Hi,

My car has been hit by another driver. There is no dispute, and other driver has take responsibility. There are damages to my exhaust system and local garage has estimated costs for £894 in total (parts, labour, VAT). Tesco (who is culprit's insurer) offered me £750 because of corrosion prints, but denied to tell if this will cover costs of genuine exhaust + hangers fixing and if parts are new or used. Important thing here are, that in my opinion there is no corrosion, car passed MOT without any advisories in November, as well as genuine exhaust system has chrome tail pipes whilst non genuine hasn't.

This is my first claim in UK, so could anyone please advise what should I do?

Why have they offered you money?

The other driver hit you.

They are liable.

The insurance company pick your car up, have it repaired and deliver it back to you.

No "local" garages

If they are asking you to run around and get quotes tell them to Jog on.

That's their job not yours

Why have they offered you money?

The other driver hit you.

They are liable.

The insurance company pick your car up, have it repaired and deliver it back to you.

No "local" garages

If they are asking you to run around and get quotes tell them to Jog on.

That's their job not yours

Sorry my bad. They said: Our engineer estimated costs (opinion based on pictures I have sent to them), that this will cost £750. The didn't tell "we can pay you" or something like that.

Well either write to them or record the phone call and say "great!! When are you picking my car up from my home and delivering a hire car?"

I would suggest that you confirm to them in writing exactly the specifications of the repairs that you want done and tell them that this is the only basis upon which you will agree that the matter is settled. You must be very careful to keep everything in writing and to be very clear and detailed

I would suggest that you confirm to them in writing exactly the specifications of the repairs that you want done and tell them that this is the only basis upon which you will agree that the matter is settled. You must be very careful to keep everything in writing and to be very clear and detailed

I would suggest that you confirm to them in writing exactly the specifications of the repairs that you want done and tell them that this is the only basis upon which you will agree that the matter is settled. You must be very careful to keep everything in writing and to be very clear and detailed

I have sent them original estimation made by garage I've been earlier.

They just sent me an email saying:

"

That is not true. Rear exhaust is still available to buy from Vauxhall, and I didn't ask to replace complete exhaust.

Reply to them stating your rejecting the offer and send proof that Vauxhall are still supplying the parts you need.

One thing should realise is that your complaint is against the other driver – are not against the insurer.

This business about being "beyond economical repair" is an insurance term and doesn't necessarily affect you. You should be entitled to recover all of your losses from the other driver. I suggest that you start copying the other driver in and also make sure that that eventually if his insurer will not pay the full cost of the losses then you will be suing him in the County Court to make up the difference.

This should have the effect of introducing a little bit of conflict between the other driver and the insurer – and that extra bit of pressure is always helpful.

One thing should realise is that your complaint is against the other driver – are not against the insurer.

 

This business about being "beyond economical repair" is an insurance term and doesn't necessarily affect you. You should be entitled to recover all of your losses from the other driver. I suggest that you start copying the other driver in and also make sure that that eventually if his insurer will not pay the full cost of the losses then you will be suing him in the County Court to make up the difference.

 

This should have the effect of introducing a little bit of conflict between the other driver and the insurer – and that extra bit of pressure is always helpful.

Thanks guys. Vauxhall has confirmed that exhaust is not in the UK (Signum 2.2direct has never been made here), but it should not take more than 10 days to get it from Germany. I sent a message to Tesco that I disagree, and I am waiting for their move.

Why aren't your insurance company fighting this for you?

I've only ever had one accident, I was rear ended at traffic lights (stop giggling at the back).

I phoned my insurance company and gave them details of the other driver and his insurance.

2 days later, my insurance company arranged the collection of my vehicle and dropped off a courtesy car.

About 14 days later, my vehicle was returned by their repairer, all repaired with genuine parts.

My insurance company then had the claim settled by the other parties insurer.

I certainly never had to chase the other parties insurer myself, or arrange my own repairs.

I will probably do it in that way.

Because they just sent me that:

Thank you for your email.

I have raised your concerns with our engineer.

He has advised that the corrosion to your exhaust is deep seated and long standing.

This should have been identified at your last MOT.

Our engineer was aware it was not for reasons unknown.

We have factored in the cost of a complete new exhaust unit as a gesture of goodwill

But due to the pre incident corrosion we are not obliged to do so,

hence why costs for a manufactures part will not be considered.

As previously advised we can pay you a cash settlement of £720 towards the cost of your repairs.

If this is not acceptable to you then you may wish to go to your own insurance company to claim.

Last question: Tesco refusues to take my car for repairing and provide a hire car. They only offer me the money. Is it in accordance with law?

I have contacted my insurance company regarding to this, but I don't know how much time will it take.

Last question: Tesco refusues to take my car for repairing and provide a hire car. They only offer me the money. Is it in accordance with law?

 

Yep, it's called indemnity.

Tesco are only liable to compensate for the losses, not physically do anything about it.