA. I have not had an accident for well over 20 years and am not sure on the best approach for insurance claims. I can fix my damage for about $400 myself but if I am going to loose my $850 excess it can be done professionally.

So should I just bung in a claim with Allianz first or would it be better to wait to see if the other party lodge a claim with their insurer and then take it up with my insurer.

Just after some advice at this stage.

Thanks

Garry

[PhilipA]

I would do the simple thing and just pay the excess and claim on your insurance.
With your record you should not lose your no claim discount, but I would check first before making the claim.
These days insurance companies seem not to reduce your no claim bonus as much as they used to.
I am with Youi and did the same backed into a Commodore in a car park, and they didn't reduce my no claim bonus or increase my policy cost which can be 2 different things..

Regards Philip A

[LRJim]

While backing out of a driveway yesterday I impacted a car parked on the opposite of the road. When starting off the car was outside the view of the mirrors and the parking sensors and as I turned the rear swung towards the other car and into the range of the sensors but too late. The sensors on my RRS have a 1m range but as the car was turning in reverse they did not pick up the car until too late. As well the parking sensor always sounds when backing out of drive ways as they pick up the road as you cross to the tar.

My fault for sure but I am not the only one who has hit cars parked across the street.

Anyway I backed into a black Yaris just on dark. The passenger corner of my car hit the Yaris drivers door at the front pushing it in. The RRS bumper popped back out with only the paint cracked. The Yaris rear vision mirror did not fold back and smashed my passenger side rear tail light fitting. With paint an parts about $1000 in damage. The Yaris will need a new door skin or panel beated and paint - so maybe $1000 to $2000 work. My excess is $850.

I am with Allianz and the Yaris is with NRMA. I have not had an accident for well over 20 years and am not sure on the best approach for insurance claims. I can fix my damage for about $400 myself but if I am going to loose my $850 excess it can be done professionally.

So should I just bung in a claim with Allianz first or would it be better to wait to see if the other party lodge a claim with their insurer and then take it up with my insurer.

Just after some advice at this stage.

Thanks

GarryI backed into my cousins car a year or so ago. I was in a hurry and he was parked where he shouldn't have been [emoji34] Basically same damage, I searched around for a while but found him a good 2nd hand door and just swapped it over. Hardest part was trying to match that poxy camry maroon.
Maybe you could offer to fix the damage on their car? Black would be very common for a yaris so finding one shouldn't be hard.
I dunno how they would feel about a 2nd hand door, but no doubt a panel shop would do that anyway.
With the insurance does the other party have insurance? If not you fixing it may be a good option for them also.

Cheers Jim

[trout1105]

I backed into my cousins car a year or so ago. I was in a hurry and he was parked where he shouldn't have been [emoji34] Basically same damage, I searched around for a while but found him a good 2nd hand door and just swapped it over. Hardest part was trying to match that poxy camry maroon.
Maybe you could offer to fix the damage on their car? Black would be very common for a yaris so finding one shouldn't be hard.
I dunno how they would feel about a 2nd hand door, but no doubt a panel shop would do that anyway.
With the insurance does the other party have insurance? If not you fixing it may be a good option for them also.

Cheers Jim

I am pretty sure that if someone backed into my truck I would want NEW parts and a professional to paint and fix the car and I am pretty sure the poor bugger with the smashed in Yaris would think the same way.
If the smash repairer was to use second hand garbage on my truck I would reject the repair as "Substandard" and it will have to be done again by a more reputable repairer at more expense.
Just pay the $850 excess and get both cars fixed professionally and with an excess of $850 I would also go shopping for a better deal on insurance[thumbsupbig]

[ramblingboy42]

Insurance companies are weird

my car is covered by nrma at a great premium but they wont cover my motorbike unless its a crazy premium

the bike is covered by AAMI at a very good premium but they wont give me anywhere near a decent premium on my car

[trout1105]

Insurance companies are weird

my car is covered by nrma at a great premium but they wont cover my motorbike unless its a crazy premium

the bike is covered by AAMI at a very good premium but they wont give me anywhere near a decent premium on my car


