Garage has had an accident with my A6 quattro today

[shelby75]

Hi,

Looking for some advice please from those more knowledgeable than I am. I took my A6 3.0 TDI Tiptronic Quattro to a local garage today (was stalling when stationary). They hit a steel girder in the workshop. The off-side front wing is really bashed in and down to the metal (indicator bulb housing gone, bulb gone and part of the indicator housing), bottom of the wing has ripped away from the sill, the front of the drivers side door, where it meets with the wing the same. Plastic housing underneath the wing mirror - half now missing. They were really apologetic and advised me to drop it back off with them on Monday and that they would take it to another garage, a workshop in a neighbouring town and that they had ordered a new wing. When I took a closer when home, I can see that the sill is also damaged - looks like where the wing was torn away from.

I don't think a 'new wing' will do the job. They didn't mention a new door, so presumably they think that this can be bashed out. But the sill is not a piece on it's own, it extends to the back wing where the diesel flap is and continuous over the roof line to the front wing.

What should I be asking for? Should I take it to an Audi garage for an independent inspection of the damage? I'm also thinking that I should be asking for a new front wing, new door, new sill/back wing/roof piece, new plastic housing for the wing mirror. And the paint job is metallic, not sure how good a match it would be.

What would you do? Thanks.

[dan2485]

Inform your insurance company and claim off the garage's liabilty insurance.

Only let them fix your car if they are an audi dealer or if the insurance company want to write off the car.

Its their fault so your car should be repaired at their cost via your insurance claim.

Remember if you have a hire car whilst the car is being repaired this will increase the chance of the car being written off as they charge insurance companies through the nose for these cars.

[shelby75]

Thanks Dan. Much appreciated.

[niall campbell]

with that much damage, sounds as if they took it for a spin

I would be claiming on my insurance

[shelby75]

Thanks Niall! They said that they took it out on the car park (they are based on a business partk) to see if they could replicate problem, as nothing related flagged on 'puter. The girder is painted blue and there are streaks of blue paint mixed in with all of the damage! Though, yes, there is a lot of damage, must have hit the girder at some speed that's for sure! I think it might be a right off. I love that car. It's a guzzler, but I love driving it. I think I better start looking for a 'new' car as I don't think it is worth what I think it may cost to repair. *off to google estimated repair costs*

[Twoflags]

Hi,


What should I be asking for?


Blood, the mechanics address and the right to name his (or rename) his firstborn

[Crasher]

Blood, the mechanics address and the right to name his (or rename) his firstborn

DEEPLY WRONG! Accidents happen, that is why companies have insurance, you not should even say that in jest! Have you ever made a mistake at work? "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone"

I have had things like this happen and never claimed on my insurance as that would screw my annual cost for years, you have to pay out of your own pocket. 30 years ago I was driving a newish Audi Coupe and was hit by someone on the other side of the road who rammed me into a parked car and legged it, I still had to pay for it all so have a little feeling for the garage and let them get on with it.

Don’t claim on your insurance or even tell them as it will ruin it for you come renewal. Just be patient and let them get on with it, I am sure they feel awful about it and haranguing them is not going to help.

Of course if the repair is unsatisfactory then things change, but until then…

Demand too much and put it through their or your insurance and you could find yourself with a CAT C write off.

[lynalldiscovery]

Blood, the mechanics address and the right to name his (or rename) his firstborn


Legal right as in fathers rights, could end up dear if the CSA ever find out:biglaugh:

Personally I would thank the garage and let your ins company sort it out as it will end up going sour because you wont be happy with the repair especially as youve already reckon they may be onto some shortcut ie the cill/wing then the fun starts, if its gets written off who cares, it wont crucify you on your future premiums, yes Im sure they may be slightly higher but not enough to cry about, then after 5 yrs its all forgotten about.

[mike ryan]

Ask which garage are doing the repairs and go and chat through what they intend to do. Tell them what you want doing not let them dictate to you. A friendly approach always helps.

I concur about the insurance don't tell them unless you really have to. Someone rear ended me and I informed them even when I didn't make a claim as it was paid for. It still goes against me now. ☹️


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[swalker]

I would always tell the insurance all. Wouldn't give them a chance to turn down s claim on something stupid. I got hit when parked up . Had to use insurance as the other person was playing silly. But once they heard I was not in the car and did not benefit it was dismissed when getting new quotes when the time came.

[lynalldiscovery]

Any news?

[Twoflags]

DEEPLY WRONG! Accidents happen, that is why companies have insurance, you not should even say that in jest! Have you ever made a mistake at work? "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone"

I have had things like this happen and never claimed on my insurance as that would screw my annual cost for years, you have to pay out of your own pocket. 30 years ago I was driving a newish Audi Coupe and was hit by someone on the other side of the road who rammed me into a parked car and legged it, I still had to pay for it all so have a little feeling for the garage and let them get on with it.

Don’t claim on your insurance or even tell them as it will ruin it for you come renewal. Just be patient and let them get on with it, I am sure they feel awful about it and haranguing them is not going to help.

Of course if the repair is unsatisfactory then things change, but until then…

Demand too much and put it through their or your insurance and you could find yourself with a CAT C write off.

Geez, it was a joke buddy, intended to lighten the mood a little

[Crasher]

many a true word is spoken in jest

[JMR1]

Hi Shelby,
without pics, very hard to advise you on what is the best course of action to take regarding repairs....allowing for a new wing, lamp, plastic under shield etc to be fitted, which would be standard in a case like this, replacing a complete sill panel would be a "SILLY" ( excuse the pun :) ) thing to do....normally, in a case like this, the damaged section only is cut out and repaired / replaced ( assuming that it cannot be repaired in situ. ) Bolt on parts are not generally a problem, but cut with care when it comes to welded panels, and to the minimum only.
Good Luck with it in any case,
Jim :beerchug: