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On a family bike ride, my daughter hit the wing mirror of s parked car. It was knocked forward so it was broken and floppy. We left a note with my phone number, I'd like to pay for the repair.
How should I handle it when they call so that I don't pay over the odds? Is it fair to ask them to get more than one quote? What if they want me to pay for a courtesy car for a week? Should I get my car insurance involved? Contents insurance? How should I protect myself from being scammed and also do what's right?
How should I handle it when they call so that I don't pay over the odds? Is it fair to ask them to get more than one quote? What if they want me to pay for a courtesy car for a week? Should I get my car insurance involved? Contents insurance? How should I protect myself from being scammed and also do what's right?
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In reply to Jimbocz:
I did this once: they rang, thanked me for being honest and asked for £50, which I paid.
I did this once: they rang, thanked me for being honest and asked for £50, which I paid.
In reply to Jimbocz:
Ask to see any bill before you pay it, but, unfortunately for you, it's up to them how they get it repaired as it's their car. My missus hit a parked car on our street and the lady wanted to go to the dealership to get it repaired, so it probably cost 50% more than it could've done. All we could do was apologise for the inconvenience and pay the bill.
Ask to see any bill before you pay it, but, unfortunately for you, it's up to them how they get it repaired as it's their car. My missus hit a parked car on our street and the lady wanted to go to the dealership to get it repaired, so it probably cost 50% more than it could've done. All we could do was apologise for the inconvenience and pay the bill.
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In reply to Jimbocz:
You're doing the decent thing... if they try to take the piss just wish them good luck with their civil action against a minor.
You're doing the decent thing... if they try to take the piss just wish them good luck with their civil action against a minor.
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In reply to Jimbocz:
It'll probably just clip back in... Did the glass break? If so, then some replacement glass can be glued in relatively cheaply.
It'll probably just clip back in... Did the glass break? If so, then some replacement glass can be glued in relatively cheaply.
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In reply to Jimbocz:
If it popped out of the socket and flopped down, it shouldn't be broken. It should be able to be popped back in with the spring like mechanism clipping back into place.
I've been able to do that with mine a few times. Hardly a repair job at a garage, so hopefully the owners won't take the p!ss.
If it popped out of the socket and flopped down, it shouldn't be broken. It should be able to be popped back in with the spring like mechanism clipping back into place.
I've been able to do that with mine a few times. Hardly a repair job at a garage, so hopefully the owners won't take the p!ss.
In reply to Bellie:
That would be a result! The glass isn't broken so it's a definite possibility. I didn't even try to fix it as my first instinct was to leave it alone. It was a Fiat 500.
> If it popped out of the socket and flopped down, it shouldn't be broken. It should be able to be popped back in with the spring like mechanism clipping back into place.
> I've been able to do that with mine a few times. Hardly a repair job at a garage, so hopefully the owners won't take the p!ss.
That would be a result! The glass isn't broken so it's a definite possibility. I didn't even try to fix it as my first instinct was to leave it alone. It was a Fiat 500.
Post edited at 14:41
In reply to Jimbocz:
It is does need replacing don't be surprised if it's a lot
I had my golf wing mirror taken off on our road. Cost nearly £300 to replace - at a friendly local garage.
It is does need replacing don't be surprised if it's a lot
I had my golf wing mirror taken off on our road. Cost nearly £300 to replace - at a friendly local garage.
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In reply to ClimberEd:
Ouch! Now I'm hoping it rains before the person sees the note. I quite like the idea of doing the right thing but not so much paying £300.
> It is does need replacing don't be surprised if it's a lot
> I had my golf wing mirror taken off on our road. Cost nearly £300 to replace - at a friendly local garage.
Ouch! Now I'm hoping it rains before the person sees the note. I quite like the idea of doing the right thing but not so much paying £300.
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In reply to Jimbocz:
Your car insurance is not relevant as you were not driving a car at the time.
You may find the liability part of your contents insurance will cover you - it often does provide general liability coverage not excluding cycling - you can but ask but I'd wait and see how much they ask for first. I like quoting this when people whine about uninsured cyclists - many of them in fact are insured but just don't know it
Your car insurance is not relevant as you were not driving a car at the time.