I recently went insurance "Shopping" and found the same thing.
I ended up insuring my 79 series, Nissan Navara and the Jayco caravan with RAC The D2a stayed with HBF and my boat is insured with Club Marine as this was the Best value for money and the highest excess is $400[thumbsupbig]

It Does pay to shop around and let them Know that you are shopping around for the Best deal[biggrin]

[Bigbjorn]

I am pretty sure that if someone backed into my truck I would want NEW parts and a professional to paint and fix the car and I am pretty sure the poor bugger with the smashed in Yaris would think the same way.
If the smash repairer was to use second hand garbage on my truck I would reject the repair as "Substandard" and it will have to be done again by a more reputable repairer at more expense.
Just pay the $850 excess and get both cars fixed professionally and with an excess of $850 I would also go shopping for a better deal on insurance[thumbsupbig]

Insurance coys. like the repairer to use second hand parts. Wreckers offer "insurance grade" panels. These are panels that don't need repair, just bolt straight on. The bulk of a serious wrecking business' income comes from crash repair parts.

[trout1105]

Insurance coys. like the repairer to use second hand parts. Wreckers offer "insurance grade" panels. These are panels that don't need repair, just bolt straight on. The bulk of a serious wrecking business' income comes from crash repair parts.

This is why it is Important to choose your repairer wisely and Insist on new parts[thumbsupbig]

[scarry]

I would do the same,pay the excess,and get on with life.[thumbsupbig]

[350RRC]

This is why it is Important to choose your repairer wisely and Insist on new parts[thumbsupbig]

Dunno if Shannons have a preferred repairer who could get new parts for my 74 2 door.

Could do with a new genuine front bumper.


I get your point though, if you are continually upgrading to new vehicles.

DL

[101RRS]

Thanks for the responses - the consensus ties in with what I was thinking but thought I would check before making the call.

Cheers - much appreciated.

Garry

[Pickles2]

(a)Did you admit fault, (b)if not, are you sure the Yaris driver can or will claim against your insurer?
If He doesn't, surely you're better off fixing your car yourself.
Wait & see?
Pickles.

[DiscoMick]

Just put it through your insurer and let it sort it out. And don't admit liability, even if you are liable. The insurer will handle it.

[101RRS]

Ok I rang my insurer to submit a claim - they indicated that as the value of the damage to my car is marginal as far as the excess goes, I am better not submitting a claim just now and wait and see what happens with the other claimant. They indicated that if I do get a letter in the mail from the other insurance company and then decide to claim, I can submit it then.

They confirmed there is no issue with a delayed claim and they will have my record of conversation on file.

So do nothing for the moment.

Thanks for all the input.

Garry

[trout1105]

Have you told the poor bugger that owns the yaris that you are the one responsible for the damage yet or are you hoping that he/she wont fingd out that you are the culprit responsible for the damage?

[101RRS]

Have you told the poor bugger that owns the yaris that you are the one responsible for the damage yet or are you hoping that he/she wont fingd out that you are the culprit responsible for the damage?

They live across the road from my Mums so there is no getting away from them and they cam straight out from their house with my bumper still pushing in their door. My brother did exactly the same with one of their cars an while back so you think they would learn (and you would think we would learn too). The issue is that where they park is outside the view of our rear vision mirrors (and parking sensors) and you have to back straight out onto the road and only swing once the front of the car is clear of the drive so unless the dopey driver (me) realised the car was there before hand the only time you see it is when the parking sensors sound as you hit.

[roverrescue]

Funnily enough I haven’t kept up with every traffic law everywhere
But years ago had a NSW traffic cop mate, noted that in the NSW legislation you can’t reverse out of a private access (driveway) onto a public road.
Obviously a highly impractical rule for many many drivers BUT would be interesting to see if it’s still on the books anywhere in Australia?

In a case like this if that was the law you’d cop a neg driving fine as well as the excess.

I’m sure you’ll be getting a demand, Yaris repairs will be $3k plus car hire plus plus plus.

Have you had a yarn with the Yaris owner? Find out what they are doing and when?

