Door Ding / Dent Responsibility 2023-2024

InLaymansTerms on 27/10/2023 - 10:33
Last edited 27/10/2023 - 11:35 by 1 other user

Greetings fellow humans! I’m sure this thread will touch upon many of us who have experienced this before.

I purchased a new Tesla Model Y a few months ago and as most people are aware, Teslas have an impressive camera monitoring system.

In the first month of owning the vehicle, I observed a sentry recording of a person opening their door next to my car and smashing a very nice dent into my passenger door with a small chunk of paint going missing. As I had the recording of the event actually happening, including the person's face/reaction, the vehicle and registration clearly on video, I called my insurance company, they instructed me to go to the police and ask for a police event/report number. I was told the police won’t be able to disclose the other person's information to me, however the insurance company can request it once it’s attached to the police report number.

I went to my local police station with all the evidence. A few days later I was given an event number, however, they informed me because it was an “accident”, they would not disclose any information to my insurer.

After back and forth with my insurance company. They asked me to pay my “excess” insurance in order to repair the damage. I did not proceed for obvious reasons.

Since then, I have had 5 additional events on sentry camera, where a person opens their door and damages my vehicle.
In every single event, the person steps out, observes the damage they have made to my vehicle, tries to rub the damage off with their finger and simply walks away.

My other vehicle does not have a camera but I have also noticed new door dings appearing every few weeks when I'm washing it. It was even side-swiped once at the rear, which cost a bomb to fix.

The point of this topic is I'd like to hear what others have done in this situation. Surely the system can’t be that broken where others can damage your property and there are no repercussions, particularly when you have video evidence.
I personally am so careful when opening my door next to other vehicles. I often put my hand on the outside of the door to prevent any damage.

It is frustrating, to say the least. I understand sh*t happens but not a single individual has taken responsibility.

Has anyone else been in this situation? I’d love to hear if anyone else has managed to get some sort of result.

Automotive Car Electric Vehicle SUV Tesla Inc

Comments

          • bobbified on 27/10/2023 - 12:51
            +3

            @InLaymansTerms: You should harass the cops a bit more to provide the details to the insurance company. Accident or not, they caused the damage and they should be responsible for it.

      • mountaineer on 28/10/2023 - 22:31
        +5

        This doesn't sound right. It is the job of NRMA's legal department to go after NSW police … you have done what you can, video recording with all information, reported to the police and obtained the police event number. Does the contract say explicitly it is your responsibility that you must be responsible to ensure the Police provide further details to NRMA? If not, go to AFCA.

  • 87percent on 27/10/2023 - 12:05
    +4

    thats crap (what the cops said to you). I had video footage of a butthead doing a runner, and the cops gave me the other persons information and i made a claim with my insurance

    • Almost Banned on 27/10/2023 - 12:19
      +13

      Because it was an 'accident' they won't disclose?
      What do they think most car crashes are then - deliberate?
      Yes - the cops are FOS.

      • trapper on 30/10/2023 - 20:15

        Failing to stop after an accident is an actual crime though, so in that case the police are more likely to investigate.

        Accidental damage is not a crime, is a 'civil matter', so the police generally aren't that interested in helping..

        Basically not their job to hunt down non-criminals for non-crimes.

  • InLaymansTerms on 27/10/2023 - 12:41
    +3

    We refer to your recent claim for your Tesla Model Y. You have expressed dissatisfaction towards $1000 excess applicable to your claim.

    By way of background on 28 of xxxxxxxxx xxxx, your vehicle was parked in a carpark located in xxxxxxxx when the driver of vehicle parked in the next space opened their door impacting with your vehicle.

    You reported your claim to NRMA on 28 of xxxxx xxxxx, and provided the at fault party's registration and Police Report number.

    Subsequently on 30 xxxxxxx xxxx, you contacted NRMA to enquire why $1000 excess is applicable to your claim. The NRMA claims consultant contacted xxxxxxx Police who confirmed the at fault party's details are not in the Police report. You were given the explanation, as NRMA does not have the at fault party's name and address the $1000 excess is applicable to your claim. This has caused you great concern and frustration.

    I have reviewed this matter for you in detail. Below, is a summary of the information I have considered to make a decision.

