AAAARRRRGHHHHH!!!! My Car!!

[Yi-P]

[RANT]

For the past 1.5 - 2 yrs I've been surviving every day's lunch with home made sandwiches to save up money so that I can get a car for myself. I wanted a car that can be able to hold all my gears and so I don't have to rely on public transport when going out on a shoot. Earning money, while studying full time at a very demanding (difficult) degree at university is not easy.

Time has passed, money was saved, penny by penny, until recently, I have enough money to buy myself a car that suits my needs. I was very happy with the purchase and took extreme caution in caring for the car. I took the car to the repair shop for a complete repair before going on the roads, so that I believe it can last me longer...

On Friday night, I came back from a celebration for my 21st birthday, having all my camera gears in the car still, I parked my car in the usual location on a quiet residential street. I locked the car up and double checked everything, I took my camera bag with me because I needed to download the photos. I was very tired and left all my tripods and support in the car.

Today, just an hour or so ago, at about 3:15am time, a police office came to my door step. I was still half way asleep by then, didnt know what happened. He told me that my car was involved in an accident. I thought, ok probably a parking bump maybe?

I quickly rushed downstairs to have a look at the so called "accident". I was in shock, in pain and heart-breaking...
I could not recognise my car from behind, it was squashed and pushed onto the kerb side.



The car behind, a Subaru Impreza WRX, turbo-charged 4WD vehicle, smashed into a Toyota Camry parked on the kerbside of a quiet residential street. The impact was so big, that it have pushed 3 cars with parking brakes engaged by over 4m on the street. The driver, luckily walked away and fled. There were no apparent skid marks, and vehicle was heading outwards into the kerbside...



I'm suspecting that the driver was racing against another driver at a very very high speed, tried to pass the vehicle in the front, but eventually found out that there are cars parked along the street. Stupid F*#@!#$ idiot driving at over 160km/h on a 50km/h street. I have no idea how he could surivive this and walk away!!

As seen here, when I parked, I aligned my headlights with the light pole shown in this picture, to the right. Now this is the end of my car, or partially of it... Squashed... pushed, and smacked...



The continuous force pushed my car up to the kerbside, smashing it into the car in front. The distance between my car and one in front is about 1m if I remember correctly.



Basically, the tail of my car is squashed all the way aligned with the wheels.


BEFORE:

AFTER:


And all the left over camera gears inside the boot... amazingly, all manfrotto tripod/monopods remained intact, while the cheapo stands were squashed in...




Now the WRX towed away and the left-over of my 2year sandwich savings...



I'm so glad that I am not inside the car when this accident happened, otherwise it would have been catastrophic. At least nobody was hurt (apart from the driver, who doesnt seem too hurt that can walk away). Now I got to play those insurance claim games... And even I'm only insured with 3rd party property, because I can't afford comprehensive on the car...

Thanks for reading/listening to me... And last but not least...
A message to all members here. PLEASE SLOW DOWN.

[/RANT]

[Jeff]

Hi Yi-P
Very sorry to hear your troubles, but as you said lucky you weren't injured.
Good luck and I hope things workout.

Jeff

[Raskill]

Thats a real bugger mate.

Looking at the damage your car is a 'right off'. Maybe not a bad thing, repairing that sort of damage would leave your car with permanent issues. Your insurance issues might be OK, the driver of the other vehicles insurance should cover it, given it was the vehicle at fault.

A lot of WRX cars have immobilisers/keypads, so the owner is going to have a really hard time convincing either the Police or his insurance company that someone else was the driver.

Good luck with it all.

[bwhinnen]

Glad to hear that you and no one else were harmed! Thankfully the car can be replaced and I agree with Alan that yours looks to be a write off given its age! Hopefully you get a rental for the time being while they decide what to do with it, I hate being without a car personally.

And many WRX drivers are not very good drivers and tend to think that the car will save them... Thank advertising for that.

[Justin]

Hey Yip that sucks.



At least it was after your birthday (happy 21st btw!)

[photohiker]

Hi Hi Yi-P

That sucks. From the sound of it the driver bolted?