S

[trout1105]

Funnily enough I haven’t kept up with every traffic law everywhere
But years ago had a NSW traffic cop mate, noted that in the NSW legislation you can’t reverse out of a private access (driveway) onto a public road.
Obviously a highly impractical rule for many many drivers BUT would be interesting to see if it’s still on the books anywhere in Australia?

In a case like this if that was the law you’d cop a neg driving fine as well as the excess.

I’m sure you’ll be getting a demand, Yaris repairs will be $3k plus car hire plus plus plus.

Have you had a yarn with the Yaris owner? Find out what they are doing and when?

S
I am also under the impression that traffic accidents have to be reported to the police as well.

[austastar]

I am also under the impression that traffic accidents have to be reported to the police as well.Hi,
I think that is if an injury is sustained. It is to prevent false third-party claims.
Cheers

[101RRS]

Yes it is an offence in just about all jurisdictions to back out a drive way - as is it is illegal to park on the section of your drive way that crosses the nature strip/footpath as well it is illegal to park on the nature strip section of your front lawn.

Accidents do not have to be reported to police in just about all jurisdictions, except where someone is hurt or the estimated cost of damage is above certain amount - not sure as it varies - but minor incidents do not have to be reported.

[trout1105]

Yes it is an offence in just about all jurisdictions to back out a drive way - as is it is illegal to park on the section of your drive way that crosses the nature strip/footpath as well it is illegal to park on the nature strip section of your front lawn.

Accidents do not have to be reported to police in just about all jurisdictions, except where someone is hurt or the estimated cost of damage is above certain amount - not sure as it varies - but minor incidents do not have to be reported.

I don't know the rules in the other States But in WA ANY accident where $3000 or more damage is done it Has to be reported.
I would check your state rules so that you don't get in strife with the wallopers[thumbsupbig]

[DiscoMick]

It's best to report it to the police just to get an incident number to give the insurer.

[Aaron IIA]

As far as I remember, an accident must be reported to the police within 24 hours if an estimate of the damage exceeds $3000, or if there is an injury to a person, or if the police did not attend the scene. Best to just report everything.

Aaron

[101RRS]

Ok I rang my insurer to submit a claim - they indicated that as the value of the damage to my car is marginal as far as the excess goes, I am better not submitting a claim just now and wait and see what happens with the other claimant. They indicated that if I do get a letter in the mail from the other insurance company and then decide to claim, I can submit it then.

They confirmed there is no issue with a delayed claim and they will have my record of conversation on file.

So do nothing for the moment.

Thanks for all the input.

Garry

Just as a follow up - I received a letter of demand from the other insurance company and my insurance company told them to deal directly with them and that was it.

I had the car repaired 4 weeks ago.
This was the damage - cracked tail light -$570 and the scuff on the bumper. I polished the white bits out completely just leaving the black mark which is where the paint was cut through to the black plastic. The bumper itself was not damaged.

152294152295

Now the costs of repair.
Tail Light - $570 ✓
Remove parts - $90 ✓
Repair the bumper - 12hours - $400 (the bumper was not damaged but the repair is to get it ready for repaint) ✓
Repaint the bumper - 28hours - $1700 (28 hours just to paint the bumper - not the whole car) ✘
Cost of paint - $40 ✓

So to do that whole job with GST - $2973.14

It is little wonder our premiums are so high with repairers charging the insurance companies so much - 28 hours to paint an already prepared bumper is nonsense. And they did not take the bumper back to bare plastic - there was a small scratch above the tow bar. It had new colour over it but it had not been filled so the paint job appears to have been a sand to roughen the old paint and colour over the top with no filler.

I had this all done 4 weeks ago - and tonight in a completely darkened car park I backed into a tradie ute with a steel tray and broke the brand new tail light [bawl]. Like before when backing and turning the parking sensors only sound when you hit.[bigsad] They work great if just backing but if turning as well they are not any use.

I have got a lead on some cheap new tail lights [thumbsupbig].

