Hi all, looking for advice on how to proceed after getting rear-ended.
The Accident: I stopped at a slip road for oncoming traffic (a fast-moving motorbike). A private-leased van behind me assumed I had moved off while checking traffic and rear-ended my car. No injuries, but my rear bumper has two dents and multiple scratches. I have clear front and rear dashcam footage and have already filed the accident report.
The Dilemma: I brought my car to Trans Eurokars (TEK) since it's still under warranty (2 year old car). The service advisor warned me that claiming against this leasing company’s insurer is notoriously slow and difficult. TEK will not start repairs until the 3rd party claim is fully settled and approved. Estimated costs to replace bumper plus workmanship is $3000 - $4000. Might also need to replace the sensor and camera (additional costs).
My Options right now:
- Claim Own Insurance: Pay the excess upfront and risk losing my NCD (or waiting a long time to recover it). I need to decide within 14 days of the accident.
- Third-Party Workshop: Go to an external workshop that will repair the car immediately under 3rd-party claim authorization without waiting for the insurer's pre-approval. Not sure if it will void my warranty. I still have servicing package with TEK.
- Wait it Out: Wait for the 3rd party insurer to assess and approve TEK’s repair estimate before commencing work (could take months).
My insurance agent recommended option 1 (bite the bullet, claim OD first).
Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? Is going to TEK worth the wait, or should I opt for a 3rd party workshop / OD claim? Appreciate your insights!
Which model of Mazda first? If it's the Astina, the rear driver side is where most of the ECUs for the onboard safety features are.
Secondly, EVERY AD, makes you claim OD first, so they can start repairs, this is very normal as they are a business, they have to ensure they get paid BEFORE they start work.
They will run two tracks - (a) CLAIM OD & start repairs, followed by (b) Submission of claims & reimbursement.
While you pay up the excess first, and claim OD, your insurance however, will not be affected at the next renewal. The pain is having to shell out the excess and get the repairs done. Additionally, you might want to rent a car yourself and claim back the loss of use via cash from the van company, especially if repairs exceed the allowed/permitted rental time/days.
Meanwhile, the track (b) submitting of claims and getting your excess and doctor fees (if any) can take a few months to come back to you via a cheque or bank credit. If successful, you will get back your excess and loss of use.
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In 2016, my 3 month old Mazda3 was hit by a lorry reversing after it tried to do an illegal u-turn. I was willing to pay OD, pay my own rental, but TEK being the so wonderful AD (best ever!!!) told me they have no capacity to repair my car until THREE (3) months later. Dec, Jan, Feb. Right past CNY. Headlight cracked, bonnet dented, fender dented, and I'm to live like that for THREE frickin' months.
Reason: My car can still drive, they will focus on the more major accident cars first. I told them to issue me a black and white stating that the car is safe to drive and any further damages while driving like short circuiting (HL is cracked, water can go in, right?), I will be protected. Nada.
So I did the next best thing. I called up JDM Autocare, barely a few sentences in about TEK, the owner already guessed it, they can't do the repairs and they want me to wait.
So I picked up my accident report from TEK, I drove over to JDM. My replacement car was ready when i reached, and repairs started immediately. I paid 0 excess, paid no rental and my workshop pursued the claims for me and merely asked me to signed when the claims were completed.
No hassle. No fees. These workshops operate in the way is that if they fail to sue and claim the car that rear ended you, they also won't make you pay for the repairs, they suck it up. So if they reject your repairs upfront, likely they know it's a losing money case. If they smile and welcome you wide open arms, they super 200% confident they will claim back.
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TEK gave me a bad aftertaste albeit the Mazda vehicles are awesome to drive and own. Their workmanship, speed and willingness to listen to customers, usually falls very far thereafter. Claim for warranty items, also gave me a lot of headache(s).
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If you can't stomach the wait and claim the OD, you may go outside to ANY workshop, since this is not your fault, you are not tied to authorised dealers only.
If you rear ended somebody, then your repair options are pretty much limited only to authorised workshops.
For this reason, my subsequent Mazdas, I had the insurers add a clause for 15% more on my premium, to allow me to go do ANY workshop for my repairs, including TEK.
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PERSONALLY... my advice. Get it fixed outside. Bluwell used to be a partner for Mazda repairs, TEK used to sub the jobs to them. My regular go-to workshop JDM Autocare also does repair works. I've had a BMW, Atto3, Mazda 3 BM, BN, BP all properly repaired and taken care by JDM.
If not. you can continue with TEK. You *will* get your money back it's just when. The last time I claimed OD and sued... I called the insurer weekly, and got back all my money, ($600 excess, $1000 car rental, $3000 over in medical) in about 6 months. And I'm told this is very fast already.