    Firstly, I would like to draw your attention to NRMA Motor Insurance Product Disclosure Statement & Policy Booklet (‘PDS’)

    Excess:

    The amounts you contribute towards the cost of your claim. Your current Certificate of Insurance shows the amount and types of excesses that apply to your policy.

    As part of my review I have called xxxxxx Police, I spoke with Senior Constable xxxxxxx who confirmed the at fault party's details are not in the Police report.

    I asked Senior Constable xxxxxxxx if they have spoken to the at fault party and Senior Constable xxxxxxx would not provide that information to me.

    Whilst I agree the damage caused to your vehicle was no fault of your own. NRMA has no other way to obtain the at fault party's details other than applying for the Police report. The Police will not disclose whether they have spoken to the at fault party.

    Therefore, upon completion of my review and reviewing the terms and conditions on your current Certificate of Insurance as NRMA does not have the name and the address of the at fault party we are unable to waive your excess. I maintain the decison that $1000 excess is applicable to your claim.

    If this decision has not resolved the matter to your satisfaction, you can seek further review. Please refer to the enclosed brochure outlining our complaint handling process.

    In the event you wish to seek further review, the next step in our complaints handling process is to contact our Customer Relations Department.1800 045 517.

    If you choose not to progress this matter via our complaints handling process prior to 29 xxxxxxxx xxxx, this will be considered our final outcome.

    Alternatively, after 29 xxxxxxxxxx xxxx if an issue has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). AFCA provides fair and independent financial services complaint resolution that is free to consumers.

    • jrvb42 on 28/10/2023 - 18:40
      +19

      Sounds like a job for the insurance industry ombudsman.

    • us3rnam3tak3n on 29/10/2023 - 09:50
      +3

      AFCA will ask you to exhaust NRMA's complaints process first. Might as well get the ball rolling.

    • mrvaluepack on 29/10/2023 - 18:52
      +6

      Lodge a complaint to AFCA. This is really some next level dodgy practice by NRMA. I wouldn't think such a big insurance company would do this…

    • Jaspa7 on 30/10/2023 - 21:35

      Jesus.. never insuring with NRMA - thanks for sharing

    • emblurr on 31/10/2023 - 11:44

      Tried going to a different police station?

    • dji1111111 on 01/11/2023 - 20:41

      They are feeding you BS. insurance companies have access to perform a rego search much like how the public can via the TMR website only that they have access to full information about the registered vehicle including the registered owner. They don't even need the Police to get that information themselves.

  • Bignudge on 27/10/2023 - 12:52
    +5

    Okay, lets get to the important part for everyone going forward. Can anyone name a car insurance company that only requires a police report+ rego +dashcam footage proving the other party at fault to waive the excess fee?

    • eug on 27/10/2023 - 13:43
      -1

      There's one mentioned in the first comment at the top - Suncorp.

      • Bignudge on 27/10/2023 - 14:05
        +6

        Alright, just done some digging with Suncorp… it's equally as crap. This is straight from their PDS for the comprehensive car insurance…

        " If you cannot supply the at-fault driver’s name, address and vehicle registration number it means we will not be able to waive your excess. It does not otherwise impact the cover under your policy or your ability to make a claim. "

        Basically you will pay an excess even if not at fault unless you can fully identify the at fault driver.

        • eug on 27/10/2023 - 14:11

          Basically you will pay an excess even if not at fault unless you can fully identify the at fault driver.

          First commenter did not pay the excess and only supplied the rego.

          • Bignudge on 27/10/2023 - 14:15
            +7

            @eug: And what? Do I send Suncorp a link to this Ozbargain post and tell them to refer to the comment on page 1 as a "See? I don't have to pay my excess cause I got their rego number".

            • eug on 27/10/2023 - 14:20
              +1

              @Bignudge: No need to get all defensive. I just gave you a real-life example that showed what you asked for.

              Remember that it is not unheard of for the other party in an accident to refuse to give their details. That does not mean you have to pay the excess. The police and/or insurance company can sort that out.

              • Bignudge on 27/10/2023 - 17:27
                +2

                @eug: I agree with you. It's really the responsibility of the cops+insurance to work together to get the details of a hit and run driver… especially when there's dashcam footage. It's far too often you see in footages online where a car will take out the side of a car and pretend to pull over, then to speed past a red light and run off.

              • trapper on 30/10/2023 - 20:23

                @eug: It is different in the case of an actual car accident because refusing to give details then is a crime, so police will help to identify the offender.

