Some berk in a massive minibus has hit my car while parked in a carpark. Nothing is bent, but the front offside wing edge has had paint scraped off it, and it's down to the galvanised metal. And the nearside of the front bumper has some lovely deep scratches down it, down to the black plastic. The rub strip is also badly scratched. Just frustrating really, as he hit 3 cars before hitting mine, and I had to watch the whole thing unveil before me. After he hit the 1st car I started to shout at him but he just kept going until I managed to get over there are collar the nutter. Good thing is that the police showed, and got all his details for me. I've contacted my insurance and all seems in order. A couple of questions though: -They want me to go to an approved repairer (UK Assistance, Normanton, Wakefield), but are they any good? Anyone had any experience of them? -It's a no fault claim for me, as I wasn't even in the car, and the guys admitted fault. But will this effect my premium or no-claims?

Some berk in a massive minibus has hit my car while parked in a carpark. Nothing is bent, but the front offside wing edge has had paint scraped off it, and it's down to the galvanised metal. And the nearside of the front bumper has some lovely deep scratches down it, down to the black plastic. The rub strip is also badly scratched. Just frustrating really, as he hit 3 cars before hitting mine, and I had to watch the whole thing unveil before me. After he hit the 1st car I started to shout at him but he just kept going until I managed to get over there are collar the nutter. Good thing is that the police showed, and got all his details for me. I've contacted my insurance and all seems in order. A couple of questions though: -They want me to go to an approved repairer (UK Assistance, Normanton, Wakefield), but are they any good? Anyone had any experience of them? -It's a no fault claim for me, as I wasn't even in the car, and the guys admitted fault. But will this effect my premium or no-claims?

Hi Bodge

with regards the firm in Wakefield, I don't know them , but when the job is done inspect the job, and if you are not satisfied say so and tell them to contact you when they have done a proper job, they cannot refuse, as they won't get paid from the insurance till you have signed the form to say you are happy, and if you are with a good insurance company, the work should be guaranteed for three years.

and should not affect your premium or no-claims but watch when you come to renew, and if they try and charge extra then ask why !

Radiotwo

PS and don't forget to claim the excess back from the other drivers insurance !

Thanks for the advice Radiotwo.

I'm way out of my comfort zone here, as I'm really anal about my car, and I hate the thought of other people driving/working on it! I'll make sure I give it a good inspection before signing anything.

You can state you want it to go to a skoda approved bodyshop and use genuine parts if you wish and the insurance has to do this.

You can state you want it to go to a skoda approved bodyshop and use genuine parts if you wish and the insurance has to do this.

Yeah I did ask my insurer about this, and they said yes I can take it elsewhere, but it will take longer to process or some rubbish like that. Basically saying that it would be more hassle to get the work done at a garage not approved by them. If I knew of a good bodyshop in the area I'd probably go through the hassle, but since I don't I figured just let them get on with it, as I want the car back asap. I just put some Collnite on the car too!! That wing was so shiney, and beading beautifully. Guess I'll be re-applying to the fresh paint over Christmas. I presume I'll need to leave the fresh clearcoat to harden for a while before working on it. Meh

Finally! Found someone at work who has used UK Assistance before, and he has given them a glowing report. I feel a bit more comfortable now.

When I finally get the car back I'll get some snaps up of the work, and give a review of my experiences with these guys for future reference.

I have had 2 no fault claims in the last 12 months, in my experience I stay well clear of the large body shop companies. My Octavia had to go back 3 times for bad panel fit and poor paint. You can of coarse pick your own body shop although it will take slightly longer as the repairs have to be approved. Hope this helps

If non fault, demand an approved Skoda one.

Car was collected over the weekend on a flatbed truck by these guys. The chap couldn't have been nicer! We had a long chat about cars, and gave the car a good look over before loading her up. He was very careful with loading the car, and used some extra ramps for lowered vehicles to make sure nothing scraped. From this guys attitude and from our discussion, I'm happy for now.

I've since had a couple of calls from them stating the quote has been done, what work is being carried out to repair the car, and when my car will be ready.

So far so good! I just miss my Skoda now! Hopefully it comes back nice and shiney and perfect next week.