Absolutely Devastated

**Flaps** · 19-05-2008, 10:36 AM

Damn straight!!

I'd be asking for a new car personally.

Got any pics of the damage Koz?

**gareth_oau** · 19-05-2008, 11:18 AM

be very careful how you proceed here.

if you lodge a claim with the service department, you are acknowldeging that the fire wasnt an accident, and therefore wouldnt be covered under the insurance policy. Your insurance company will see to this.

If you then fail to prove that the fire was a DIRECT result of the service (which i'm sure you will not be able to prove) you will be left with nowhere to turn.

My suggestion is that you pursue the insurance direction. Ive read the PDS you posted for your insurance, and it seems to me that the insurance company would not be able to prove that the fire was a result of poor mechanical maintenance.

In fact, youve just had the car serviced which is evidence of good maintenance. Leave it up to the insurance company to prove neglect on the service company's side.

IMO Following the insurance route is your best chance of a successful outcome.

suggest you log a claim with the insurance company and see what happens - if they reject it, pass it on to the insurance ombudsman for independent opinion

**Cygnus** · 19-05-2008, 11:38 AM

Hey Koz,

That's terrible new! I hope things work out for you! Keep us posted!

**DaveMack** · 19-05-2008, 12:58 PM

One thing I would suggest ... is getting a solicitor involved. That generally gets the attention of both the insurance company and VWA because they will know where their areas of liability occur and if they think they can pull the wool over your eyes (when you are not represented by a lawyer) ... they will try to do that.

If however they are aware that you are getting a lawyer to look at both your insurance policy and/or the dealer's responsibilities regarding damage resulting from work performed in their workshop ... you might find that they are suddenly more cooperative. I've tried this ... it works.

Dave

**Koz** · 19-05-2008, 01:12 PM

Here is an Update -

I decided not to wait for a return call & went down there in person. I explained it all to the service manager and he was obviously gob smacked.

He was actually great about it and gave me a Jetta as a courtesy car. He will be organising for the car to be dropped off there today so he can assess the situation and go from there.

I have no photos as of yet but I will get some when the car is dropped off - for my records.

I know a solicitor from my real estate contacts so I may give him a call but Im unsure what to say/ask him.

Also I sooo wanna demand a r32 for my new car due to the inconvenience.

**GT3** · 19-05-2008, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by DaveMack

.. insurance company and VWA because they will know where their areas of liability occur

Dave's right, mention that you're seeking legal advice on the above. What you need to work out for now is 'what is a satisfactory outcome'?? The car's over a year old so expecting a new replacement may be pushing it. Would a courtesy car, plus a quick turn-around time in repairs do it? You need to consider this prior to the service manager giving you his 'assessment'.

**Koz** · 19-05-2008, 01:36 PM

Hmmm GT3, I know where your coming from. I really skeptical about having in repaired - I just dont trust them doing a proper job after this episode.

Im traumatized and mentally scarred and too scared to drive the car again out of fear it will go up in flames!

**Mischa** · 19-05-2008, 01:39 PM

if it costs them more to repair than give you a new one, you'll get a new one.

if it costs them less to repair than give you a new one, you'll get yours repaired.

simple as that.

**Koz** · 19-05-2008, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by Mischa

if it costs them more to repair than give you a new one, you'll get a new one.

if it costs them less to repair than give you a new one, you'll get yours repaired.

simple as that.

Exactly right. My opinion is it wont be worth while for them to repair it.