APB Posted March 8, 2015 Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 I was hoping to make a post in running reports, detailing my first year of Boxster ownership, which was going so well, but I will do that later.I have been thoroughly enjoying the car and decided to take her up to Revolution for a major service. Some 220 miles as I live in Kent, but I have been so impressed with the comments on this forum I thought I decided it was worth the trip. Persuaded the wife to come as well and booked a night at the Waterfront hotel thanks to Russ.Anyway left at 6.15 last Thursday and went via the Dartford tunnel. Got through the barrier and settled into the outside lane of the left hand bore following a line of cars in front. Just approaching the tunnel itself and felt a heavy thump at the back. A Polish lorry then passed on the inside of me. I followed the lorry through the tunnel and got my wife to take the reg number. Expecting the lorry to stop I was surprised to see the driver indicating right to carry on to the M25! I flashed and sounded my horn and he finally pulled over at the next junction. Got out the car with some trepidation to look at the damage. The nearside light cluster was smashed and bumper split on the corner. On approaching the lorry driver, who initially did not want to get out of his cab it was clear he could not speak any English but was shouting at me as it was my fault. I made him look at the damage and suggested we exchange details which he refused. I told him I would call the Police which my wife did. After which she managed to drop her new phone which promptly smashed. Police arrived and details were finally exchanged. Anyway phoned my insurance company later in the day and despite telling explaining to them that I was not manoeuvring or changing lane then the accident happened, they are telling me that because there were no third party witness unless the driver acknowledges he was at fault the accident will be put down to shared liability. So looks like I will have to pay the £500 excess and additional insurance costs on the Boxster and my other two cars for the next 5 years. At this pointing would just like to say a big thank you to Russ and the guys at Revolution who managed to source me used rear light cluster overnight and get me sorted for the trip home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John T Posted March 8, 2015 Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 Bloody hell APB, what a nightmare Mate, sorry to hear about that. Hope you get sorted soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike597 Posted March 8, 2015 Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 I was hoping to make a post in running reports, detailing my first year of Boxster ownership, which was going so well, but I will do that later.I have been thoroughly enjoying the car and decided to take her up to Revolution for a major service. Some 220 miles as I live in Kent, but I have been so impressed with the comments on this forum I thought I decided it was worth the trip. Persuaded the wife to come as well and booked a night at the Waterfront hotel thanks to Russ.Anyway left at 6.15 last Thursday and went via the Dartford tunnel. Got through the barrier and settled into the outside lane of the left hand bore following a line of cars in front. Just approaching the tunnel itself and felt a heavy thump at the back. A Polish lorry then passed on the inside of me. I followed the lorry through the tunnel and got my wife to take the reg number. Expecting the lorry to stop I was surprised to see the driver indicating right to carry on to the M25! I flashed and sounded my horn and he finally pulled over at the next junction. Got out the car with some trepidation to look at the damage. The nearside light cluster was smashed and bumper split on the corner. On approaching the lorry driver, who initially did not want to get out of his cab it was clear he could not speak any English but was shouting at me as it was my fault. I made him look at the damage and suggested we exchange details which he refused. I told him I would call the Police which my wife did. After which she managed to drop her new phone which promptly smashed. Police arrived and details were finally exchanged. Anyway phoned my insurance company later in the day and despite telling explaining to them that I was not manoeuvring or changing lane then the accident happened, they are telling me that because there were no third party witness unless the driver acknowledges he was at fault the accident will be put down to shared liability. So looks like I will have to pay the £500 excess and additional insurance costs on the Boxster and my other two cars for the next 5 years.At this pointing would just like to say a big thank you to Russ and the guys at Revolution who managed to source me used rear light cluster overnight and get me sorted for the trip home.Sorry to hear this...the part about insisting on shared liability due to lack of witness is bullshyate frankly, a cop out by the insurance company. You can (and should) argue the case hard with them. I would push the point about the driver refusing to give details and having to call the police to get them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gutley Posted March 8, 2015 Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 Don't know if you'd get any joy from CCTV at tunnel. Its pretty well covered, but don't know how you'd go about getting the relevant recording Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John T Posted March 8, 2015 Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 Don't know if you'd get any joy from CCTV at tunnel. Its pretty well covered, but don't know how you'd go about getting the relevant recordingGood shout that man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menoporsche Posted March 8, 2015 Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 I would love to know if anyone has ever got a recording from a 'bystander' CCTV for anything less than an attempted murder. I thought it was standard policy for such owners to say 'I'm sorry, it wasn't recording at the time' or 'the camera was facing the other way' or similar fob-offs.APB - good luck, hope your week gets better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike597 Posted March 8, 2015 Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 I would love to know if anyone has ever got a recording from a 'bystander' CCTV for anything less than an attempted murder. I thought it was standard policy for such owners to say 'I'm sorry, it wasn't recording at the time' or 'the camera was facing the other way' or similar fob-offs.APB - good luck, hope your week gets better!In Russia the cameras are turned off specifically so murders can take place... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxatricks Posted March 8, 2015 Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 Sorry to hear about this. Glad you and your wife are ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev Ken Posted March 8, 2015 Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 On my recent bike tour of Europe and Balkans, while overtaking two cars on an Italian mountain pass, the gap between them closed up (I think the first car I was overtaking was fed up with bikes overtaking him and decided to make things awkward) and a maniac car coming the other way came round the bend at a warp speed forced me to cut in front of the leading car - I clipped his wing with my pannier, but managed to stay rubber side up. While I had the car driver as a witness to the dangerous driving of the approaching car, my insurers said that as I couldn't identify the vehicle coming the other way, I must accept responsibility for the damage to the leading car.Glad you are not hurt but it sounds as if there will be a considerable financial penalty for a few years - I just hope my protected NCB helps me when I renew my insurance on the bike! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
