Accident!

[Canalsman]

My 2004 TF 160 was hit this afternoon, whilst parked, by a furniture removal lorry.

The offside rear wing has been comprehensively stove in, and the rear light cluster has disintegrated.

The wing will I'm sure need replacing, it's far too badly damaged to repair.

I'm sure my preferred body shop will be able to advise on Tuesday, but in the meantime can anyone advise if this is feasible?

Are replacement rear wings and light clusters available?

Thanks for your collective advice ...

[Steve White]

Sorry to hear the bad news.
New replacement rear wings are available (currently £460 at Rimmers).
The rear wings are welded on and replacement is not simple or cheap. Add painting costs too, and its highly likely an insurance company would write the car off
Tail lights are around £65 new or £5-£20 used.

[Canalsman]

Thanks for the quick reply ...

I have already emailed the company whose lorry did the damage to tell them I expect them to pay for the repair ... Their driver admitted liability and I have witnesses.

I shall not be pursuing this through my insurers for the exact reason that you cite.

I was planning on going on holiday on Tuesday - so they're also going to be asked for compensation!

[talkingcars]

Not good, do you have any photos so we can advice on possible damage.

Unless you have booked tickets to travel on or before Tuesday I doubt they will be will to cover compensation for your holiday but there is no harm in asking.

They may want to go through their insurance company but most have an excess of £500 on accident damage.

[Canalsman]

Here's the damage!

[austingarages]

Sorry to hear the bad news.
New replacement rear wings are available (currently £460 at Rimmers).
The rear wings are welded on and replacement is not simple or cheap. Add painting costs too, and its highly likely an insurance company would write the car off
Tail lights are around £65 new or £5-£20 used.

My thoughts exactly when I read this...

If it does have to go through the insurance, its worth knowing about the X-part (people who do the genuine MG Rover parts) Close Call programme. If the car is “deemed uneconomical to repair” then the repairer can contact the “Close Call” team with the estimate. Basically they will reduce the price of the parts to fall within the value of the car if possible.

Details are;
Close Call 0845 603 4451
closecall@cat.com or closecall@neovialogistics.com

Really hope you get it sorted out!

[Canalsman]

Sorry to hear the bad news.
New replacement rear wings are available (currently £460 at Rimmers).
The rear wings are welded on and replacement is not simple or cheap. Add painting costs too, and its highly likely an insurance company would write the car off
Tail lights are around £65 new or £5-£20 used.

My thoughts exactly when I read this...

If it does have to go through the insurance, its worth knowing about the X-part (people who do the genuine MG Rover parts) Close Call programme. If the car is “deemed uneconomical to repair” then the repairer can contact the “Close Call” team with the estimate. Basically they will reduce the price of the parts to fall within the value of the car if possible.

Details are;
Close Call 0845 603 4451
closecall@cat.com or closecall@neovialogistics.com

Really hope you get it sorted out!

Thanks for the good wishes, and some great advice too.

I do feel that I am in a very strong position, and I'd be prepared to take the company to court (plus name and shame) if they don't want to play ball. It's a major UK domestic and commercial furniture removal company ...

[colintf]

Ouch.....sorry to see this

Good luck

[Canalsman]

Thanks

[talkingcars]

Doesn't look too bad as the wing has taken all the major force and the boot shut looks unaffected. It is still a large repair but no jigging will be required.

I doubt you'll have many problems getting the company to sort this out.

[Canalsman]

Yes - the boot shut is fine, and the bumper unaffected, so the damage is localised.

My body shop man, who has worked three times before on the car, has seen the pictures and thinks he has a wing in stock.

This car appears fated somehow - this is the fifth time it's been damaged, and it was parked without me in it on every occasion! (Keyed, then a car rolled into the back on a hill, then a car hit it hard from behind outside my house, then some construction barriers were lifted by severe winds and blown against the offside rear wing, and now this, also outside my house.)

[Canalsman]

Update ...

The car is now with the repairers, and the estimate is £2,300.

I am (still) awaiting contact from the removal company's insurers who apparently want to send out a loss adjuster.

[colintf]

Update ...

The car is now with the repairers, and the estimate is £2,300.

I am (still) awaiting contact from the removal company's insurers who apparently want to send out a loss adjuster.

good luck and fingers crossed

[Canalsman]

Further update ...

Liability admitted by removal company's insurers, car to be repaired at their expense subject to engineer's inspection

[Canalsman]

The rear wings are welded on and replacement is not simple or cheap.

According to my bodyshop man, these panels are a lot easier to replace, and with better results, than a similar panel on an ordinary car.

He says it's fiddly, but because the wings were welded during assembly, you're replacing like for like rather than cutting out and joining panels.

[colintf]

Further update ...

Liability admitted by removal company's insurers, car to be repaired at their expense subject to engineer's inspection

well thats good news

[Canalsman]

Got my car back today - hooray

Looks as good as new ...

The repairer kept the offside rear wing for me to see. Apart from the huge damage to it, what surprised is how light the panel is.

I could easily pick it up with just one hand! Extraordinary.

Also of note is that the panel was not painted on the inner side, just primed, and it is completely rust free.

[stuart]

Glad you got it sorted out...just in time for a sunny weekend too!

Enjoy

[colintf]

great news then

[Rob Bell]

Fantastic! Good to hear the great news