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Post by billieblue on May 28, 2014 17:30:14 GMT
Went under a tunnel and sliced off roof. Van intact but they're talking about write off. ANY ADVICE PLEASE! I'm ok but shocked. Am currently in a hotel, not sure at all what's happening. Trying to be very Zen about it. No if only or what ifs!  |
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Post by Firefox on May 28, 2014 17:39:29 GMT
Gutted to hear, Carol But don't take it that van is a write off. A new fibre glass high top can be fitted, especially if the metal body hasn't been damaged. Sounds like worth either taping up roof or strapping on and getting back to UK for proper assessment either by driving or relay depending on the type of damage. Hang on in there  xx |
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Post by Rubbertramp on May 28, 2014 17:41:19 GMT
Oh shit Carol! Hope you are OK kid. Trying to be very Zen about it is all you can do I suppose. Have tried to ring you but got answerphone.... I suppose you're still in France? Give me a call anytime if I can help.
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Post by Firefox on May 28, 2014 17:48:02 GMT
Likewise, Carol, give me a ring if it will help to talk.
Be optimistic about repair, a lot can be done, and don't take their first word on it. It can probably be fixed. Send photos if you get time and when you have got over it more x
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Post by X on May 28, 2014 17:49:38 GMT
Went under a tunnel and sliced off roof. Van intact but they're talking about write off. ANY ADVICE PLEASE! I'm ok but shocked. Am currently in a hotel, not sure at all what's happening. Trying to be very Zen about it. No if only or what ifs! It is only a pile of metal and plastic etc ? You are fine so really all is good . I guess it will depend on value as to whether it is worty your insurance company getting it back here ? Not only that will you want it back ? Hope your insurance company are looking after you ? Charlie |
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Post by Firefox on May 28, 2014 17:53:47 GMT
It is only a pile of metal and plastic etc ? .... Charlie And there was me thinking they were made of egg boxes and toffee  |
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Post by edina on May 28, 2014 18:09:12 GMT
Went under a tunnel and sliced off roof. Van intact but they're talking about write off. ANY ADVICE PLEASE! I'm ok but shocked. Am currently in a hotel, not sure at all what's happening. Trying to be very Zen about it. No if only or what ifs! That’s really tough luck, but as Charlie said you are OK; the van is repairable/replaceable. Don’t confuse insurers with recovery companies. If you have recovery with a decent company like the AA; tell them that you require the vehicle to be taken to a garage, local to you in the UK. I’ve been involved in a similar incident and AA International recovered the van from Portugal to Devon, paid for our accommodation and arranged a series of hire cars for us. The next year, I expected the ins premiums to increase, but was told the AA cover is not part of the ins policy, but an additional benefit – so policy not affected. |
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Post by penny13 on May 28, 2014 18:14:16 GMT
Just spoke to Carol she is in Rouen France if anyone is near and can support I think she would be very grateful, the recovery company are saying its a write off ! Not the insurance company ! She needs help with the language mostly She grabbed a pair of clean pants and a bottle of wine from the van, good girl and I have said it will all look better in the morning |
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Post by Neva Aglenn on May 28, 2014 18:19:11 GMT
Oh Carol!! This'd be bad enough back in Blighty but must be harrowing when overseas, esp. when Solo...
I'd 2nd what Charlie's said:- You're more important than any Van...but know that We get very attached to 'em.
Can't see that Roof Repairs, even with Shipping Back here would cost the Insurance Co. more than a Payout for Value of Van tho' (assuming Comp. Ins.) & surely GRP Roof could be replaced by a Garage in France whilst You stayed in Hotel (assuming that's covered under Insurance/Breakdown Cover?)
Dunno if We can be of any practical assistance but Mobile # pm'd.