Looking at the damage, it looks like a write-off to me too. No doubt there will be all sorts of hassles getting it repaired/replaced. Brace yourself for what might turn out to be a big hassle with that. Given the amount of damage, no way this was a 160kmh prang. I've seen the results of one of them and it's absolute carnage.

The positive side is you (and your camera gear) are safe. Machines are replaceable.

Good luck with it all,

Michael

[Oneputt]

That really sucks big time. I am sick and tired of the hoons on our roads killing and maiming. They can do it to themselves (at least that takes them out of the gene pool) but when their actions affect others I get really really angry. Your insurance will help the other car but unless they catch up with the offending driver and he is comprehensively insure then you are in for a struggle.

[gstark]

I have no idea how he could surivive this and walk away!!

Actually, this is exactly how modern cars are designed, so that the front and/or rear collapses, expending the energy from the impact in order that any occupants can survive the impact and walk away. And it doesn't really take all that much speed to cause some really serious damage either.

The media loves to beat up so-called high speeds ... 100 is a very emotional number that they bandy about so freely, but in terms of vehicle speeds, 100kph is not all that fast. When talking about speeds, one needs to always take into account the conditions at the time: I have been on freeways - speed limit 70mph - where even 10mph was too fast for the conditions at the time - and thus absolute speed limits are often a total waste of time. In the case of residential streets, speed limits in the order of 50 or 60 kph are probably somewhat reasonable, but the questions here is not one of setting a limit, but one of how the hell do you enforce it when there are so many idiots on the road?

Happy birthday, Yip.

Did the police indicate to you that the car causing the impact had been reported as stolen? Were there keys in the ignition? If not, how had the vehicle been started?

Are you a member of the NRMA? They have a legal service, and you may be in need of their facilities.

Your own insurance, as you know, doesn't cover this, and thus you are dependent upon the insurance of the insurance of the vehicle that collided with your vehicle. As the driver fled the scene, he has broken the law, and thus any insurance he or she may have had will have probably been voided by that action on their part.

[MCWB]

Yi-Ping, depending on your insurer your 3rd party property insurance may provide some cover for this. I know my insurer (AAMI) does, they provide up to $5000 cover (I think) if the accident is not your fault and the driver is uninsured. Check the fine print on your policy!

[Yi-P]

I just phoned the police and AAMI insurance. Seems like they both are kicking the ball away.

Responses from all phone calls:

Police: Here is your report number, we can't release any details of the other car unfortunately. AAMI: you got to ask the police about it, we can't do much...

Police(2nd call): no, insurance is lying to you, u got to ring them to find out about insurance of the other car AAMI (2nd call): ohh, our system doesnt show this car being insured by us, you might have to call other insurance company to find out, or seek legal aid

me: WTF~~~

Ok, can I please get some advise?? I got no experience dealing with these things...

- How can I find out if the car is insured?? I called both police and insurance, they dont seem to be too friendly.

- Do I call tow truck to get my car towed or should I wait for insurance to do this?? I cant move the car and would like to claim much of these cost as possible.

Yi-Ping, depending on your insurer your 3rd party property insurance may provide some cover for this. I know my insurer (AAMI) does, they provide up to $5000 cover (I think) if the accident is not your fault and the driver is uninsured. Check the fine print on your policy!

I called AAMI, the first time the lady said $5000, and the second time the other woman said $3000. I think from memory, the policy says $3000 for repair costs on uninsured drivers. But I doubt this cost less than $3000 and only *IF* there is a fix for this... its pretty bad...

[Raskill]

Y-Ip,

You are entitled to know the owners name, address, and drivers details of the vehicle. That much I promise you. You also need the event number, which you already have.

You are not entitled to a copy of the Police report, and your insurance company knows this. It will not stop them trying to get you to get a copy for them. They try this tact as they have to buy copies from Police if you don't get one (which is what they are supposed to do).

If the person you speak to at the Police station, ask to speak with their supervisor and ask him /her why you arent being given the detail. There may be a reason for this, but I can't think of one.

Good luck.

[Glen]

Yip, very sorry to read this, I hope you get a satisfactory resolution. Happy belated birthday.

[MSF]

Sorry to hear of this,

I have been in the insurance industry for ther past 20 years, There is HEAPS to type to explain all the scenarios, so I have PM'd you my number..