              • MeateaW on 30/10/2023 - 22:43

                @eug: I assume in this instance, Suncorp or one of its subsidiaries WAS the insurer of the other vehicle.

                Suncorp could identify the other driver from their rego alone.

        • GG57 on 27/10/2023 - 14:15

          It isn't clear in OP's case if it was the driver or a passenger that may have opened the other car door.
          Or is the driver responsible for the actions of all passengers in the vehicle, or is that only whilst the car is being driven?

          • trapper on 30/10/2023 - 20:24
            +1

            @GG57: The person who caused the damage is the only person liable.

            If that person was a young child then no one is liable.

        • LanceVance on 27/10/2023 - 14:18
          +1

          I just checked the PDS and they must have changed it from when I made that claim about 5 years ago, thats a shame.

          • Bignudge on 27/10/2023 - 17:28

            @LanceVance: That's a shame :(

          • MeateaW on 30/10/2023 - 22:44

            @LanceVance: No, it is more likely they knew the name of the other driver because they were insured by Suncorp or one of its subsidiaries.

            • LanceVance on 30/10/2023 - 23:09

              @MeateaW: No, the PDS used to say that you just had to provide rego. I know because I checked before I lodged the claim. That was about 5 years ago though and they've changed it since then.

  • tsunamisurfer on 27/10/2023 - 13:07
    +22

    This is disgusting that the police won't help with providing details, clearly a wrong has been done.

    • Jaspa7 on 30/10/2023 - 21:42

      eh.. while not great for police, their energies should be focussed on far more important things.
      More disgusted with the insurance company, as this is exactly what they're taking people's money for.

      • tsunamisurfer on 30/10/2023 - 22:21
        +2

        The insurance companies do not have access to a staewide / nationwide database of all licenced vehicles and their owners.

        The Police do.

        In this case the Police have ALREADY investigated, how much more effort is it to give the OP their name and address?

        • MeateaW on 05/11/2023 - 22:59
          +1

          Even worse, the police have all the details, they have just determined that the damage to their property "is accidental" therefore their damage to the property not worthy of compensation.

          Which makes no sense.

          When I run into the back of another car that's "accidental" too, I never intend that. But youd be damn sure I'd expect to be held accountable.

          But if I just leave apparently if the police think it was "accidental" I get off Scott free? It's (profanity).

      • Bap1337 on 31/10/2023 - 18:00

        Thank you. Someone with common sense.

  • tinx on 27/10/2023 - 13:20
    +8

    This is why i will not buy car that is too expensive. Too many inconsiderate people around.

    I thought tesla sentry camera should be enough for evidence. Apparently it’s not in this case. And with NRMA even.. isn’t that one of the “good” insurer? Imagine if this with budgetdirect lol.

    • InLaymansTerms on 27/10/2023 - 13:26
      +2

      Precisely why I went with a so-called "premium" insurance company. I paid a little extra to ensure I wouldn't have these issues.

  • plmko on 27/10/2023 - 13:40
    -2

    I think it's time you invested in PPF or stop parking where you do.

    Door dents are cheap jobs, $400 each tops. Just move on.

    • tinx on 27/10/2023 - 14:15
      +9

      Your definition of cheap is different with mine. Lol.

    • lachhelix on 29/10/2023 - 00:19
      +5

      PPF is also not going to stop a dent

  • altomic on 27/10/2023 - 17:05
    +4

    People are inconsiderate assholes.

    I've never had so many door dings (in the last 10 years, compared to the previous 20 years of car ownship).

    • Bap1337 on 31/10/2023 - 17:53

      Sounds like you're losing your eye site old man. Shoulda gone to Specsavers!

  • Nugs on 27/10/2023 - 19:39
    +5

    this is the benefit of having a shitbox for going shopping or leaving at a train station all day
    if i drive one of our better cars, park further away (within reason)
    .

  • drewbytes on 28/10/2023 - 07:41
    +2

    You're in Canberra I see. What the officer told you is incorrect. The police can and do provide you with the details of the other driver in the event of a collision as per road rule 287 (if they're not able to be exchanged at the time), and/or it would be in the police report which the insurance company can FOI. Simply put, the officer you dealt with didn't know the correct procedure to follow. Presumably they were a general duties officer, next time ask for a road policing officer to respond when you call 131444 to report it.