Luv, Glenn & Jo
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Post by billi on May 28, 2014 18:34:05 GMT
hi billieblue,we are working alongside a dutch guy[speaks perfect french] who will translate if u need it.pm if u need help-billi
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Post by billieblue on May 28, 2014 19:29:19 GMT
Hi all thanks so much for support and advice. Keep it coming. Don't know what the outcome is going to be.....last year I started a thread called " lost in France" didn't realise how prophetic it would be! The mantra is " no one died, no one was hurt, it's just an object" but when the bottle of wine I retrieved from the mayhem inside the van wears off, the mantra will be harder to hang on to!
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Post by brewkit on May 28, 2014 19:41:50 GMT
as long as your ok, alls good, keep us posted.
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Post by kangooroo on May 28, 2014 19:46:54 GMT
Is the roof actually ripped off or still in situ but badly damaged?
Assuming it's driveable, could you do a temporary patch-up with plastic sheets and duct tape to make it weatherproof for you to drive home (slowly) and deal with the insurance issues back in the UK without the language difficulties and avoiding the breakdown recovery?
I can imagine how you feel being solo in France and not speaking French. I came very close to going to France myself earlier this month and would feel thoroughly stuck and very alone in your situation. Keep your chin up and try to think of a way to get home again safely to sort out your van. You can always resume your holiday at a later date.
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Post by Etienne Le Croq on May 28, 2014 20:15:22 GMT
That's terrible news Carol! Where abouts are you and do you have any breakdown cover.
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Post by billieblue on May 28, 2014 20:28:30 GMT
Thanks. The sticky tape and plastic might be an option, tho didn't seem so last time I saw the the van! Have felt really ok about driving in France and dealing with things, seemed like second nature! Just can't believe they're talking about a write off! The roof is practically gone, tho the back bit is still there and my zig unit was still working perfectly!
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Post by billieblue on May 28, 2014 20:31:56 GMT
That's terrible news Carol! Where abouts are you and do you have any breakdown cover. Hi, am in Rouen and yes have breakdown cover. ADAC have put me up in a hotel, but they haven't found a garage for the van and the salvage place where it was taken is closed tomorrow. Oh how different to the post I sent from the ferry! |
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Post by Firefox on May 28, 2014 20:42:05 GMT
See if it can be taped up, if it still drives OK, that may be a good option. What about the top lockers inside the roof? Are they gone at the front? Good to hear back lockers and zig still working. May not be as bad as it looks to repair |
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Post by Etienne Le Croq on May 28, 2014 20:42:21 GMT
Ok! Well that's a good thing( breakdown cover I mean!). We have a bit of experience of breaking down in France,it's usually a slow process.
Is the roof still on your van or is it Seperate,if still reasonably intact,then it may be possible to sheet/tape it up and drive back to the ferry.Your insurance should have a repatriation clause in it,if its not drive able .
We're not sailing till the 10th so can't be much help too you.
Take care
Stephen.
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Post by fulltimer on May 28, 2014 20:42:53 GMT
That's a real crap day for you, still at least you are OK which is the main thing, don't let your ins company right it off if you can help it, as long as there is no structural damage to the van it's self it should be a simple all though time consuming job to remove the old roof and fit a new one, sort of thing we've been doing for many years. There are various hi- tops on the bay at varying costs so worth taking a look and letting your insurance know this as they are probably just assuming the worst and thinking it is part of the van that is damaged, one here for example www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-T4-SWB-LWB-HIGH-TOP-ROOF-/281334369016?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item4180d5caf8 as the other's have said if you can patch it up enough to get back to the UK it will make thing's easier to deal with. |
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Post by Firefox on May 28, 2014 20:53:28 GMT
^
That's a good link. That roof is slightly different. Maybe not high enough at the back, but if you can get something similar for £600 and rebuild cupboards for the same again, there's no way it would be a write off.
