My Golf GT got side swipped - battle of insurers for repairs (AAMI vs RACV)

**warhead** · 11-12-2008, 12:55 PM

Got side swipped by a car failing to give way when turning right at the traffic light ( I was turning left from the opposite side ) and got a fair bit of damage on the front and sides (2 rims, rh mirror, rh guard, rh door, possibly head light)

Will post pics later if anyone's interested in seeing it.

Long story short, got the car taken to a nearby repairer (Carpenter **** Works ) and they said I now have the option of going through RACV (my insurance company) or AAMI (other car's).

If I go with RACV they can replace all the damaged panels and parts, but they can only respray the new panels and not the adjacent ones to ensure a colour match ( reflex silver ).

They said AAMI won't be asking questions and they'd have the freedom to do whatever they want including respraying all the adjacent panels.

My concern is that AAMI permits its repairers to use 2nd hand parts for repairs instead of genuine VW ones. Does this only apply to the cars covered under the AAMI policy (ie. the car that hit me) or would that also apply to all cars involved in the accident?

These Carpenter guys are being extremely nice to me, drove me to work afterwards and is offering me a loan car for the next week before the xmas holidays, but in the back of my mind I'm just being cautious that I could be getting jerked around and in the end not end up with a proper repair job.

**STV4SYT** · 11-12-2008, 01:07 PM

Nasty. i just had to get my car repaired thru AAMI, and much as i have heard bad things, they were very easy to deal with, once i got to the bottom of how they operate. They like to have the car dropped off to their centre where the work is farmed out to the cheapest bidder. I chose option B. to get 2 quotes, one from my preferred repairer and 1 other, the car was then assessed, i was asked who i would prefer to do the work, i told them who (not AAMI approved repairer) and funnily enough their quote was marginally cheaper than the AAMI repairer.

Needless to say, my guy repaired the car, sprayed the adjacent panels and did a very good job i have to say.

There may be a bit more running around, but id be going thru their insurance, AAMI arent all bad.

**livingthedream** · 11-12-2008, 07:06 PM

Not true...I recently hit a dog and am insured with AAMI. have been talking to my assessor (good bloke) as i too was worried about repair quality.

If its a new car they will use genuine parts otherwise they void your manufacturers warranty. Thats straight out of his mouth,. He said mate if your not happy just ring me back but we will replace and not repair due to the above

As much as everyone bags AAMI as an insurerer there customer service if you do have a bingle is second to none. repair quality you have to be mindful of and make sure they do what you want

**Maverick** · 11-12-2008, 09:07 PM

Originally Posted by warhead

Long story short, got the car taken to a nearby repairer (Carpenter **** Works ) and they said I now have the option of going through RACV (my insurance company) or AAMI (other car's).

Use YOUR insurer, don't try and deal with the other insurance company.

As for RACV not paying to blend other panels if required, force them to keep respraying the offending panel until it matches, you pay insurance to repair your car as it was before an accident so they should do that. If they have a problem with some paint colours or types then charge an additional premium.

**Guest212** · 11-12-2008, 09:17 PM

This STINKS of dodgey.

You should be calling your insurance company and letting them do all the running around for you.

IF its not repaired properly give the panel beater a few chances to sort it out. If it seems like they aren't perhaps suggest you call your insurance company and see what they'd do. This usually scares the panel beater into pleasing you. If it doesn't, feel free to call your insurer and suggest they sort out your issues (this usually results in an investigation...well it does with AAMI). If you don't get anywhere after this you suggest you need to contact the insurance ombudsman as the insurance company has not lived up to their quality assurance guarantees.

I'm at the final stage with my insurance repair from a few months ago. Would prefer to not have to take it all the way but I will if required.

**Mr Messy** · 12-12-2008, 10:44 AM

Dude I had the same smash on Sunday in my Mk4 GTI - someone turning right judged their timing poorly and now I've got damaged side panels. I hope it all wokrs out for you.

**warhead** · 12-12-2008, 10:55 AM

I think I'll stick with RACV handling my repairs, I don't want the burden of dealing with AAMI to make sure they do things right.

Also RACV told me that AAMI won't authorise repairs until the excess is paid (other driver was under 25) so the other person needs to pay quite a bit of money before I can get my car fixed.

Given the state of the economy, their car being drivable, I won't take the risk with them not paying the bills for a while.

Thanks for the comments