Holiday minor accident (not at fault)

XR6_661 · 06-01-2012, 02:34 PM

Story is, I went on holiday in Perth over the new year with my partner.

We borrowed her friends car briefly to go to the shops and long story short the car was damaged in the car park. Not sure how, but a dent in the boot and crack on the spoiler. Nothing major at all.

The owner of the vehicle agreed they would claim it on insurance as if they were the driver at the time. Cool. Excess = $400. (2000 Falcon S)

Now the owner has turned around and said the insurer has changed it to a $1000 excess because of losing the no-claim bonus? Isn't the excess fixed and no-claim bonus applies to monthly/yearly premium?

Any advise would be appreciated.

I obviously have no qualms in paying as the car as in my possesion at the time...I could probably even argue it could have easily happened to them and not pay a cent, but I'm not like that. I just think the sudden jump to $1000 excess and saying the damage is quoted at $3500 seems very steep. (I'll post a pic later on)

cheers guys

MNM96 · 06-01-2012, 02:36 PM

just pay.

aussie muscle · 06-01-2012, 02:38 PM

unless they already lost their no claim bonus. their insurance paperwork will have the exact details.

Mr Hardware · 06-01-2012, 02:38 PM

how much do you value your friendship?
imo i'd just pay. it's pretty sucky but that's the risk you take with borrowing cars.

SLO247 · 06-01-2012, 02:41 PM

Buy and fit a bootlid for them? Would cost a few hundred at most.

**DJR-351** · 06-01-2012, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNM96

just pay.

This is the less painfull route, and the right thing to do....IMHO....

superfly · 06-01-2012, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

how much do you value your friendship?
imo i'd just pay. it's pretty sucky but that's the risk you take with borrowing cars.

^^ what he said.

Majestic · 06-01-2012, 06:50 PM

friend or no friend - I would only pay what is stated on the original current policy paper that the owner would have in their posession (which I assume is $400). That policy paper is a legally binding contract agreed by both parties!! why on earth would you pay an extra $600!!!

Even if the insurance company is really saying they now want $1000 (your wife's friend could be talking crap based on what I have read) - if it only says $400 on that original agreement - that's all you need to pay.

Don't take the submissive option - stand strong mate. Remember the damage is not your fault and she agreed to lend you the car in the first place.

blueluvr · 07-01-2012, 04:19 AM

can't you buy a complete 2000 falcon S for $3500??

Only you know how good friends these people really are to your partner, but i dunno.....I'm with majestic. To me from what you said somethings a bit fishy

wrongwaynorris · 07-01-2012, 05:31 AM

Doesnt matter how good a friend thay are , you borrowed their car and whilst in your care it was damaged , just pay because its the right thing to do . BTW insurance companies can increase the excess but not until policy renewal time so if their excess was $400.00 at the time of the accident then that is all you should pay unless you are under a certain age where there is an increased excess .

MrZ · 07-01-2012, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrongwaynorris

Doesnt matter how good a friend thay are , you borrowed their car and whilst in your care it was damaged , just pay because its the right thing to do . BTW insurance companies can increase the excess but not until polcy renewal time so if their excess was $400.00 at the time of the accident then that is all you should pay unless you are under a certain age where there is an increased excess .

What insurance company are you with that it's only $400? My excess is $550 :( (With RACV comprehensive).