Team-BHP - Advice needed for Claiming Insurance

Hello guys

I had an accident yesterday in my Corolla 2003. I was on my way to work and this City zoomed in from a small bylane onto the main road without taking precautions. In the process i banged into the back of the City causing more damage to my car than him.

The guys in the City were mechanics taking the car for some repairs to their garage. Haggling and arguing with them was not getting me anywhere - plus the fact that one of them kept insisting it was my fault inspite of the fact that the crowd gathered there was unanimous in rejecting them.

Anyways, i didnt get any compensation from them and decided that it would be better to claim my insurance as i havent had any claims ever and since most of it would be covered.

after visiting LaKozy Malad, they assessed the damage as
110,000 for parts & 32,000 for labour and paint.

The insurance guy gave prompt service and approved most of the items but since my car is 5 yrs old the depreciation deducted means i have to pay rs 56,000

Now i was intending to sell the car in Jan / Feb 09 and go for the Altis - thats a plan thats down the drain!!!:Frustrati

I need advice whether i should go to some local mechanic shop and opt for lesser expenses compromising on the quality of the parts OR go ahead with Toyota - bear the 56 K and keep the car for another year or so before changing.

Just needed a general opinion on the options available to me - Friendly advice to decide the course of action.

Hoping for a quick reply as have to decide by tomorrow with the Lakozy guys!!

Hi M-Oz,

Depreciation applies if you are replacing parts, if you get the parts repaired (which might not be possible for all parts) it will come under labour which the Insurance company will fully re-imburse.

The showroom guys will mostly replace parts. Find a garage who does a good job & one who is recognized by your Insurance company(you can call them & ask for approved mechs)