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Post by fulltimer on May 28, 2014 21:16:03 GMT
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Post by brewkit on May 28, 2014 21:34:05 GMT
glad your calming down a little carol, if it was me I would looking at ways to cobble it together and get home, treat the experience as part of the adventure and you'll be ok.  |
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Post by X on May 28, 2014 22:19:00 GMT
That's terrible news Carol! Where abouts are you and do you have any breakdown cover. Hi, am in Rouen and yes have breakdown cover. ADAC have put me up in a hotel, but they haven't found a garage for the van and the salvage place where it was taken is closed tomorrow. Oh how different to the post I sent from the ferry! Ascension day tomorrow ! Public holiday in France (No not clever says so on my calendar ) Knowing them they will make it a long weekend you may be stuck until monday ! Maybe get a hire car |
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Post by cardmaker on May 28, 2014 23:00:44 GMT
Oh Carol so sorry to hear of your problem - cant help with advice about van, but will second the comments You are ok and that is all that matters.  |
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Post by Deleted on May 28, 2014 23:23:15 GMT
Carol, ring /text me if you need some help with language and translating etc. Not sure how it would work but I can speak to them for you or you can send me photos of paperwork and I'll translate. You can contact me either on mobile or Facebook, whichever is easier / cheaper for you.
Stay Zen, you're not alone, we'll all help however we can to get you sorted and back home with van if possible. Big hugs xx
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Post by billieblue on May 29, 2014 4:34:52 GMT
Thanks Jess it means a lot to get the support being offered. Woke up and it all came back like a ton of bricks, which I new would happen so put off going to sleep for as long as possible! I've got to stop my mind doing the what if, if only....... |
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Post by billieblue on May 29, 2014 8:10:52 GMT
UPDATE
Wanted to start new thread but couldn't find the link. ADAC are paying for another night in the hotel. They've found a garage to take the van to for assessment and have offered me a car for 7 days to either take me to my destination, or home but not both. Will take the car to go to the caravan I was going to look at. Insurance will pay up to £150 to repatriate me but still doesn't solve the problem with the van if it is written off re getting it home
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Post by edina on May 29, 2014 8:19:29 GMT
UPDATE Wanted to start new thread but couldn't find the link. ADAC are paying for another night in the hotel. They've found a garage to take the van to for assessment and have offered me a car for 7 days to either take me to my destination, or home but not both. Will take the car to go to the caravan I was going to look at. Insurance will pay up to £150 to repatriate me but still doesn't solve the problem with the van if it is written off re getting it home IMHO. If ADAC are a recovery service, it is up to them to take your van back to your home or a garage local to your home. Whether it is repairable doesn’t come into it, if it is not fit to drive they are obliged to recover it. When it is in the UK the insurers can examine it, or accept a quote from a recognised repair company. |
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Post by billieblue on May 29, 2014 9:15:42 GMT
Thanks Chris. I don't know what they'll do. Presumably I'll find out if they tell me it's a write off! Expected more support from my insurers but I don't know if that's misplace? Am a bit confused about who's responsible for what. I suppose it's the aa who provides car and accommodation, but what do the insurers have to contribute apart from repairing or paying for the vehicle, tho they have said I've got up to £150 to get home, but they aren't being supportive about my welfare - mature single woman in dire straits in a foreign country! Help! |
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Post by edina on May 29, 2014 9:22:41 GMT
Thanks Chris. I don't know what they'll do. Presumably I'll find out if they tell me it's a write off! Expected more support from my insurers but I don't know if that's misplace? Am a bit confused about who's responsible for what. I suppose it's the aa who provides car and accommodation, but what do the insurers have to contribute apart from repairing or paying for the vehicle, tho they have said I've got up to £150 to get home, but they aren't being supportive about my welfare - mature single woman in dire straits in a foreign country! Help! When it happened to us, I told AA international that I was a bit dubious about having repair work done in Portugal in case there were any ongoing problems; they agreed with me and actually recommended that they recover the vehicle to the UK. I’ve never dealt with ADAC, so perhaps they have a different outlook. |
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xx
Hi we nearly always freecamp - old age pension gives loads of leisure time but too little money to pay camp site fees. 
The van has solar panel, large water tank So we are pretty self sufficient. Jon
x