Sad Hail Damaged Polo 6R GTi

[Declanny]

I was driving on the Western Ring Rd to Sunshine when I got caught in a mini hail storm. Hailstones were only around 1 cm wide. Couldn't see any damage when I got to my destination. But then 15 minutes later, hailstones the size of golfballs started pelting my 2010 Jetta, and the result was similar to Gambit's Polo. I couldn't get hold of the insurance company (RACV), I was on hold for 2 hours until their system just gave up on me. I hope I get a write off though.

[anthony]

Thats a write off,it will be resold as a repairable wrote off.

My Jetta was not as badly damaged last year,and Allianz wrote it off...

[Gambit]

Declanny good luck with your insurance mate.

Thanks guys I hope it get sorted quickly, quite devastated about it all. Our family is quite attached to the GTI.

[entice]

The insurance companies make those kind of decisions unfortunately.

There is a Golf R owner on another forum who had his 3 door stolen. He had new for old in his policy. Insurance company told him that because no 3 doors were imported he didn't get new for old so they are only going to pay market value!

If Gambit's car is written off and they can't get an exact replacement in a reasonable timeframe what will happen?

Yes and no.
In my case we had a vehicle that was damaged a good 14 months prior in a hail storm. teh car never got washed, and we could only see damage on the bonnet. My fathers car, and he loved it, and didnt want the hassle of being without and paying excess etc etc. Fast forward to when he wanted to purchase a new car. trade in valuation not good. Panel damage greater extent than originally thought. after a thorough wash, almost all panels had at least one dent. even belt moulds had damage.
booked in for an assessment (after attaining quotes whereby the shops would only quote as a write off as teh time involved in detailing the description was not worth it). assessor and I got chatting... he then asked what I'd like to do as it could be repaired...
Nope, write it off please.
AAMI.
BUT, that's it. make sure you've cleaned out the car from all your personal belongings as you wont get it back....

In my experience, as previously stated:
damage to corners or upper areas of panels will need paint and repair, as the paintless dent repair guys cannot ge tin there, and cannot reform the creases in the waistlines etc etc.
damage to sealed sections, or above bracings on bonnets/boots cannot be accessed, so paint and panel.

In the case of the OP:
There is damage to the front LHS guard that will be replaced or repaired.
Damage to the tailgate that will require removal of rear screen, repair, and re fit.
and, most likely there is damage to the sides above the waistline/crease on the door (difficult to access) and on the upper scuttle panel/pillar.

I hope the outcome is what you would like, but be careful what you wish for.. I'd see what can be accessed soon from a local dealer in terms of replacement before I'd be booking in for assessments...

---------- Post added at 08:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 AM ----------

You will find that most insurers will be sympathetic this time of year.
Back in 2007 during a big storm in december (21st actually) my 3 month old car was parked in a service lane. well water got in.
Took my shoes off and walked to the car, waterline was now below the door.






you can see where the water level was by the debris on the car.. actually wasnt that high!
drove her home, sounded like a boat as you could hear water rushing around the sills under the car!. Called insurance once home. Told them to come and pick up their car as I wouldnt be having it back. Assessed that day, deemed a write off, funds were in my account prior to Christmas.
Gambit, you're not the only one, not an isolated incident, the wheels on this machine will be well in motion, and they'll expedite your claim.
And that's what we have insurance for...

All the best.
Tow truck picked it up following day (interestingly, water had by then ingressed into the cabin! and carpet was damper than before)

[Gambit]

Man what a story good to hear your positive outcome.
Got through to the insurance company, there will be a mass assessment held at the show grounds in the new year, they are expecting hundreds of cars and they are getting every assessor they have back from and after holidays to do it.

[Hail22]

Man what a story good to hear your positive outcome.
Got through to the insurance company, there will be a mass assessment held at the show grounds in the new year, they are expecting hundreds of cars and they are getting every assessor they have back from and after holidays to do it.

Start enquiring with your local VW about up and coming stock, prices and time of arrival hopefully when that mass assessment occurs the new stock of Feb Vehicles will possibly arrive.

[frozze]

Man what a story good to hear your positive outcome.
Got through to the insurance company, there will be a mass assessment held at the show grounds in the new year, they are expecting hundreds of cars and they are getting every assessor they have back from and after holidays to do it.

Keep us posted with your outcome and good luck!

[prcurrie]

Wow - sad to hear mate. One of my biggest fears is hail damage!

Mine is still at the dealership (it's been fixed) so I HOPE that it was inside and not in an outside holding area. I will be going over it with a fine tooth comb when I pick it up next weekend......

[Karly101]

What a bummer, I hope your insurance company comes to the party.

Was lucky to avoid the hail myself but nearly got trapped in some flash flooding... times when a low car is not too good!

[theburningone]

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