Impact on Car - Cash Settlement + Missing Repairs Quotes?

truongster on 11/11/2021 - 16:29

Hi folks,

Need some advice on an incident I had earlier (roughly a month ago)

Context:
Car S40 Volvo 2002.
Basically hit from the left at a roundabout, other driver didn't see me at all.
Damage on the car is front left guard + indicators, wheel damage (Tyre burst as the wheel got wedged into the roundabout).
The insurance waived excess and the other driver was at fault (dash cam footage)

Problem:
The issue begins when the insurance's repairer couldn't find/source the parts for the car and hence offered a cash settlement.
At first the settlement was $1.8k but the insurance provider didn't include the wheel damage (drivers side)
I've picked the car from the insurance's repairers telling them I'll find a few other quotes (Hopefully someone else can find the parts)

Since I have picked up the car I have noticed that there is something faulty with the front driver's suspension/shocks? Every time I go over a bump or pothole, the car would "bounce" as if there is no shock or suspension on the front driver's wheel.
I've gotten a quote to fix the front wheel shocks and suspension and it's roughly $800 for both front wheels.

Question:
Since the shocks/suspension is also an issue, but not reported by the original assessor, how do I get this added to the cash settlement figure?
Has the window already closed because the insurance has already sent me the funds ($2k worth) - this doesn't include the shocks/suspension fix.

Images of the damage. - Note the front driver side is lower than the passenger (impact side)
https://imgur.com/a/OQN66wy

Automotive

Comments

  • pegaxs on 11/11/2021 - 16:32
    +2

    Yeah, that crash has nothing to do with your shock. The fact it is 19 years old has more to do with the shock absorber being worn. How many km does the car have on it?

    The reason it wasn't "added to the quote" is because "unrelated"

    And a payout of $2k? That is a total writeoff payment. It would literally cost more than its replacement cost to fix it.

    • truongster on 11/11/2021 - 17:06

      Roughly 110000kms

      • weezlebub on 11/11/2021 - 17:12

        While a bit harsh, this is what the insurance company will claim … they'll just call it wear and tear and put it down to pre-existing damage … you can try and convince them otherwise, but they're quite good at dodging their responsibilities

  • GG57 on 11/11/2021 - 16:32
    +1

    If the insurance has paid you the money, I assume you agreed to that pay out?

  • Euphemistic on 11/11/2021 - 17:06
    +1

    You agreed to the payout based on your insurance co assessment, the claim is addressed. You are now on your own.

    You are entitled to try to find someone else to do the repairs. If you wanted the insurer to pay for it you’d need to submit quotes to them prior to settling the claim by receiving their payment. Eg if you went to another repairer and they said it’s going to cost $4k you’d have to go back to the insurer to negotiate for more.

    You could go it alone and chase to other party’s insurer for payment, but you’d need to cancel your own claim and pay them back the full amount. No idea if that is possible.

  • Muzeeb on 11/11/2021 - 17:25

    As soon as that agreed payment hits your account it's all over Red Rover.

    Are any suspension components bent? If not I'm guessing it's just 20 year old suspension that's past its economical life.

    Looks like a pretty low speed impact.

  • nubzy on 11/11/2021 - 17:29

    The S40 is a great solid car, I'd be gutted to lose it too particularly because of someone else's mistake. Bad luck mate. You would not want to be stuck with having to manage the repairs yourself, either get some more quotes and hope someone can fix it or else accept a write off.

    • truongster on 12/11/2021 - 10:52

      My thoughts exactly, Don't want to give up the car especially in today's market.
      Going to keep going for quotes.

  • bobbified on 11/11/2021 - 18:59
    +1

    When you accepted the money, you would've signed an agreement to waive them of any further liability or claim.

    • truongster on 12/11/2021 - 10:48

      Nope! Didn't sign or accept anything, they just sent the funds and sent a letter to confirm it.

      • bobbified on 12/11/2021 - 11:31

        Did you have a verbal agreement over the phone that was "recorded for quality and training purposes"? Because that counts too.

        There's nothing stopping you from talking to the the insurer about it (which I would do) and the worst they can say is "no". It's worth a try, but don't be disappointed if they don't give you any more money.

  • Drakesy on 11/11/2021 - 19:34

    I'd say that would be close to a write off.
    With a car that age, fixing it would most likely unearth more issues and even if they do get it out the door i'd worry about other things like wheel alignment, subframe damage, electrics that may have been put out of whack, let alone oil/fluid leaks.

    Personally just go back to the people that quoted you and get them to reissue with the additional issues.

    I'd push for a payout/writeoff, in many cases the clause is to return the car to pre-crash condition. If they haven't met that then it hasn't been met.
    However if you've signed on the dotted line that you've accepted the repairs/payment and closed out the case then it may be a little difficult if not impossible.

    The shock thing though (personally) just sounds like a worn shock, proving that the crash caused it would require some forensics (you'd need some bent metal/springs to prove this).

  • singlemalt72 on 12/11/2021 - 08:45
    +1

    Sparesbox have S40 KYB front shock for $183 in stock or a cheaper brand for $135 probably $200 to fit or less if combined with other work.

    • truongster on 12/11/2021 - 10:56

      Hey! that's great thanks! Is there any way to confirm that this is the broken piece/issue with the Volvo?

      • singlemalt72 on 12/11/2021 - 11:23

        Not really, without a mechanic inspecting it, but bouncing in that corner sounds right. The spring is working and the shock absorber is not so it justbounces up and down.

        If you are able to look at it yourself you will probably find oil on the shock which has leaked out when it ruptured. Also cannot vouch for other components which could be bent or broken.

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