You may find the liability part of your contents insurance will cover you - it often does provide general liability coverage not excluding cycling - you can but ask but I'd wait and see how much they ask for first. I like quoting this when people whine about uninsured cyclists - many of them in fact are insured but just don't know it
Post edited at 15:14
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In reply to Jimbocz:
I imagine the car owner probably doesn't like the idea of paying for it either.
I imagine the car owner probably doesn't like the idea of paying for it either.
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In reply to MonkeyPuzzle:
You're right , it was just a joke! I'm happy to pay the right amount.
> I imagine the car owner probably doesn't like the idea of paying for it either.
You're right , it was just a joke! I'm happy to pay the right amount.
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In reply to Jimbocz:
Depends on how car-savvy the owner is - it might pop back on and you'll be fine.
If it is damaged and needs replacing, then it gets expensive due to the complexity of modern mirrors - remote adjustment, heated glass and, especially, colour-coordinated trim panels will need painting (unless they can be swapped over). Problem is that it will probably come as a complete unit.
If it was my old car when I had time, I'd get a replacement from a breakers and swap them over. On my new car, I'd probably want a new one fitted - partly because I don't currently have the time to source the part from a breakers and take the door apart to fit it.
Depends on how car-savvy the owner is - it might pop back on and you'll be fine.
If it is damaged and needs replacing, then it gets expensive due to the complexity of modern mirrors - remote adjustment, heated glass and, especially, colour-coordinated trim panels will need painting (unless they can be swapped over). Problem is that it will probably come as a complete unit.
If it was my old car when I had time, I'd get a replacement from a breakers and swap them over. On my new car, I'd probably want a new one fitted - partly because I don't currently have the time to source the part from a breakers and take the door apart to fit it.
In reply to Jimbocz:
I replaced a broken wing mirror on my car - £368 more than the cost of 4 tyres.
I replaced a broken wing mirror on my car - £368 more than the cost of 4 tyres.
In reply to LastBoyScout:
Indeed. I had by mirror broken whilst it was parked. Unfortunately no note left by an honourable person like the OP, so I had to deal with it myself. My first port of call was my local garage. They said the full price for a new replacement including fitting and VAT was just under £450. Once I had recovered from the shock, they suggested the breakers yard route, and located one although it was the wrong colour, which they were happy to respray. Total cost £150.
Quite frankly it looked as good as new, and there was no way of telling (at least to my lay eyes) that it wasn't new.
So, to the OP, if a total replacement is required try and persuade the owner to recognise your honesty and go down the breakers yard route even if that means a respray. Good luck!
> Depends on how car-savvy the owner is - it might pop back on and you'll be fine.
> If it is damaged and needs replacing, then it gets expensive due to the complexity of modern mirrors - remote adjustment, heated glass and, especially, colour-coordinated trim panels will need painting (unless they can be swapped over). Problem is that it will probably come as a complete unit.
> If it was my old car when I had time, I'd get a replacement from a breakers and swap them over. On my new car, I'd probably want a new one fitted - partly because I don't currently have the time to source the part from a breakers and take the door apart to fit it.
Indeed. I had by mirror broken whilst it was parked. Unfortunately no note left by an honourable person like the OP, so I had to deal with it myself. My first port of call was my local garage. They said the full price for a new replacement including fitting and VAT was just under £450. Once I had recovered from the shock, they suggested the breakers yard route, and located one although it was the wrong colour, which they were happy to respray. Total cost £150.
Quite frankly it looked as good as new, and there was no way of telling (at least to my lay eyes) that it wasn't new.
So, to the OP, if a total replacement is required try and persuade the owner to recognise your honesty and go down the breakers yard route even if that means a respray. Good luck!
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In reply to crisp:
Yes even my Skoda mirror cost £280, my fault, reversing down a narrow alley, hit a drain pipe.
Yes even my Skoda mirror cost £280, my fault, reversing down a narrow alley, hit a drain pipe.
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In reply to Jimbocz:
You are not going to want to carry on reading this and in fairness it was a freak thing that I have never heard of before or after.