Give me a call if you want to discuss...

[colin_12]

This is a real bummer Yip,
Good luck with a resolution. Unfortunately you will probably need it.
Regards Colin

Happy 21st.

[Onyx]

Yip, happy 21st... and ouch, that sucks man. It really does suck the situation you're finding yourself in right now.

Many others here have given you helpful suggestions on what avenus to pursue, and I wish you all the best with it. Cos as I originally read your first post, stating you only had 3rd party property - my initial thoughts were that you're screwed.

But keep in mind it's only material posessions, and as much of a sacrifice as it has meant to you over the years in saving up to obtain that car - be thankful that you're alive and weren't a part of the carnage.

[Matt. K]

Sorry to hear of your misfortune Yi-P
I hope it all pans out for you in the end. Expect some major frustration dealing with both the police and the insurance companies. That's just how it seems to be.

[MSF]

Thanks for the call Yi-p

As promised, here is a copy of some Letters of Demand.. (LOD)
(I did a big thread on this for another (car based) forum, so will copy and paste the relevant info for you)

-----------------------------
I guess it's time (after doing these for a number of guys on here) that I make this post about the correct ettiquette for Letters Of Demand (LOD) etc..

Some background...

The LOD is used to send to anothers person or their insurance company when they are at fault and you want them to pay for your damages etc. This is usually because of one of the following reasons....
You are completely uninsured (Stupid thing to do... )
You have Third Party Property Damage only
You have Comprehensive insurance, but your excess is more than the damage done
You don't want to claim under your own insurance for whatever reason..

If someone else hits you and you want them (or their insurance company) to pay for the damage, then you are considered (to them anyway) as the "THIRD PARTY"

Before an insurance company will give ANY money to a Third Party, You HAVE TO ASK FOR IT.. This is where the LOD comes in..

The exact format of the LOD is not important, as long as you have ALL the correct information contained in it..

Here are a couple of examples that I wrote out that you may like to use and tweak to your preferences. As long as you have all the information in BOLD, then you will be fine...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Letter Of Demand
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear, <OWNERS NAME OF AT FAULT CAR>

Re: Motor Vehicle Collision on <DATE OF COLLISION> at <LOCATION OF COLLSION>.

I am the owner of the <YEAR MAKE MODEL> registered number <REGO> which was damaged as a result of the above collision with your <YEAR MAKE MODEL> registered number <REGO> which was driven by <DRIVERS NAME IF NOT OWNER>.

The circumstances of the collision indicate that your negligent driving was the cause of the collision and as a result, I look to you to compensate me for the total cost of the damage I have sustained to my vehicle.

I have enclosed copies of the quotation/s for the cost of repairs to my vehicle.
They are from <REPAIRER'S NAME 1> for <$AMOUNT 1> and <REPAIRER'S NAME 2> for <$AMOUNT 2> (etc)

I am prepared to settle this matter with your full and final payment of <$AMOUNT OF CLAIM> .

My vehicle is available for inspection if you require, please contact me to arrange a suitable time and location.

Please advise of your intentions for settlement of this claim within seven days of the date of this letter. I can be contacted by telephone on <TELEPHONE NUMBER>.

If you are/were insured at the time of the collision and you have lodged a claim through them, please give me the name of your insurance company and your policy/claim number so that I can deal directly with them regarding my settlement.

I strongly suggest you to act quickly as if I have not heard from you within 10 days, I will be forced to issue legal proceedings against you which will result in further costs to you.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,
<YOUR NAME>

--------------------------------------------

If you hear nothing from them within the agreed 10 days, then a second letter of demand should be sent, basically as follows...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Letter Of Demand
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Dear, <OWNERS NAME OF AT FAULT CAR>

Re: Motor Vehicle Collision on <DATE OF COLLISION> at <LOCATION OF COLLSION>.

I wrote to you on <DATE OF FIRST LOD>, regarding the above collision and to date I have not heard anything further from you.

As requested, If you were insured at the time of the collision and you have lodged a claim through them, please give me the name of your insurance company and your policy/claim number so that I can deal directly with them regarding my settlement.

