Damaged Hood And Insurance Response

[Peter Mills]

Hi

Yesterday someone tried to get into my Z3. They slashed the rear window and there is a slit on the hood on the passenger side near the front so I'm guessing they were trying to get to the hood release catch. They slit is not very big so I'm guessing they were disturbed (in more ways than one) and gave up. I contacted my insurance company who say that because of it's age, R reg 1989, it is not "economically viable" to repair and they want me to agree to it being written off.

I don't want this, I love my car and have had it for years so I've no intention of writing it off. My alternative is to try to fix it myself or fund a replacement. However I find this unnaceptable since what is the point of being insured?

Does anyone have experience of this or any suggestions?

Thanks in advance of your help

Peter Mills

[btmaldon]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-BLACK-MOHAIR-Soft-Top-Convertible-Hood-Window-/161477488942?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2598cef12e

Insurance companies will use the original equipment price plus ridiculous hourly rates. If you can do it yourself you can get one from here for about the cost of your excess.

Copy the address into your address bar. For some reason the site wont just let me copy the link in.

[Loachr]

Same happened to me, I had accident damage, they quoted price for new parts on a thirty yr oLd car, I let them wright it off, then bought it back at 30 percent, in the end I sourced all second hand part, got the labour done and resprayed all for half the price they quoted. I broke even tho on value. Def worth taking money for wright off, buy it back and get a second hand hood.

Good luck

[Guest jeffthro]

That response does't surprise me. Try to do as Richard did, it will be your best option if they will play ball.

[btmaldon]

I would weigh up the cost of your excess and loss of no claims first. It may be worth just buying the new roof with window for £333 and fitting it yourself. The car wont be registered as having been written off then either maintaining its full value and not requiring a VOSA test.