A guy I work with has his wing mirror amputated on his Citro£n Picasso and the car would not start.
After getting it towed to his local dealer's it ended up needing rewiring and a new computer.
The car had a duplex wiring system and something shorted when the mirror was hit that managed to take out the computer that controlled everything.
Final bill was in the 3k region, fortunately for him it was a company car.
Edited to add.
This reminds me, my van door was ripped out of my hands by the wind in a car park in June, it hit the car next to me smashing an indicator and denting the wing.
No one about but I managed to track down the owner and gave him all my details, I wanted to settle up in cash but it was a lease car provided by his company so he wanted to go use the insurance.
I gave him all my details and a business card and he was on the phone to the insurance as I left.
That was 15 weeks ago and I have not heard a thing.
You are not going to want to carry on reading this and in fairness it was a freak thing that I have never heard of before or after.
A guy I work with has his wing mirror amputated on his Citro£n Picasso and the car would not start.
After getting it towed to his local dealer's it ended up needing rewiring and a new computer.
The car had a duplex wiring system and something shorted when the mirror was hit that managed to take out the computer that controlled everything.
Final bill was in the 3k region, fortunately for him it was a company car.
Edited to add.
This reminds me, my van door was ripped out of my hands by the wind in a car park in June, it hit the car next to me smashing an indicator and denting the wing.
No one about but I managed to track down the owner and gave him all my details, I wanted to settle up in cash but it was a lease car provided by his company so he wanted to go use the insurance.
I gave him all my details and a business card and he was on the phone to the insurance as I left.
That was 15 weeks ago and I have not heard a thing.
Post edited at 17:52
In reply to Jimbocz:
My missus snapped hers off on the gate post, it's electric, heated and colour coded, I priced up a new one at £450(plus cost to paint it),cried for a bit, then managed to fix it with some silicone and I cut down wire nail. Hopefully it's an easy going person who's happy to go down the cheap route. You did the right thing though so your added karma should make up for any money you have to shell out.
My missus snapped hers off on the gate post, it's electric, heated and colour coded, I priced up a new one at £450(plus cost to paint it),cried for a bit, then managed to fix it with some silicone and I cut down wire nail. Hopefully it's an easy going person who's happy to go down the cheap route. You did the right thing though so your added karma should make up for any money you have to shell out.
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In reply to Jimbocz:
Well, what are the odds, my passenger side wing mirror was smashed last week end (must have been Saturday eve or Sunday morning) obviously knocked forward, on the curb side, the plastic arm supporting it broken and was left dangling ... (but there was no phone number !)
Where did it happen :-P ?
> On a family bike ride, my daughter hit the wing mirror of s parked car. It was knocked forward so it was broken and floppy. We left a note with my phone number, I'd like to pay for the repair.
Well, what are the odds, my passenger side wing mirror was smashed last week end (must have been Saturday eve or Sunday morning) obviously knocked forward, on the curb side, the plastic arm supporting it broken and was left dangling ... (but there was no phone number !)
Where did it happen :-P ?
Post edited at 19:09
In reply to Jimbocz:
This is why all vehicles should have van mirrors. I've been sitting in my Transit Connect and had someone smash into it going 30-40 mph, HUGE bang, thought for sure it was KO'd but it had just been bent the other way, as they are designed to fold. It's happened a couple of times actually, they seriously made that thing to take some abuse.
This is why all vehicles should have van mirrors. I've been sitting in my Transit Connect and had someone smash into it going 30-40 mph, HUGE bang, thought for sure it was KO'd but it had just been bent the other way, as they are designed to fold. It's happened a couple of times actually, they seriously made that thing to take some abuse.
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In reply to Jimbocz:
Had a bloke in one of "those" parts vans drive down the inside of a roundabout (on a ramped concrete bit on the inside of the roundabout I was in the right lane queuing for the lights to change - here if you care: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.2477392,-0.5881285,3a,75y,167.57h,72.34t/... )
Hit me and take the wing mirror off my Jag Xtype knocked it forward with an almighty crunch. After being surprisingly reserved about how he came to be riding the actual roundabout in an attempt to jump the queue for the lights (he was immediately in oh shit i'm losing my job mode) despite it being hanging by a wire it clicked right back in, puddle light working and auto retract etc, glass was fine. Didn't even bother taking his number.