I have once again included copies of the quotations for repairs as I previously sent to you and strongly request that you contact me on <TELEPHONE> or pay the full amount of <$AMOUNT OF CLAIM> within 7 days of the date of this letter.

If you fail to follow this request then you leave me no alternative but to commence legal proceedings via my local court / solicitor without further notification to you. This legal action will involve further costs and inconvenience to you.

I trust you will treat this matter with your urgent attention.

Yours faithfully,
<YOUR NAME>


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If nothing after this date... Time to go to court... ( more about that later, it's not as scarey as it sounds.......)

[MSF]

As discussed, There are a few issues that need to be resolved..

Who was driving ?
--------> If it was the owner that was driving and fled the scene forwhatever reason ( alcohol/drugs/unlicenced/stupidity/scared etc) then in this situation, you are probably best off.
--------> If the car was stolen and the theif took off, then you will have a lot harder chance to seek recovery, even if the car was comprehensivly insured by the owner.

You need to contact a local repairer and come get them to give you a quote for repairs, or confirmation that it is a total loss. (they should also give you an estimate on the "salvage" value, (ie the wreck) as this needs to be subtracted from the Market value of the vehicle when you state your request for payment.)

If you want to PM me the Year model of your Camry CSi and how many Kilometres it has done, I will get you a copy of the Glass's Guide Value that you can use as a basis for your settlement request.

[Yi-P]

Did the police indicate to you that the car causing the impact had been reported as stolen? Were there keys in the ignition? If not, how had the vehicle been started?

Are you a member of the NRMA? They have a legal service, and you may be in need of their facilities.

Your own insurance, as you know, doesn't cover this, and thus you are dependent upon the insurance of the insurance of the vehicle that collided with your vehicle. As the driver fled the scene, he has broken the law, and thus any insurance he or she may have had will have probably been voided by that action on their part.

They did not say anything on the night, it wasn't on the files of stolen cars I suppose. I can't recall about the car keys in the car as it was smashed up pretty badly, glasses, airbags, everywhere.

Unfortunately I'm not with NRMA but I will have to wait for the police to finish investigating him about the car and driver who fled the scene (and not found in his residential address thereafter).
-----------------------------



Many thanks to everyone's compassion and support here.

I'll have to ring the police and insurance once again to get this rectified and hopefully get on a track to the claims.

[MCWB]

<heaps of usefull stuff>

Well aren't you a deadset champ! I shall buy you a beer if we meet up at a racetrack sometime!

[Technik]

problem with 3rd party policy is that you have to take legal action against the other party (at-fault) at your own expense if he/she is uninsured or unable to locate for whatever reason. (eg. letter of demand. legal proceedings etc)

3rd party policy ONLY covers the damage you caused to other driver, story would be completely different if you have a comprehensive insurance policy.

[michael_]

i was under the impression if its not your fault and you have 3rd party insurance the insurance company handles it therefore not leaving you hanging dry, i was involved in a write-off (whilst driving mind you) and i only had 3rd party compulsory, the other party had no insurance but my insurance paid for the car, admittedly they had the other drivers details, so am i right in assuming only if you have the other drivers details can your insurance company fix the situation?

[Analog6]

You should definitely be able to claim on the other driver's insurance policy, or sue his 4rd party company.

Also goes to show it is worhtwhile investing in good tripods like a Manfrotto.

Moral here: NEVER leave camera gear in a car parked overnight in a public place, no matter how tedious it is to lug it all inside.

Hope it all works out Ok for you and it is not too much hassle. If it seesm like too much during the process, just rmember it took 2 yeasr to save the money and it is worth some hassle to get the car replaced.

[Grev]

Really sorry to hear and see that happening. As myself still have my camry (the previous model to yours) and had it since day one (and others car have come and gone) and it's really sad to see that happening, not to mention when you said you worked so hard for it and going through everything like that.

I guess the most I've seen here in Brisbane would be just teenage kids gathering at my local (300m away from my house) McDonalds with their cars, and when I was in Liverpool in Sydney, there were more incidents like that...

[barry]

Yip, sorry to hear about your misfortune, I know how important your car was to you especially for doing shoots.

Anyway I hope everything resolves itself to your benefit. I know cars and insurance can be a nightmare as you are finding out.