APB Posted March 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 Many thanks for your support guys. The idea of obtaining CCTV footage did occur to me but I doubt if this would be possible . I did argue at some length with my insurers about the issue of liability and was disappointed that they did not seem to take any notice of the conduct of the lorry driver after the accident. I have protected no claims on the Boxster and been told that the no claims bonus on my other two vehicles will not be affected should I have to claim. However they did admit that the initial premiums for these policies would be re assessed in the light of any claim so my future insurance cost is bound to increase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rodge Posted March 8, 2015 Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 Hi buddy,At the risk of sounding like a leach, I work in law and can deal with a claim against the foreign driver if you need me to help you get your excess fee back. Or i can help you do it yourself. The Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) hold the "green card" information and will point you to a UK handling agent insurer so you don't have to mess about overseas. Takes a while, but if you get your excess fee (and 100% in your favour), then your insurance shouldn't be affected.There is no money in it for a solicitor as it will be a small claim, but I am happy to give you any help getting your excess fee back if I can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie3336 Posted March 8, 2015 Report Share Posted March 8, 2015 What!a foreign driver didn't stop. I'm SHOCKED. By the way I was laying on the sarcasm pretty bloody thick, had on a few years back run into the side of the wheel on my Dodge Ram 1500 at M1. Milton Keynes roundabout, he was in an old escort and practically had to force him off the road to get him to stop, as luck had it his bumper only caught the tyre as I was turning so no real damage, gave him and his mate a turn as 5 of us piled out to have a word, it may be acceptable to drive like they do In their own country but not here, glad no one got hurt but guess it ruined your day as it would mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WazzerM Posted March 9, 2015 Report Share Posted March 9, 2015 Eeerrrr, can't help thinking that this insurance company should be named and shamed - shared liability my ar*e. Dreadful event, wish you every success with your shaming lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil.c Posted March 9, 2015 Report Share Posted March 9, 2015 The insurance company don't want the hassle of dealing with a foreign insurance co', however the police were clearly not interested either as the lorry driver left the scene of an accident. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guvs Posted March 10, 2015 Report Share Posted March 10, 2015 Only now seeing this post glad you are both ok, similar (Polish) has happened to me however I have got a witness the car following me, police are involved and took the witnesses details as well I just hope we don’t come to a brick wall with the foreign insurance company. Guvs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest twinspark Posted March 10, 2015 Report Share Posted March 10, 2015 What is it with Polish / Eastern European truck drivers?That's 2 Boxsters and our Alfa 156 been taken out by them in a few months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T24RES Posted March 10, 2015 Report Share Posted March 10, 2015 Statistics, lots of lhd wagons. Sadly daily occurrence on our stretch of the slab, M4/ M25 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gutley Posted March 10, 2015 Report Share Posted March 10, 2015 Statistics, lots of lhd wagons. Sadly daily occurrence on our stretch of the slab, M4/ M25Can't you pull them all over for loose mud flaps or incorrectly spaced PL stickers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topradio Posted March 10, 2015 Report Share Posted March 10, 2015 Have you seen that in-car footage from Eastern Europe / Russia on channel 5 Car Crash TV I think. They just don't seem to have any spatial awareness. Perhaps its a cultural / drink thing. Worth a go for the CCTV. Say you may need it in court for a whiplash / personal injury claim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
APB Posted March 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2015 http://s172.photobucket.com/user/Entmad/library/Mobile%20UploadsI have emailed the Highways Agency and requested the CCTV footage but I am not to hopeful.I have attached a picture of the damage and am considering paying for the repairs myself. The light cluster has now been replaced by a secondhand unit. I have been quoted approx. £700 +vat for a new bumper supplied and fitted and a bumper repair specialist have said they can fix the existing bumper for £220 +vat. However I am not sure how good the repair would be for such a large split. Has anyone got experience of these types of repairs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest twinspark Posted March 10, 2015 Report Share Posted March 10, 2015 Plastic welding isn't that tricky - that'll repair without too many problems.Have you thought of looking for a used bumper in the right colour? - don't think it would be too difficult to find one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike597 Posted March 11, 2015 Report Share Posted March 11, 2015 That could be welded, as long as there's no damage to the frame underneath I will be fine. My missus literally spit one bumper in half top to bottom with some reversing antics, it was plastic welded and came back like new. £200 repair versus £1400 replace (was a Mercedes ML), no brainer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyspin Posted March 13, 2015 Report Share Posted March 13, 2015 personally, if it's under £500, I would bite the bullet and pay - the insurer will claw that back from you otherwise with increased premiums at renewals.one thing to consider though - in the past, my wife had a new Celica 190 that another car rolled into its rear bumper. There was not a mark on the bumper after a polish, BUT, inside the bumper was a polystyrene molding - and that had been damaged. I don't know if the Boxster bumper has anything like that inside it, but it might be worth checking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon mw03 Posted March 26, 2015 Report Share Posted March 26, 2015 Booster bumpers are just what you see, molded plastic with a crash bar behind them. I have both of mine off and there's no polystyrene at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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