Help re: car getting fixed through insurance

Toker · 27 Oct 2009 at 16:54

Right so long story short my mate pranged his Focus ST while avoiding a head on collision with a 4x4 (who sped off) so is having to get his car fixed out his own insurance.

Now... all was fine until today when they've turned around and said they're now not replacing/refurbing the alloy that was cosmetically wrecked in the accident and they're also not going to replace the tyre which now has a bulge due to impact damage (which I thought makes the tyre illegal?). They'd previously agreed to replace both.

So...where does he stand and what's the most effective way of disputing the matter? You'd think if something is damaged in a crash then your insurance would replace it?! and surely they can't give him back a car that is illegal to have on the road...

Any advice appreciated

[TW]Fox · 27 Oct 2009 at 17:16

They must have given a reason for this - what is it?

*Moangroan* · 27 Oct 2009 at 17:31

Were they modded wheels or non declared mods.

Biohazard · 27 Oct 2009 at 17:34

do OE wheels from a different model but from the same marque/maker count as a mod?

[TW]Fox · 27 Oct 2009 at 17:41

Biohazard said:
do OE wheels from a different model but from the same marque/maker count as a mod?

If they were never available on that model, I'd think they would, yes.

Toker · 27 Oct 2009 at 18:42

they are the OE Focus ST alloys, I really can't see a valid reason for them saying no... it was some other guy on the phone so he couldn't comment on what whoever decides these things had decided. We're goin down tomorrow lunchtime to see what the story is but it's arnold clark so not hoping for much educated conversation. Are you best talking to the place doing the work or your insurance company directly?

Biohazard · 27 Oct 2009 at 18:48

[TW]Fox;15187850 said:
If they were never available on that model, I'd think they would, yes.

Even if the diameter is the same?

Hmm interesting.

Deleted User 234324 · 27 Oct 2009 at 18:53

If they are the Focus ST alloys then they are standard equipment, the only way they could argue it is if you had them powder coated in a different colour.

While technically they are the same alloys, painting them is classed as a mod, just like putting decals on your car. As for the tyre, if the bulge is in the side wall then yes it is illegal and you will get pulled by the first copper that spots it.

Toker · 27 Oct 2009 at 21:10

well he has never had them powder coated or painted so they can't use that one!

yea thought that was illegal, will see what speaking to them tomorrow brings...

I get around · 27 Oct 2009 at 21:20

Insurance has no valid reason to not pay out on them.

Tell them you'll take them to court unless they can provide a valid reason else.

aproctor · 27 Oct 2009 at 21:25

Threaten to go to the ombudsman.

We were told under pain of death if anyone threatened this if the bill was under a few hundred quid to sort it out.