[makario]

Hi Yip,

Sorry mate to hear about your car. This sucks big time! All the best and hope things turn out good for you.

Cheers
Mak

[Pehpsi]

Oh man, that sux major *&^%! Glad you weren't in your car at the time...

Good luck with all the following BS that you'll have to go through..

[team piggy]

And make sure if you send any LOD's that you send them REGISTERED POST. You will need to be able to prove that they were served if it goes legal!

I also suggest that any communications are done in writing btween parties if it starts to head a different direction than you hope it does. This way you have proof of everything that has transpired. A paper trail is paramount in a courtroom situation on this type of incident.

[Yi-P]

I called the police and got off some details off the case today.

I called the driver of the WRX, it came out that the driver of the vehicle is not the owner, both owner and driver are NOT INSURED. The driver of the vehicle told me on the phone that the owner of the vehicle is not (or has left) the country. He refused initially to make any sudden claim about the case because "he is still under police investigation" and insisted to wait for owner to come back (date not sure).

Sigh, this shit has evolved deeper/uglier than it supposed to be... I guess I got to learn to deal with it...

Gotta run out to the police station tomorrow and ask for advise/support about this case and get up my letter of demand ready to be sent. I guess the case will end up in the court by this trend...

[Matt. K]

I'd be suprised if the WRX driver was not insured. It's just that type of car. If he's paying the car off then it will be insured because it's normally compulsary. The driver might be feeding you BS under advise from the owner. Keep at it.

[Yi-P]

I'd be suprised if the WRX driver was not insured. It's just that type of car. If he's paying the car off then it will be insured because it's normally compulsary. The driver might be feeding you BS under advise from the owner. Keep at it.

I'd be more concerned the pathway in which the finances came in to get the car at the first place. According to the driver of the vehicle, the owner is trying to sell the car. He has no insurance, neither do he (driver). But now they smashed the vehicle up for write off? hmmm...

I really don't know, need to enquire with the police about this.

----------

by the way, any car experts here can help me identify the year/model of that WRX? Just wondering how much is it worth right now, and when it was new?

[who]

A more recent model - looks only like a standard model which sold ~$43K new from what I recall......

Could be ~2001 to 2007 I think - hard to tell without a look at the front end, which is where most of the Subi update work occurred (and is what is crunched).

The value would now, as wrecked, depend on whether it can be repaired or is wrecked and what the remaining panels and driveline can be sold off for......

[who]

Go to http://www.redbook.com.au and through the Private user facility - value a used car, go to the Subaru Impreza's and then look at the various years between about 2001 and 2005 - under the WRX there is then a link for Vehicle photos.

Too hard to tell without a clear front on shot.

I can say it is not the Sep 05 onwards model as there was a taillight revision which means this vehicle is older than that.

However it looks to have newer model WRX mags fitted maybe? as they were a standard twin spoke design from what I can see.

Mind you - I am not a WRX enthuiast, and have only driven 1 on a test drive.

Bought a better car instead (Even faster standard)

[matt-chops]

Maaaaaaate.... Thats just painful to see. I really feel for you. Being that dedicated to getting some wheels and to have it taken away so quickly really sucks.

Also as a reference, that WRX is a 01/02 model. The little orange reflector on the front quarter is a dead giveaway. (look at this 01 model http://www.hitman.hm/my01n-2.jpg... hope that helps). Good luck with it all, and make sure to let us know how it all pans out... I've had my own similar painful experiences with cars. Its not nice.

[seeto.centric]

oh dear.. man that looks crazy!
sorry to hear this Yip
i remember that "before" pic when we returned borrowed gears.

goodluck getting matters sorted!
here's a manhug for you *hugs*


-j

[michael_]

if you know the owners name and he let the other guy drive the car and it wasnt stolen why cant you claim against his 3rd party compulsory, i had an accident in my parents car when i was 19 it was my fault and the driver claimed against our 3rd party compulsory

[ATJ]

...why cant you claim against his 3rd party compulsory...

Yip can't because he wasn't injured. CTP is generally only for injury/death to people, not property. Third Party Property insurance is not compulsory. Note that some CTP insurers may include third party property, but they don't have to.