I expect it'll pop back in, and even if it's a non car person I doubt a garage would rip someone off by replacing one that'll pop back in they'd rather fix it quick for nowt and get a grateful customer that'll come back.
Cost will be a factor of fashion factor of the car (unfortunately Fiat 500 scores quite high - they often have custom coloured bits inc mirrors) and the complexity. as far as I know they will be at the basic and cheaper end for this... the mirrors may not even be motorised in a low end model
Had a bloke in one of "those" parts vans drive down the inside of a roundabout (on a ramped concrete bit on the inside of the roundabout I was in the right lane queuing for the lights to change - here if you care: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.2477392,-0.5881285,3a,75y,167.57h,72.34t/... )
Hit me and take the wing mirror off my Jag Xtype knocked it forward with an almighty crunch. After being surprisingly reserved about how he came to be riding the actual roundabout in an attempt to jump the queue for the lights (he was immediately in oh shit i'm losing my job mode) despite it being hanging by a wire it clicked right back in, puddle light working and auto retract etc, glass was fine. Didn't even bother taking his number.
I expect it'll pop back in, and even if it's a non car person I doubt a garage would rip someone off by replacing one that'll pop back in they'd rather fix it quick for nowt and get a grateful customer that'll come back.
Cost will be a factor of fashion factor of the car (unfortunately Fiat 500 scores quite high - they often have custom coloured bits inc mirrors) and the complexity. as far as I know they will be at the basic and cheaper end for this... the mirrors may not even be motorised in a low end model
Post edited at 20:10
In reply to balmybaldwin:
Are an X-type's puddle lights really on the mirrors? Every other car I've seen has them under the door.
Are an X-type's puddle lights really on the mirrors? Every other car I've seen has them under the door.
In reply to Jimbocz:
Next time, be sure to be seen stopping and leaving a note. Say something like this:
'Mate, afraid I dinged your car. Soz.' Be sure not to leave any contact details. Any witnesses will assume you are doing the decent thing.
Saved me a lot of money in my second week of driving - an unfortunate incident involving an Audi TT, a bin wagon and a tight squeeze
Next time, be sure to be seen stopping and leaving a note. Say something like this:
'Mate, afraid I dinged your car. Soz.' Be sure not to leave any contact details. Any witnesses will assume you are doing the decent thing.
Saved me a lot of money in my second week of driving - an unfortunate incident involving an Audi TT, a bin wagon and a tight squeeze
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In reply to meffl:
The full version of that hoary old anecjoke has the driver of the damaged car returning to find the insolent note as described, but with a second message written underneath in another hand:
"I witnessed the accident, and the other driving leaving a note. As I suspected, they did not actually have the courtesy to leave any contact details. You may find it useful to know that their registration number was XXNN YYY. Yours, a well-wisher."
The full version of that hoary old anecjoke has the driver of the damaged car returning to find the insolent note as described, but with a second message written underneath in another hand:
"I witnessed the accident, and the other driving leaving a note. As I suspected, they did not actually have the courtesy to leave any contact details. You may find it useful to know that their registration number was XXNN YYY. Yours, a well-wisher."
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In reply to Jimbocz:
It could be pricey.. some wee shite walked down a road one night and booted off every wing mirror in a row of cars. I'd earned 300 quid guiding on the Welsh 3ks and that was basically the bill for going for a beer in Llandudno with them. But mine was electronic, but it was also just a Seat.
I also had someone do similar and scratch my car and they left a note and they never responded. TBH that car was worthless as it was smashed on every panel so so I just left it. I once parked that car in Glen Brittle and someone came up and asked had the car just done the traverse...
It could be pricey.. some wee shite walked down a road one night and booted off every wing mirror in a row of cars. I'd earned 300 quid guiding on the Welsh 3ks and that was basically the bill for going for a beer in Llandudno with them. But mine was electronic, but it was also just a Seat.