Garry

[trout1105]

I had this all done 4 weeks ago - and tonight in a completely darkened car park I backed into a tradie ute with a steel tray and broke the brand new tail light [bawl]
. Like before when backing and turning the parking sensors (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/#)
only sound when you hit.[bigsad]
They work great if just backing but if turning as well they are not any use.


The best equipment to use when reversing is your mirrors and your eyeballs, Relying on electronic sensors is Lazy and Obviously ineffective.
Spend some time honing your reversing skills (Day AND Night), Your wallet (and other road users) will Love you for it[thumbsupbig]

[101RRS]

The best equipment to use when reversing is your mirrors and your eyeballs, Relying on electronic sensors is Lazy and Obviously ineffective.
Spend some time honing your reversing skills (Day AND Night), Your wallet (and other road users) will Love you for it[thumbsupbig]

Not much use when it is pitch black when nothing is visible in the mirrors even with the reversing lights on - yes I should have checked what was around before I got into the car - and I do not rely on the parking sensors and use the mirrors - they are a backup but just highlighting that when the car is turning they are not as effective as they could be - the beam is obviously very narrow and pointed towards the ground as they pick up anything there.

They did not pick up the waist high (rear tail light high) over hanging steel tray and only sounded when the picked up the much lower chassis etc under the tray.

Garry

[loanrangie]

Bugger.

[PhilipA]

So to do that whole job with GST - $2973.14
Geez I wouldn't call that minor.
Imagine no claim and then you find out the cost.

If you have another minor one(which you have had)
Get a quote first before deciding what to do.
I had a similar situation where a young lady reversed into me as I was waiting for a spot. I got quotes of about $700 . I thought I would help her as it would cost her far more in loss of no claim bonus and excess.

I was abused roundly when I approached her to pay my repairs, even though her insurance company had told her it was her fault.
NEVER AGAIN will I try to be a good Samaritan.
Regards Philip A

[DiscoMick]

Yes, get a private non-insurance quote. You may be surprised how much cheaper it is than an insurance job.

[101RRS]

This second one is just replace the tail light - if my current lead comes good will cost about $60.

[trout1105]

This second one is just replace the tail light - if my current lead comes good will cost about $60.

While you are replacing the tail light rig up an LED reversing light so that you can actually SEE where you are reversing at night.
These are easy to install are 10,000% better than the factory reverse lights[thumbsupbig]

[ramblingboy42]

My wife was in a very minor bingle but the other party wanted to go the insurance route hoping to have a win but lost.

The work was carried out by Harveys , Coomera , Qld

Never have I seen such a highly professional, efficient and nice company to deal with.

The car has been returned in better condition than when it was purchased.

[101RRS]

Just an update - I claimed on my Allianz insurance and my car has been repaired. My insurance details and claim number were passed to the other car's insurer the NRMA with instructions to deal with my insurer. The other car has also been repaired.

So the end of the process - well no.

Late last week I received a letter from the NRMA advising of their "intent to sue" me for $1980 plus costs if the amount was not paid within 7 days. WTF - isn't that what my insurance is supposed to cover?[bigsad]

So I call the NRMA and they say that Allianz has denied their claim - seems odd as it was a minor bingle with no technicalities involved - straight forward.

So I call Allianz and they say things are not quite as the NRMA had outlined. The cost of repair of the other vehicle was $1700 and is not contested. However there is an additional $280 for 7 days car hire which Allianz does not agree with. The repair job was 3 days yet the NRMA is claiming 7 days car hire. When challenged the NRMA consultant became abusive and indicated that was the claim. Allianz counter offered 4 days hire which resulted in a dummy spit by the NRMA, threats to see them in court and slamming down of the phone.

Now we are talking about $40 a day car hire - 7 days is $280 and 4 days is $160 so the two insurance companies are going at each other over $120.

The Allianz consultant asked me what was the date of the demand letter which was the 25 July and she said that was the same day as their diagreement.

So as the NRMA could not get their way, they have sent me an "intent to sue" letter to try an intimidate me which has not worked. In reality to take a matter to court over $120 is nonsense and the magistrate would be most upset at the waste of time.