[ATJ]

Yip,

Sorry to hear about this unfortunate incident. You have been given some great advice here and I hope it will help you recoup your money.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I realise it is too late now, but I have been an advocate of comprehensive insurance for cars since my second car even though it wasn't worth much. In fact, because a car is not worth much it is possible that the comprehensive insurance is around the same as third party property insurance. (In the case of my second car it was). The added benefit is that you start building on your no claim bonus when the premiums are relatively cheap.

[team piggy]

Sounds to me like someone "borrowed" someones car without them knowing

They will naturally be under investigaion for fleeing the scene, and that in itself will bring charges. I wonder if you have any recourse thru the victims of crime fund if the car is infact not insured?
Even if it is insured and said driver is under certain ages, insurance may be void.

All up, I feel for you, as it appears you are about to enter the world of trying to claim insurance/money from other parties.... I know too well about this.

At the end of the day, with this countries legal system, you can win in court and still never see a cent of it. Sorry to say, but its my experience on numerous occasions.

I wish you the best of luck with it.

[bwhinnen]

Maaaaaaate.... Thats just painful to see. I really feel for you. Being that dedicated to getting some wheels and to have it taken away so quickly really sucks.

Also as a reference, that WRX is a 01/02 model. The little orange reflector on the front quarter is a dead giveaway. (look at this 01 model http://www.hitman.hm/my01n-2.jpg... hope that helps). Good luck with it all, and make sure to let us know how it all pans out... I've had my own similar painful experiences with cars. Its not nice.

Yep an MY01 or MY02 (the giveaway will be in the A pillar drivers side to see which of those two it actually is, MY01 had an aerial there MY02 didn't it was moved to be in the rear window glass). The taillights changed from MY02 to MY03 so you know it is the earlier model besides the tell tail front fender reflector and the headlight shape and the bonnet scoop

[Ivanerrol]

Being a long time Subaru owner I can offer only this info.

WRX's are virtually if not un-insurable for those under 25. Many WRX's out on the roads are not insured. Many have had go faster mods made to them so
would also struggle to get a claim paid even if they were insured.
I being an over 50's, rating 1 driver would need to pay an over $ 1,500.00 yearly premium to insure a WRX or STi.

An article in on of the newspapers some time ago pointed out that there is a little over 10% uninsured vehicles on the road. A further 10 % of drivers are unlicensed or under disqualification. Another 10% are affected by drugs or alcohol. What this adds up to is that any car owner cannot not afford to have comprehensive insurance on their vehicle if the cost to repair/ replace is a burden or will leave you in dire straits.

Comprehensive insurance is just another cost of driving.

Yip, unfortunately it looks like you are going to struggle to get any financial restitution out of the situation and if you do this will not pay to replace what you have lost. We are all sorry to see this. But your situation is a lesson to everyone. MSF the Insurance mogul will tell you that this situation happens every single day somewhere in Australia.

As an aside. My 2001 Subaru Outback's yearly premium was around $ 500.00 per year. My 2004 Outback is over $ 1,000.00. - reason - replacement cost for the any of the airbags in the event of their deployment. However I cannot not to have comprehensive insurance. I was hit in the rear by a working tourist who was uninsured. The poxy rear bumper for the Subaru was $ 3000.00 to get a replacement. I had it painted for small money and paid for the damage repair myself rather then lose my no-claim bonus. Getting the money out of the offending driver was impossible.

[team piggy]

Many have had go faster mods made to them so would also struggle to get a claim paid even if they were insured.

This is true. But depends on the insurance company.
My mate runs SA's leading Subaru Hot-up shop and I know of WRX's with over 400KW at the wheels that are insured, and also cars with big horsepower full cages etc. All depends on the comapny, Shannons are good for anything modified. I have a 450+ KW commodore insured with them.
Even Rally and race cars can be done, My mates is a full on Rally car, RA Spec, Cage, 300 Kw, The works, and is inmsured (except when actually racing on a competitive stage).

It really sounds like I thought before and the driver shouldnt have been boroowing the car.
I spoke to a Cop mate today about this scenario, He wasn't 100% sure, but also felt that if the car was uninsured (Due to a non declared driver or underage etc) that there "may" be a recourse thru the victims of crime funding scheme if the driver was charged.
(Again, "this may be another avenue, but not 100% certain).

