On my way to pick up some new tyres today, a 40 ton truck ploughed into the back of me, on the A65 between Harrogate and Poole. Open and shut case, the truck driver admitted liability, as has his insurers. We exchanged details and I examined the damage, New tailgate, new rear bumper. But the thing that concerned me most was the slight crease evident on the rear quarter, just below the pillar above and behind the filler cap.

I could open the boot and found that the spare was jammed in. Absolutely gutted my pride and joy, an 06 OctyVRS ravaged by a grain carrier.

This story now takes an incredible twist. I pulled over the road to a pub car park and went to speak to the people inside just to make double sure I had witnesses. I got back into the car, and noticed a piece of paper under my wiper blade. When I got home minus new tyres I looked at the note...

' Sorry - scraped the back of your car'. Phone number and name attached. I was staggered to find that whilst I was in the pub, somebody had reversed in to the side of my rear bumper. You couldn't make it up!

Taking it to be looked over by a body shop next week, I am really worried it might be knackered. I do have gap insurance,so that's a relief. It seems to drive OK. But I won't know till it's on a jig. Trouble is I now know my car's no longer perfect.:(

It's so unbelievable I'm starting to wonder if some **** dashed out of the pub and stuck the note there for a laugh after witnessing it.

But that does not explain the scrapes i found down the SIDE of my bumper.

One thing I forgot to mention. The number written on the note did not have an area code. so I cant ring this bloke up. I have tried Leeds and Ilkley codes, but they dont work. How can I work out the code??

Christ Almighty that is seriously unlucky, I do feel for you!

Like you say, if something that big has plowed into the back of you, im sure that the chassis must have sustained some damage, as you say a Jig is the only way of being sure.

As for the scraped bumper, I presume we are talking about the rear bumper again, it should be replaced from the initial accident, so if you cant get hold of this person who reversed into you (Or not...Not really a funny joke if it is indead someone having a laugh) then at least it should be replaced from the first accident.

I hope you get it all sorted!

Is your old spoiler in one piece? Take it off and sell it to me if it is :-)

Note has to be a joke surely, funny one though.

Glad your ok anyhow.

Gutted for you,

Do you need the Gap insurance as it's going through their insurance? I guess you're not experiencing the old stiff neck problems?

Hope it all gets sorted out with the least amount of hassle.

It's so unbelievable I'm starting to wonder if some **** dashed out of the pub and stuck the note there for a laugh after witnessing it.

But that does not explain the scrapes i found down the SIDE of my bumper.

One thing I forgot to mention. The number written on the note did not have an area code. so I cant ring this bloke up. I have tried Leeds and Ilkley codes, but they dont work. How can I work out the code??

have you tried using the area code that the pub is in?

Who ever put the note on your window is taking the mickey out of you. I've had this done to me once.

Sorry to hear of your troubles and I have two pieces of advice, not wishing to seem too negative;

1. Forget about the pub car park incident and note. Even if it is genuine, the damaged rear bumper is going to be replaced as a result of the truck hitting you. No problem.

2. If, as you say, the spare wheel well is distorted along with the rear quarter panel you may well have some serious chassis damage that could dictate the car is a write off! Even a slow speed impact from a 20 -30 ton truck will have considerable force behind it due to momentum. I would get onto your insurers 1st thing tomorrow and say you are unsure and feel unsafe about driving the car, get it into their bodyshop immediately and get a courtesy car off them (truck's insurance to pay).

Good luck.

If the spare is jammed in then the rear floorpan has deformed and this is relected in the rear quarter damage.

I'm no expert in body repair, but i've seen cars written off for bent boot floors before and the bending hasn't been that serious.

Truthfully, I really hope it's fecked:eek: I've got back to invoice GAP. This car is jinxed. I crashed it driving it off the forecourt of the garage the day I bought it.

I think it's just the rear panel thats pushed in and jammed the wheel in. I am taking it to a garage of my own choice. If only I could get him to bend it a bit more on the Car-O-Liner

The shut lines on the tailgate, either side have opened up,as if the whole rear end has been splayed. I just have visions of them fixing it, and having no end of trouble with the damned thing.

I suppose that fitting and painting a new tailgate and bumper, will not be as evident a repair as a door.

I'll find out tomorrow. I think will also stop off at another garage for a second opinion.

That is really unlucky squire.

At least with BTI you can get a new un!

With the cost of cars these days, that will almost CERTAINLY be written off. You can, I believe, insist that it is replaced rather than repaired (although I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong)

With the cost of cars these days, that will almost CERTAINLY be written off. You can, I believe, insist that it is replaced rather than repaired (although I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong)

No I believe you're correct that you are entitled to insist the insurance company replaces with another vehicle of the same or better type/condition/mileage and age.

Usually quite good when they make a poor offer for a car.

Insurance companies don't try to fix things if they can just buy a cheap replacement anyway.

At least you're ok and with the GAP insurance you should be in a car of the same spec soon

I'm confused now. I have just taken it to a guy I trust. Unfortunately, he could not fix it as he said he did not have the correct jig for it. ( He is Citroen ) He said it probably would not be written off. But repaired. I would end up with a car with a new rear quarter welded on, new boot and other bits complete with water based paint which NEVER looks original.

His advise was to sell it when repaired. Possibly the worst outcome imaginable for me, I still have a years worth of outstanding finance on the damned thing.

All the more galling when it's not my bloody fault.

On my way to pick up some new tyres today, a 40 ton truck ploughed into the back of me

Much better than on the way home after you paid for the new boots :eek:

I crashed it driving it off the forecourt of the garage the day I bought it.

I don't think I would have admitted to that on here :eek:

I'm confused now. I have just taken it to a guy I trust. Unfortunately, he could not fix it as he said he did not have the correct jig for it. ( He is Citroen ) He said it probably would not be written off. But repaired. I would end up with a car with a new rear quarter welded on, new boot and other bits complete with water based paint which NEVER looks original.

His advise was to sell it when repaired. Possibly the worst outcome imaginable for me, I still have a years worth of outstanding finance on the damned thing.

All the more galling when it's not my bloody fault.

Just wait for your insurance company to deal with it and relax, body shops are never cheap for insurance, especially if you insist on it going to a skoda shop

heard anything from the insurance yet?

Id be tempted to be making new car noises already