I any case the "intent to sue" letter has now been forwarded to Allianz who have advised my policy protects me with their legal team dealing with any legal action.

Just goes to show the dirty tricks insurance companies can try to intimidate to get their way.

Garry

[1950landy]

We got wifes car insurance the other day & they have bumped up the premium over $100 so I gave them a call yesterday to ask why sa we have had no clames in past 10 years & have been with this co for over 40 years. I under stand it could go up a small amount but not that much . Also as the vehicle gets older & market value goese down so should premiums . I was told it is what it is & the only way I can reduce it is to accept a larger excess which they have already increased from nill to $650 which they did last year. So I am now on the search for a new insurer.

[DiscoMick]

Insurers automatically rack up the premiums every year unless you object, because their focus is on only giving discounts to win new customers. They rely on most customers just meekly paying the higher premium without questioning it, which boosts their profits.
I suggest you go to the sites of the major insurers and get online quotes, then go back to your insurer and quote the lowest online quote and ask if they can beat it. We do that every year and it works every time. Last time we did it the premium for one of our vehicles suddenly dropped by about $150.
Incidentally, you might find Youi is the cheapest if you answer their extra questions.
Another option is to package several vehicles and property insurance with a single insurer and try to save that way.

[loanrangie]

We got wifes car insurance the other day & they have bumped up the premium over $100 so I gave them a call yesterday to ask why sa we have had no clames in past 10 years & have been with this co for over 40 years. I under stand it could go up a small amount but not that much . Also as the vehicle gets older & market value goese down so should premiums . I was told it is what it is & the only way I can reduce it is to accept a larger excess which they have already increased from nill to $650 which they did last year. So I am now on the search for a new insurer.

Exactly the same with mine, gone up $100 each year yet i have never had an accident or made a claim. they will be getting a stern call from me before the payment is due.

[1950landy]

I have 2 vehicles with them & 2 vehicles with Shannons . I will give Shannons a call & insure with them. I also have all my CTP Insurance with this co so that would make 6 policies I will cancel with them.

[Homestar]

Yep, you have to shop around every year or so to keep a decent premium - for any insurance. They all jack up prices regularly hoping you don’t notice and just continue on. Most seem happy enough to match what prices you can find elsewhere but that relies on you actually doing that which most don’t.

[gavinwibrow]

We got wifes car insurance the other day & they have bumped up the premium over $100 so I gave them a call yesterday to ask why sa we have had no clames in past 10 years & have been with this co for over 40 years. I under stand it could go up a small amount but not that much . Also as the vehicle gets older & market value goese down so should premiums . I was told it is what it is & the only way I can reduce it is to accept a larger excess which they have already increased from nill to $650 which they did last year. So I am now on the search for a new insurer.

If you are old enuff and otherwise qualify, try APIA. Not perfect, but I have found them pretty reasonable to deal with for a number of unfortunate claims over the last 0 years (all of home, contents, car and caravan to date). Even they do the usual reduce value/increase excess and premium trick but will revisit if you query - which I do fairly regularly.

[Bigbjorn]

If you know insurers who still do "no excess" automotive comprehensive insurance, please tell. The principal insurers here state firmly that the industry no longer does this.

[350RRC]

I think Shannons have jacked up the price for 2 of my POS's (full comprehensive, windscreens, salvage, steak knives, etc ) by $36 p.a. over 3 years, maybe longer, IN TOTAL.

I'll be on the phone tomorrow!












To find out my tee time,

DL

[DiscoMick]

Yep, you have to shop around every year or so to keep a decent premium - for any insurance. They all jack up prices regularly hoping you don’t notice and just continue on. Most seem happy enough to match what prices you can find elsewhere but that relies on you actually doing that which most don’t.What he said! Shop around (with online quotes) or expect to be screwed.

[101RRS]

Late last week I received a letter from the NRMA advising of their "intent to sue" me for $1980 plus costs if the amount was not paid within 7 days. WTF - isn't that what my insurance is supposed to cover?[bigsad]

I any case the "intent to sue" letter has now been forwarded to Allianz who have advised my policy protects me with their legal team dealing with any legal action.