Hopefully all goes well for Y-ip...

[shakey]

My 2002 WRX looks identical on the backend but I don't know how much the backend varied from model to model. Certainly the front end esp headlights - did.

Certainly expensive to insure, even with a 60% NCB.

Sorry about what happened to you Yi-P. Hope it works out OK for you.

[Ivanerrol]

This is true. But depends on the insurance company.
My mate runs SA's leading Subaru Hot-up shop and I know of WRX's with over 400KW at the wheels that are insured, and also cars with big horsepower full cages etc. All depends on the comapny, Shannons are good for anything modified. I have a 450+ KW commodore insured with them.
Even Rally and race cars can be done, My mates is a full on Rally car, RA Spec, Cage, 300 Kw, The works, and is inmsured (except when actually racing on a competitive stage).

Yep Shannon's are the go for all non ordinary cars. They wont insure common cars though. The caveat with modified cars is of course that all these non standard mods must be disclosed when taking out the policy and also disclosed if mods are made during the policy period.

Shannon's let you specify the repairer and your policy can specify original manufacturer panels and mechanicals.

A friend of mine owned an IT company back in the late 90's. His company car of choice - WRX. All his employees got one.

[team piggy]

They wont insure common cars though. The caveat with modified cars is of course that all these non standard mods must be disclosed when taking out the policy and also disclosed if mods are made during the policy period.

They do now. I have a 2007 Prado, 2001 SS Commodore (Highly modified engine), and 3 x 2001 Mitsubishi Express vans (woot!) with them.

Yes, Any mods need to be listed, they are pretty good with them. I changed the Supercharger on the SS to a higher boost unit recently and noted it to them, they upped the cover by 2 k free of charge too!

[bwhinnen]

They wont insure common cars though. The caveat with modified cars is of course that all these non standard mods must be disclosed when taking out the policy and also disclosed if mods are made during the policy period.

They do now. I have a 2007 Prado, 2001 SS Commodore (Highly modified engine), and 3 x 2001 Mitsubishi Express vans (woot!) with them.

Yes, Any mods need to be listed, they are pretty good with them. I changed the Supercharger on the SS to a higher boost unit recently and noted it to them, they upped the cover by 2 k free of charge too!

You know Sean do you? He is a nice bloke.

I'm insured with Shannons as well for my WRX, only one or two mods (honestly, not), the only reason my other car (stock Ford XR8) is not insured with them is they were too expensive. The good thing about Shannons is there are two classes, modified and not-modified, the only time you need to list the mods is if you want them covered on the policy (this is with Shannons only), the missed a few things on mine so I had to send them an email with the full list...

[PiroStitch]

sorry to hear about all of this Yi-P. Keep your chin up mate, as much as it sucks right now, like it has been said - at least you weren't in the car when it happened. You still have your gear and most importantly your health!

Hope it all works out well!

[obzelite]

presume your in nsw, but i think other states have it.

http://www.revs.nsw.gov.au/

you can see if the car has finance owing on it, if it has finance then i'm pretty sure he would have had to provide insurance details to get a loan.

and if your really lucky he may be insured with the same ppl he is financed thru

[Yi-P]

Hey all,

Just a little update from what all been going on...

My insurer, AAMI, has towed the car away on the long weekend for assessment. According to AAMI, they will take on the case and proceed with the uninsured motorist claim from them, which is maximum of $3000. I spoke with their claims tech department, I've been told that AAMI will send the letter of demand on my behalf to the driver at fault claiming the full amount of the car. They will keep the "first $3000" and give me back the extras they claimed back from the driver. If this fails, it will continue on to legal proceedings.

I'm not sure if I should actually still contact the driver at fault and make the claim through him personally. Or should I wait for AAMI to do all these?

I just hope to get over 90% of my cost to the car, since I only drove it for 2 months...

[ebarra8]

Hi Yi-p first off sorry to hear about your misfortune.
In regards to your question about approaching the other party. Personally I wouldn't chase up the other person as things may get ugly. I would let your insurance do it as it's their job. I wish you the best of luck on this and hope all turns out well for you.