Well... I crashed! Advice please :-(

looks repairable to me

 

Well, you probably don't know if they are "Cowboys" or not.

Unfortunately just not familiar enough with UK insurance laws. But in the US the insurance companies cannot force you to go to any specific provider for services. You can pick your own body shop. They (The Insurance Companies) can recommend, or have recommended providers, and sometimes they entice you to use them by promising "Life Time" guarantees on the work IF you choose them but basically you have the freedom to pick whichever shop you want.

Don't know how it works in the UK.

On the positive side, I'd say that looks very, very restorable.

I suppose you could just do your own internet search and try to find reviews in regards to the place you are being recommended to...or just ask your insurer what your options are...

It may all be okay, and turn out okay...even if the whole process becomes a PIA.

 

i'm concerned that a bump on the front left has worked all the way through to the passenger door.

 

That sucks for sure. Looks like the left fender is pushed back against the door. I hope there is no frame damage, but the fender is definitely shifted.

Sorry to hear it happened, but you know what they say. S**t happens.

Don't worry about it. That is what insurance is for. Next time leave a little more room in front of you. You never know when the guy in front is going to stop quickly.

Ron

 

or, BACK UP! I've now had this happen twice. Neither time did the culprit try to weasel out of admitting that he (both were he's) had been at fault. I let one guy go and the other one nobly admitted it was his fault and then jumped in the car and took off. It was my other car, however, so it was hard to be that upset about a Corolla. Had it been the Prius, that would have been an entirely different matter.

 

Aren't passengers on the left side over there?

 

I was trying to figure this out myself!

 

IIRC, the UK cars are driven from the right hand side of the car, and the passengers sit on the left. They also drive on the left hand side of the road. Basically it is opposite of what goes on in the USA.

Why do some countries drive on the right and others on the left ?

Ron

 

Things like this happen all of the time. It is probably because we are used to a fast paced life. I have been rear ended twice. Once at a stop sign, and once at a red light. Both times it was because I had to stop quickly after traffic started up and then stopped. After that, I decided to leave more room and let other's get out in front of me a way before I go. I found it makes it a lot easier to read the traffic, and I really don't seem to lose any time plus I am not as stressed out once I arrive at the final destination.

Like I said earlier, S**t happens, and it happens a lot. It is part of life. At least only your Prius was hurt. Better it than you!

Cheers mate,
Ron

 

duh.

 

Be glad you don't have a thermos behind that fender.

 

Wow, that is unfortunate. Lol, never heard the term "cowboys" before in that context. I guess I don't watch enough BBC programming.

SCH-I535

 

Nice wheels and love the color though.

 

Martin, sorry to read of your accident, "been there myself" but you have the right in UK law to take the car anywhere you wish for repairs "the dealers if you prefer" and they will use all genuine Toyota parts. You do not have to go with your insurers preferred repairers.

This is the route I would take as the dealer will know how to keep both batteries and the hybrid system safe.

John (Britprius)

 

Ask your insurers point blank "can I take the car elsewhere".
You can check but I am sure under UK law you have the right to take it to the dealer. The insurers will then visit the dealer and negotiate an agreed price and pay them direct.
I'm afraid there is a downside in that the work will take longer but if you get a loan car does that matter.

John (Britprius)

 

Is the insurance industry as vile and avaricious in the UK as it is in the US?

 

Car insurance in the UK is generally good and competitive, possibly due to EU regulations and consumer laws. It is the young that have very high premiums due to the higher risks they statistically show to be prone to accidents.

John (Britprius)