Brand new GTI - Rear ended today

[Cossor]

I'm with AAMI. No prefered repair shop in my area, just two quotes, plus request to favour second quote, as not happy with
attitude of first quote. This ok with AAMI who did "desk top" audit. (Wombat damage)
Second item more recent, got rearended by TPI driver in 50k zone. In this case, only required to get one quote from repairer of my choice.
(TPI driver had third part property ins)
So I guess a lot depends on who you make contact with.

[ConR]

I'm with AAMI. No prefered repair shop in my area, just two quotes, plus request to favour second quote, as not happy with
attitude of first quote. This ok with AAMI who did "desk top" audit. (Wombat damage)
Second item more recent, got rearended by TPI driver in 50k zone. In this case, only required to get one quote from repairer of my choice.
(TPI driver had third part property ins)
So I guess a lot depends on who you make contact with.

ya I guess it depends on alot of factors. they did a desktop assessment on my car as well.

[ConR]

It still doesn't change my comment though. Surely there is a repairer that your insurance company uses which is reputable enough and does have VW experience? You just needed to do more research on the repairers to find one you'd be happy with. Otherwise, as you've stated, the insurance company is just going to use the one they know will be cheapest

Understood completely. I probably could have shopped around, but I just wanted to get fixed. I don't know much about repairers in Sydney, and who's really reputable, and who isn't. I chose the one the dealer uses, and one that is down the road from my work.

On that note, has anyone ever used or know anything about Homebush Panel Beaters? That's where it's going...

[Corey_R]

I'm with AAMI. No prefered repair shop in my area, just two quotes, plus request to favour second quote, as not happy with attitude of first quote.

That's because all reputatable repairers hate AAMI and their insurance practises. Several of the well known reputatable repairers in my area even CHARGE for quotes if you're insurer is AAMI, to discourage AAMI customers from wasting their time

[Troy Boy]

Depends on the relationship your "preferred" repairer has with your insurance company.

A tip I learnt a long time ago, is to speak to your preferred repairer and ask which insurance company is easiest for him to deal with...I then go with that insurance company. That way I am guaranteed to get the repairer I want...and no need for two quotes as my preferred repairer has that "relationship" with the insurance company.

[elephino]

Depends on the relationship your "preferred" repairer has with your insurance company.

A tip I learnt a long time ago, is to speak to your preferred repairer and ask which insurance company is easiest for him to deal with...I then go with that insurance company. That way I am guaranteed to get the repairer I want...and no need for two quotes as my preferred repairer has that "relationship" with the insurance company.

A trick I learnt was go to your preferred repairer last and get them to undercut the lowest quote. They'll then get the job and up the price with the insurer. My preferred repairer described the system goes to quote low to get the job then say to insurer later 'oh, we have to do X as well'.

[Karlosovic]

No - you definitely do not go through AAMI... ...otherwise, EVERYONE would just go with the crappiest insurer.

Is this implying that AAMI is no good? or just meaning you dont go through the other guy's insurer (no matter who it is) because then it makes no difference who you're with?

I'm just wondering because I've always found AAMI good to deal with, particularly since you always get to talk to a real person, in Australia no less (instead of Indians trying to pretend to be Americans) - but I've never had to actually claim anything from them.

On the other hand I dont want to save $50 p.a. only to get screwed if someting happens to my $50k car

[Corey_R]

Oh, in that particular case I meant you don't go through the other person's insurer.

But I also mean you don't go with AAMI either for your own insurance on a car like a Golf, for the numerous reasons and examples around these forums.

[flappa]

In my experience I wouldn't say . . . dont go with AAMI . . . as I have had a good run with them , but I think, and a number of insurances companies are the same , it largely depends on the individual Panel beater.

[ConR]

A trick I learnt was go to your preferred repairer last and get them to undercut the lowest quote. They'll then get the job and up the price with the insurer. My preferred repairer described the system goes to quote low to get the job then say to insurer later 'oh, we have to do X as well'.

damn..wish I had thought of that!! where were you last week!!! haha..kidding