    Edit: you're in NSW, same should still apply as above, except highway patrol.

    • InLaymansTerms on 28/10/2023 - 08:03

      I looked into that. It’s referring to a crash.
      I don’t think this falls into that category

      • drewbytes on 28/10/2023 - 08:37

        It does… The definition of a crash in the road rules is:

        crash includes—
        (a) a collision between 2 or more vehicles; or
        (b) any other accident or incident involving a vehicle in which a person is killed or injured, property is damaged, or an animal in someone’s charge is killed or injured.

        • InLaymansTerms on 28/10/2023 - 09:37

          Curious. So what would you do in this scenario?

          http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/rr2014104…

          • drewbytes on 28/10/2023 - 10:05
            +3

            @InLaymansTerms: Yep. So the police facilitate the exchange of details if the required details weren't exchanged as required under 287(2)(c) for your scenario of property damage. Unfortunately you got a police officer who didn't understand their obligations. If it happens again, report it, and make sure you are provided the details of the other driver/vehicle as per 287.
            https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/crime_pr…

            • InLaymansTerms on 28/10/2023 - 10:12

              @drewbytes: As much as I’d like this to apply.
              I don’t think a door ding applies to these laws. It’s a very grey area.

              • drewbytes on 28/10/2023 - 10:13
                -1

                @InLaymansTerms: ACT police certainly do, I can't say re NSW but it should be similar.

                • ripesashimi on 28/10/2023 - 21:36
                  -2

                  @drewbytes: Thats crazy. There's easily thousands of door dings incidents a day. Thats thousands of people's identity being shared. Talk about a privacy breach disaster.

              • MeateaW on 05/11/2023 - 23:01

                @InLaymansTerms: You should go to the police station and request a review.

                Quote road rules and these laws and you may find you get off better than the first time.

            • Terra Australis on 29/10/2023 - 11:59
              +2

              @drewbytes: Are you a lawyer? Very impressive reasoning and knowledge mate

              • drewbytes on 01/11/2023 - 21:13

                @Terra Australis: Cheers. Not a lawyer but I know legislation pretty well and how to read/interpret it.

        • trapper on 30/10/2023 - 20:27
          +1

          If the car is not being driven then there is no 'driver'.

          • drewbytes on 02/11/2023 - 09:42

            @trapper: So, what's you point?

            crash includes—
            (a) a collision between 2 or more vehicles; or
            (b) any other accident or incident involving a vehicle in which a person is killed or injured, property is damaged, or an animal in someone’s charge is killed or injured.

            A "door ding" 100% meets the definition under (b) above "any other accident or incident" where "property is damaged".

            287 Duties of driver involved in crash
            (1) A driver involved in a crash must comply with this section.
            (2) The driver must stop at the scene of the crash and give the driver’s required particulars, within the required time and, if practicable, at the scene of the crash, to—
            (c) the owner of any property (including any vehicle) damaged in the crash…

            • trapper on 02/11/2023 - 11:42
              +1

              @drewbytes:

              287 Duties of driver involved in crash

              • drewbytes on 03/11/2023 - 06:11

                @trapper: Spirit of the law.

                Ok, let me ask you this. You park your car, get out and start walking away. You forget to put on the hand brake and your car rolls away down the hill, crashing into other parked cars and causing damage. Do you think you can just walk away, not providing your details to the owners of the other cars because you weren't driving? Do you think the police would provide your details to the other car owners?

                • trapper on 03/11/2023 - 11:29

                  @drewbytes: That's an interesting question.

                  If the car was parked in an unsafe way which resulted in it rolling into another vehicle, then that is clearly a case of the driver who parked it being 'involved in the crash'.

                  If the brakes failed some time later, then the person who parked the car may not even be liable at all - it's the responsibility of the owner to maintain the vehicle in a roadworthy state.

                  • MeateaW on 05/11/2023 - 23:04
                    +1

                    @trapper: So you stop and park your car

                    You are in the driver's seat, and turn off the car

                    You open your door and bash into another vehicle, that's not damage by the driver right?

                    Now, lets turn on the car, open your door and hit the other vehicle with your door, are you a driver yet?

                    Let's have the car running and the hand break released, hit the other car with your door - are you a driver yet?

                    When do you cease being a driver involved in an accident? Why does the state of the engine change anything?

                    • trapper on 06/11/2023 - 11:26

                      @MeateaW: I'll let you ponder those scenarios on your own.

  • OBEY YOUR MASTERS on 28/10/2023 - 08:00
    -1

    Park your car at the furthest end of the car park. No problems.

  • spydaboi on 28/10/2023 - 10:14
    +6

    If you WERE in Queensland you are able to obtain registered operator details including name and address by gollowing the below process.. a small fee is required but the process is simple. Also most insurance companies gave direct online access to a Qld Government entity called CITEC CONFIRM where they subscribe to an online service and can obtain registered operator details instantly. Of course most companies will insist on making you provide the details and if you cant then you have to pay the excess and it affects your nonclaim bonus. Cynical eh! Other states have similar process regarding Release of Registration Details as a result of accident or incident.
    Here is the Queensland process
    Vehicles involved in an accident or incident
    If you wish to apply for a written release of information about a vehicle when you have been involved in an accident or incident, you will need to:

    complete a Release of Information Request for Vehicle/Queensland Regulated Ship Registration Records (F3522)
    provide one of the following:
    an official request (on letterhead) from an insurance entity or solicitor/lawyer, detailing information about the incident—including incident date/time, location, registration number/s, make/description of the vehicle/ship and personal injury (if applicable)
    a statutory declaration witnessed by a JP or Commissioner of Declarations describing the accident or incident (must include vehicle details—registration number and make/description of vehicle/ship) and a Queensland Police traffic incident report (available through CITEC Confirm)
    a completed, signed and witnessed Notice of Accident Claim form (available through the Motor Accident Insurance Commission) and a Queensland Police traffic incident report (available through CITEC Confirm).
    You will then need to lodge these documents at a transport and motoring customer service centre or an authorised Queensland Government Agent Program office—a fee will apply.

    • Aust on 29/10/2023 - 13:30

      Futher to @spydaboi
      The not at fault excess clause normally wont come into effect unless your supply the name and address of the other party.

      How much to reduce your excess to $250 etc?

  • 82norm on 28/10/2023 - 10:32
    +1

    People are pricks and careless. Have you thought about PPF on the doors? It may help and limit the damage in future.

  • hdew47221 on 28/10/2023 - 11:57

    I had almost the exact same scenario and it is a largely frustrating process.

    • I’m in NSW

    So practically, the way it works is you need to get a police event number by reporting it. It’s essentially a hit and run and it’s at their discretion if they charge the person.

    You will provide the evidence to the police as part of the report. This is the last thing you do with the police. I made the mistake of spending 6 months chasing them up trying to get the third party details for my insurance claim and in the end they finally confirmed they had the details but refused to release them to me so don’t bother with them.

    Make an insurance claim through your insurer. Give them the police event and also all your evidence. They will then get you to get your car assessed.

    Once it’s assessed you then get it fixed and pay the excess (it’s annoying because you are out on the cash until the issue is finalised). You could wait to get it fixed if you want but you could have the damage for ages (not sure if that matters but mine was more than a dent).

    Once it’s fixed then you chase up the insurance company and they will do an FOI on the police to get the at fault party details. Once they have it they will refund your excess. You are then done.

    The insurance company will chase/sue the at fault party in the background.

    The police took over 6 months to ‘investigate’ the event and get the details - no idea why given I had their rego and everything on video.

    It’s frustrating slow process but that how you deal with it, good luck.

    • ripesashimi on 28/10/2023 - 21:41
      +1

      Charged for a door ding? Half of the people going to my local Aldi every day would flood the local court.

      Magistrate calls the 1st matter, door ding. 2nd matter, door ding,…. 250th matter, again door ding.

      • hdew47221 on 29/10/2023 - 08:33

        Yeah, mine was slightly different - someone rear-ended the back corner of my car then hooked a right turn and drove off. I was lucky I had a dashcam.

        So I think that was an offence not stopping.

        I think the process with the insurer/police where you can't identify the at-fault party is the same.

        • trapper on 06/11/2023 - 19:18
          +1

          I had almost the exact same scenario…

          then…

          Yeah, mine was slightly different - someone rear-ended the back corner of my car then hooked a right turn and drove off.

          This is completely different lol

    • trapper on 30/10/2023 - 20:29
      +1

      It’s essentially a hit and run and it’s at their discretion if they charge the person.

