Insurance horror story!
Hi people,
I've had my '98 A8 for over a year now, fabulous driving experience. However, 5 weeks ago I pranged it. Sob! Only a little crash however - backing out of a car parking building I turned the right front panel into a concrete pillar at 3kmh. Unfortunately, that little ding on aluminium skin meant about a 6 inch impact dent, and also popped the front right side of the fender away from the vehicle. Insurance covering it though, so small excess later and we're all fine right? Nope. Don't ever crash a car here in Hong Kong. Insurance say that they will replace all the broken parts with new parts - IF I pay depreciation on the parts as they are new and going onto an 8 year old car. We're talking about paying another 2,000 USD so I can get some new body parts, that they say will increase the value of my car! Can you imagine selling the car, explaining it's 2k more expensive because you crashed it and have now got some new parts on it??? Brand new engine and trannie maybe - but a panel? Anyway, so they say they can do it without the extra cost, by using second hand parts. For an A8 that's in pristine condition, I was repulsed by the idea of them putting second hand parts on it. Has finally worked out though - they couldn't source any second hand parts for the thing, so they have to use the brand new parts and now will suck up the cost of the 2k because I told them regardless now, my insurance contract says they must have the car fixed to same or better condition it was. So beware! I've been informed now that this is standard practice amongst insurance companies. The crazy part is that I bought the car for $80k HKD (about 10k USD), and the initial repairs were quoted at $72k HKD (8k short of purchase price). Sounds like a write-off? Now think about the damage - Panel damage!!!!!!!!!! Nothing structural! Maybe replace the front fender at the outside chance! It was Feb 21st when I pranged it, and will finally get it back April 12! Two months for a dented panel and ripped fender. Anyone else had similar experiences? |
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