Just goes to show the dirty tricks insurance companies can try to intimidate to get their way.

Garry

I complained to the NRMA about their heavy handed approach and they ignored that. So I complained that they had not acted on my my complaint - got a call on Tuesday from the NRMA saying it was their policy to go for the individual whenever they had a dispute with the other insurance company - never heard this before and my insurance company said they do not do that - any way all sorted now.

However my car is jinxed.

This evening stopped at a busy roundabout, traffic cleared and was about to drive off but spotted a fast car entering the roundabout so didn't move - the car behind me was watching the traffic and not me, didn't spot the fast car and bang into the back of me.

Straight onto my Mitchell Bros towbar which took the bang but the plastic front of the Mazda hit my rear rear bar and cracked it and a plastic bit from inside fell out - so all the repairs that were done in the first prang only a couple on months ago will have to be done all over again.

At least not my fault so no cost to me.

Garry

[JDNSW]

Several years ago I had a similar situation, bloke ran into the back of my trailer while I was waiting to turn right, causing minor damage to the trailer and bending the rear crossmember on the 110.

Unfortunately the culprit (I'll bet he was on the phone!) and I had the same insurer (NRMA) and what followed was a nightmare. Eventually it got repaired (took over six months for work to start), but it took a long time and a lot of stress, and the threat to move all my insurance to a different company.

[RANDLOVER]

I complained to the NRMA about their heavy handed approach and they ignored that. So I complained that they had not acted on my my complaint - got a call on Tuesday from the NRMA saying it was their policy to go for the individual whenever they had a dispute with the other insurance company - never heard this before and my insurance company said they do not do that - any way all sorted now.

However my car is jinxed.

This evening stopped at a busy roundabout, traffic cleared and was about to drive off but spotted a fast car entering the roundabout so didn't move - the car behind me was watching the traffic and not me, didn't spot the fast car and bang into the back of me.

Straight onto my Mitchell Bros towbar which took the bang but the plastic front of the Mazda hit my rear rear bar and cracked it and a plastic bit from inside fell out - so all the repairs that were done in the first prang only a couple on months ago will have to be done all over again.

At least not my fault so no cost to me.

Garry

I thought Aus Insurers operate under a knock for knock agreement Knock-for-knock agreement - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knock-for-knock_agreement) which says "A knock-for-knock agreement is an agreement between two insurance (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurance) companies whereby, when both companies' policy-holders incur losses in the same insured event (usually a motor accident), each insurer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurer) pays the losses sustained by its own policy-holder regardless of who was responsible." so each company should've just paid their own damages.

[RANDLOVER]

Several years ago I had a similar situation, bloke ran into the back of my trailer while I was waiting to turn right, causing minor damage to the trailer and bending the rear crossmember on the 110.

Unfortunately the culprit (I'll bet he was on the phone!) and I had the same insurer (NRMA) and what followed was a nightmare. Eventually it got repaired (took over six months for work to start), but it took a long time and a lot of stress, and the threat to move all my insurance to a different company.

Perhaps they were peeved, that they had to pay both parties damages, as referred to in my earlier post regarding knock-for-knock agreements?

[JDNSW]

Perhaps they were peeved, that they had to pay both parties damages, as referred to in my earlier post regarding knock-for-knock agreements?

I have no doubt that was the case!

[RANDLOVER]

If you know insurers who still do "no excess" automotive comprehensive insurance, please tell. The principal insurers here state firmly that the industry no longer does this.

If they do, it will no doubt result in a higher monthly premium.

[101RRS]

I thought Aus Insurers operate under a knock for knock agreement Knock-for-knock agreement - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knock-for-knock_agreement) which says "A knock-for-knock agreement is an agreement between two insurance (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurance) companies whereby, when both companies' policy-holders incur losses in the same insured event (usually a motor accident), each insurer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurer) pays the losses sustained by its own policy-holder regardless of who was responsible." so each company should've just paid their own damages.

Based on my recent experience - it would appear not - NRMA was certainly claiming against Allianz and when Allianz questioned a small aspect of the claim, NRMA came after me.