I also had someone do similar and scratch my car and they left a note and they never responded. TBH that car was worthless as it was smashed on every panel so so I just left it. I once parked that car in Glen Brittle and someone came up and asked had the car just done the traverse...
Post edited at 01:26
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In reply to Roadrunner5:
>>it was smashed on every panel so so I just left it
Had something similar ... came back to the car after a day on the hill to find a note saying "sorry, the wind caught my door, ring me about getting the dent fixed". It took quite a long time to work out which of the many, many dents was the fresh one, and even then I still wasn't quite sure. I rang them back and told them to stop worrying.
(That car was also the one I had to change a door mirror on. Under forty quid for the part and ten minutes to fit IIRC - amazing how things have changed.)
>>it was smashed on every panel so so I just left it
Had something similar ... came back to the car after a day on the hill to find a note saying "sorry, the wind caught my door, ring me about getting the dent fixed". It took quite a long time to work out which of the many, many dents was the fresh one, and even then I still wasn't quite sure. I rang them back and told them to stop worrying.
(That car was also the one I had to change a door mirror on. Under forty quid for the part and ten minutes to fit IIRC - amazing how things have changed.)
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In reply to Trangia:
Sorry RomTheBear, the victim did get in touch and it doesn't appear to be you. The text had a nice tone, they asked about my daughter and said they were going to get it fixed this week and will let me know how much.
Thanks for all the posts, including the nightmare story where the car sounded like a write off.
I did note that the wing mirror was flat black, so hopefully no painting will be required.
I'll let people know the final amount when it comes through.
> Have they contacted you yet? It would be interesting to learn the outcome?
Sorry RomTheBear, the victim did get in touch and it doesn't appear to be you. The text had a nice tone, they asked about my daughter and said they were going to get it fixed this week and will let me know how much.
Thanks for all the posts, including the nightmare story where the car sounded like a write off.
I did note that the wing mirror was flat black, so hopefully no painting will be required.
I'll let people know the final amount when it comes through.
Post edited at 11:12
In reply to Jimbocz:
Here we go. I work in the motor trade and also my wife drives a fiat 500.
Part here (Depends on which side but they are available on both sides
Arrgh it wont let me put the ebay link in. Go to ebay, punch in Fiat 500 wing mirror and a new one is £30 for the entire unit brand new.
Thats an entire wing mirror with primer finish on the colour coded section.
If its a colour coded one or just a black (popular model) then unless your daughter hit it with signioficant force then the colour coded section/black section can be 'popped' off and refitted to the brand new mirror.
I reckon a competant mechanic could fit in 30mins so probably £50 labour tops. £80-£100 quid even at main dealer prices.
Here we go. I work in the motor trade and also my wife drives a fiat 500.
Part here (Depends on which side but they are available on both sides
Arrgh it wont let me put the ebay link in. Go to ebay, punch in Fiat 500 wing mirror and a new one is £30 for the entire unit brand new.
Thats an entire wing mirror with primer finish on the colour coded section.
If its a colour coded one or just a black (popular model) then unless your daughter hit it with signioficant force then the colour coded section/black section can be 'popped' off and refitted to the brand new mirror.
I reckon a competant mechanic could fit in 30mins so probably £50 labour tops. £80-£100 quid even at main dealer prices.
In reply to Jimbocz:
Damn, I was ready to come get you
I found the whole wing mirror assembly for £60 online, and it looks like a relatively trivial job to fit the thing.
I guess it really depends on the car how much it'll cost you, I've seen some cars where the only way to change the wing mirror it to separate the whole door from the car, and then remove the whole inside door panel.
One of the main factor as well if whether the replacement needs painting or not.
> Sorry RomTheBear, the victim did get in touch and it doesn't appear to be you. The text had a nice tone, they asked about my daughter and said they were going to get it fixed this week and will let me know how much.
Damn, I was ready to come get you
I found the whole wing mirror assembly for £60 online, and it looks like a relatively trivial job to fit the thing.
I guess it really depends on the car how much it'll cost you, I've seen some cars where the only way to change the wing mirror it to separate the whole door from the car, and then remove the whole inside door panel.
One of the main factor as well if whether the replacement needs painting or not.
Post edited at 13:20
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