      It's not a hit and run. It is simple accidental damage, same as if someone accidently dinged your car with a shopping trolley.

      They are liable for the damage, but there is no crime here.

  • jrvb42 on 28/10/2023 - 18:43
    +1

    You need to write to your local member. This is the sort of thing they may be able to help with, and in any event, the law needs changing so the police can release the details to the insurance company. This situation is ridiculous.

  • ripesashimi on 28/10/2023 - 21:26
    +1

    Im not sure if I read the comments right. In my view, personal info >>>> door dings. If that person falls victim to a crime as a result of that info release, will the police share the responsibility?

    My car has so many paint scratches from interstate driving, most of the time its flying debris on dusty roads. Should I request for everyone else's identity? I got footage from that piece of debris from that wheel of that car.

  • Blargman2001 on 28/10/2023 - 21:36
    +1

    Your door is going to be made of body filler putty very soon rather than actual metal if you claim everytime someone dings your door. You will almost definitely get another ding within a month of getting it fixed. Wait for the dings to build up then claim it and get it fixed in one go.

  • mattie on 28/10/2023 - 22:35
    +2

    Give this a go , improved my dents
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/314909061053

  • p1 ama on 28/10/2023 - 23:11
    +5

    OP - keen to know if those who bumped your door were large SUVs / pickups?

    This is what happens when we continue to allow (and in some cases, even encourage) monstrous SUVs, pickup trucks, and other large vehicles to roam around. They are large, clumsy, have poor visibility and cause accidents because our roads and carparks were not designed for them.

    I owned a 1980s Camry back in the day, and its size was very similar to an average sedan in the 2000s. It's only within the last 10-ish years that we've started seeing sensibly sized cars (e.g. Corollas) being exchanged for these monstrous SUVs. I've lived next to a school for over 20 years and have seen this first hand. Just a decade ago, most of the parents dropping off their kids drove a Corolla, Mazda 3, i30…etc., now they're all in these oversized Euro SUVs, Land Rovers, guys in business suits driving a Hilux…etc.

    It's just continuous incidents now - people arguing over door dings (yes, I've witnessed this too), accidents are much more prevalent now, there's much more traffic because people can't park as quickly with these huge cars. The issues go on. It's just stupid and ridiculous to me that we're causing all of these issues just because some people want to feel superior and sit higher on the road in an SUV vs. a small hatchback.

    I'm almost avoiding buying a new car because every time I park sandwiched between two SUVs, I just find my car knocked up. Maybe that's just the solution, drive an old Camry and you almost don't care when you get dings here and there.

    • InLaymansTerms on 29/10/2023 - 18:09

      The worst one was a VW bug. The most recent was a huge SUV. Nissan Patrol.

  • jedimaster on 29/10/2023 - 06:18

    Get PPF on doors

  • Maxi Pad on 29/10/2023 - 08:26
    +2

    Back in the old days Falcadores used to have rubber strips down the doors for exactly this reason.

    Ultimately it sucks when you look after your car to have someone carelessly damage it, but practically speaking it's difficult to avoid.

    Little kids that are distracted, of big gusts of wind can easily dent doors.

    You say you have 8 dents…. Can you imagine how clogged the court system would be if we filled it up with dent claims?

    Dents in car doors are a fact of life.

    • MeateaW on 05/11/2023 - 23:09

      Not at all if the cops have the insurer the details.

  • TightAl on 29/10/2023 - 11:20
    -1

    Go to a different police station…easy

    • TightAl on 29/10/2023 - 22:55
      -1

      Not sure why i got a neg, if the officer you're speaking to isn't taking the appropriate service.
      There's plenty of police stations that might actually do their jobs (sounds crazy to expect cops to do that these days :))

      • trapper on 31/10/2023 - 12:25
        +1

        It's not a police job to investigate something that isn't a crime.

        • TightAl on 31/10/2023 - 13:11
          -1

          Property damage isn't a crime?
          Since when?

          • trapper on 31/10/2023 - 13:48
            +1

            @TightAl: Accidental property damage is not a crime. Since forever.

            • TightAl on 31/10/2023 - 13:49
              -2

              @trapper: So if i accidentally crash your car and drive off it's not a crime? Lol

              • trapper on 31/10/2023 - 14:05
                +1

                @TightAl: That's not the question you asked.

                Accidental property damage is not an offence.

                Driving off after a car crash is an offence.

                • TightAl on 31/10/2023 - 14:15
                  -2

                  @trapper: Accidentally car crash? Lol
                  Where do you draw the line?
                  Ridiculous.

  • ATTS on 29/10/2023 - 13:35

    Is it possible to put side cameras like the ones on the tesla onto a normal car? If so how much would it cost?

    I had one incident went to get some food

    Dad was in car and the person open the car door aggressively and left a dent and paint chip on my car

    The area didn't have a camera

    My dad saw it but couldn't speak english

    So couldn't do anything.

    I was so Pissed and wondering how people could be so inconsiderate

    Also if he just open his car door normally there wouldn't have been any damage

    • InLaymansTerms on 29/10/2023 - 14:03

      Wouldn’t waste the money. I had everything on video, didn’t help me.

      • ATTS on 30/10/2023 - 16:12

        I c thanks

        Just curious did your alarm go off when they hit your car with the door

    • Naigrabzo on 30/10/2023 - 15:01

      You can put the cameras at great cost (and cosmetics) but it's the software that will be tricky. The Teslas have good software although I am not convinced they have a good 360 degree camera. Their sentry is very good.

      • ATTS on 30/10/2023 - 16:13

        I see thanks

  • summerz on 29/10/2023 - 14:07
    +6

    These incidents convince me to keep owning cars worth less than 10K (once 5K but inflation) and just have third party insurance. Sure I can afford the latest bog standard SUV, but comes the stress of having devaluing with dent, couple of K to fix it. etc. I have an old reliable hatchback battler that refuses to die, probably sell for 3-4K if I put it on market. Earlier this year someone backed into its rear bumper bar with a tow ball and made a sizeable dent and the guy went out of his way to find me. I told him not to worry about it. Hopefully a car says a lot about its owner….I really….don’t….care.

    • nosey on 29/10/2023 - 15:35
      +5

      Yup feel for OP, people are such aholes. Really thought this would be a simple matter between police and insurance with video evidence. I also havent bought a nice new car for same reason. To the losers above that say 'its just a ding', youre part of the problem.

      Property damage in all its forms is unfuriating. I lived in NT for 15 years, and no desire to return with all the break ins and dmg to businesses, homes, cars and assaults, just because parts of the population have nothing better to do or dont value the effort it takes to buy stuff. Sure its fine most of the time, but had car stolen once, windows broken 3 times, tyres slashed twice…and im the one who pays. I lived on a safe military base too so these things happened when at shopping centres.

      When you let small things slide, it leads to letting bigger issues slide.

    • movieman on 31/10/2023 - 20:48

      What car do you have?

      Looking for a reliable cheap car …

  • ass3ts on 29/10/2023 - 14:18

    Would it be possible to report it again to another police officer at a different station? I had a friend who got the other driver's details from the police just by showing him the registration number (dashcam footage while parked) and the scratches on the bumper bar in person at the station.

    Maybe time to at least get the Performance model? Self-proclaimed car enthusiasts shouldn't go for base models :)

    • InLaymansTerms on 31/10/2023 - 12:17

      Being a car enthusiast doesn’t require one to have the most expensive car. It just means you enjoy and appreciate automobiles.
      I actually called another police station and explained the situation, they said they would provide the info on the report however, when I informed them where I lived, they said I must go to my local station…… so I will try going back to get a different officer.

  • spaceflight on 29/10/2023 - 15:51
    +2

    they informed me because it was an “accident”, they would not disclose any information to my insurer.

    So when someone accidentally mistakes the accelerator for the break pedal and smashes into your car / house the police will say the same thing? Because it was still an accident.

  • mrhugo on 29/10/2023 - 17:10
    +2

    It's really annoying, and happens to me all the time. I don't own a Tesla but have a very large SUV. It's even happened when we were in the car and the person just shrugs their shoulders and says sorry. If we can get out of the car with big doors without hitting their car how come they can't do the same thing. Because they just throw the door open and don't give a F.

    Yeah it sucks, but its a car, as much as I tried to keep it mint, it's just impossible. These days I just live with it.

    Interesting that the police officer said it was an accident, but below the threshold of property damage. Does that mean a ding is acceptable, like a stone chip from driving.

    Interesting that the op has had five additional sentry events that caused damage. Does one fight every single one of these throughout ownership?

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