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Post by X on May 29, 2014 10:03:34 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!  Are you sure you have not got European cover as part of your insurance Carol ? Mine comes with it but must admit I have not really read the small print so am not sure what is included as not ventured away with this van as yet . I guess I have been lucky as been abroad so many times in cars,vans,caravans and motorhomes but touch wood never needed recovering ! Which insurance company are you with ? We all make mistakes abroad as when I lived there used to see many Brits going around roundabouts the wrong way also I set off down a dual carriage way in Belgium in the middle of the night the wrong way ! My mate realised so I did a u turn and went down the other side the wrong way just to make sure ! |
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Post by Mikehanky on May 29, 2014 10:40:28 GMT
soz to here of your problems and hope you are ok this morning as charlie said just metal you are ok that all that matters.the van will sort either way insurance company dont move quickly even when you are adroad.garage and brakedown company are even slower its all about profit to them to put a damaged van on transport and recover to uk will cost about 1500 pounds to insurance company add this to repairs hotel geting you home safe soon adds up.
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Post by Is it spring yet, dormouse? on May 29, 2014 12:41:29 GMT
Aw, bloody hell, Carol! No good on advice as no experience of anything like that, but soooo relieved you're in one piece! Do you have your insurance docs with you? If it was me I'd try and get myself and van back to UK the best way poss without it costing an arm and a leg. I don't really know much, but if it's only the roof that's damaged then suggestions already made about covering it up as best as poss to keep the weather out and hoofing it back home on the ferry pronto seems a good bet. You can take your time and have a proper think when you're back safe and sound about whether it's written off or repairable. You must be gutted, but it really isn't the end of the world; just a bit shorter holiday than you'd planned!   Keep safe and keep us posted xx |
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Post by billieblue on May 29, 2014 14:51:00 GMT
Thanks Mariie  Charlie I have European cover with the insurance and of course ADAC as I've said. They are bearing the brunt of this. One thing I'm confused about is that they're taking it to a specialist garage to see about the possibility of repair, but my actual insurers who will pay are doing nothing about that. Will they eventually liaise and send the report to my insurers?They haven't asked me for any evidence of insurance yet.....thanks again everyone. Campervanannie has even offered to come all the way to Dover in her t4 to collect me and belongings! What a star! |
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Post by penny13 on May 29, 2014 22:10:55 GMT
Hi Carol how's it all going been in my bed all day not so well, was hoping to see a post that everything's ok ? And that mad woman means it she is a star |
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Post by Firefox on May 29, 2014 22:34:49 GMT
Has Wintonian contacted you Carol? Can you get it taped up and drive it back to the UK. I am convinced this will be best if it drives OK. Not sure why ADAC are looking at repair in France without consulting insurers if insurers will pay. They have to liaise at some point... confused Hope you can get it back soon x |
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Post by billieblue on May 30, 2014 6:24:42 GMT
Van going to the garage for assessment today
Does anyone know about this process or been through it while abroad? If they decide NOT to write it off, will the work be done here and do I have any say in the matter? I could drive it, as far as I know, everything is ok and the only hole in the ceiling is where the skylight has been ripped off! Wish ther was someone here, I'm hoping they aren't going to fob me off cos I'm a single woman who is obviously ignorant of these things. As most men would be, I know.....
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Post by NeilyG on May 30, 2014 7:38:41 GMT
Must have been one hell of a shock for you, Carol. Good that you are being looked after by your insurance company but no doubt you will be somewhat hacked off. I have some idea of how you feel because last year I ripped half our roof rack off at the entrance to a car park in SANDSEND in semi-darkness. (Note steep downward slope and that the entrance on the left is deceptively lower than the exit - well that's my excuse!)   Fingers crossed the green beast makes a full recovery and that you are soon back on the road.  |
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Post by kangooroo on May 30, 2014 9:53:21 GMT
Could you post a pic of the damage or email one to someone else to post so we can all see how much damage there is. If it is just a hole and damage around a skylight this doesn't sound too major to me and I'd guess could be easily repairable rather than a write-off. I'd also assume this is driveable safely - very different to having the full roof sliced off and a full-length sun-roof!
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Post by billieblue on May 30, 2014 11:03:25 GMT
Hi can't take a picture cos it's in the salvage place god knows where and didn't think to take picture at the scene. Silly I know....the damage to the roof is extensive, the skylight is gone but from the back it looks perfect! Am still waiting for ADAC to tell me if the garage will take on temporary repairs to get it home as ADAC have already said they won't repatriate it. |
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Post by Firefox on May 30, 2014 18:48:11 GMT
Don't accept a write-off or be fobbed off. You can drive it home even as a "convertible" if the loose bits are cleaned up; just need good weather! Sounds really easy to patch up if just hole damage around the skylight. Even heavy duty bin liners and lots of duct tape would work. Wish I was there to help Slip the garage man 30 Euros and maybe he can patch it for you x |
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Post by billieblue on May 30, 2014 19:53:10 GMT
Thanks Vernon, how i wish you were here! Think this is the most helpless I've been...are you following it on t'other side! I think the damage is probably more extensive than I wished for and don't know what the van looks like at all now. I think the ceiling is still there....don't know if all my bedding is exposed in the front cupboard. It probably is...on Monday I will get it out of the compound which is on an industrial estate, and clear up all the mess inside. Like you've suggested I could approach one of the lads there and maybe they would come back when they're closed and do it. Good thinking. I just can't imagine leaving France without it, even if I have to lose it eventually. As I've said elsewhere I'm having to foot the hotel bill now. ADAC paid for three nights tho....and at least I can walk into centre ville from here and get a bottle of nice vino and some pate from Monoprix! Every cloud...! Seriously tho, I am getting very close to the edge now... |
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Post by stonedaddy on May 30, 2014 20:07:50 GMT
Blimey Carol just seen your posts for the first time, phew trust you go convertible. Verns right if you cant attach it with anything just get all your stuff jammed inside keep your rain coat handy and come home open topped. Any problems are then sorted at home in your own time. I thought I had problems here in Scotland but you have out trumped me. Keep yer pecker up it will all end fine and be a talking point for years.
.... Tom .... xx
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Post by Firefox on May 30, 2014 20:28:30 GMT
Thanks Vernon, how i wish you were here! Think this is the most helpless I've been...are you following it on t'other side! I think the damage is probably more extensive than I wished for and don't know what the van looks like at all now. I think the ceiling is still there....don't know if all my bedding is exposed in the front cupboard. It probably is...on Monday I will get it out of the compound which is on an industrial estate, and clear up all the mess inside. Like you've suggested I could approach one of the lads there and maybe they would come back when they're closed and do it. Good thinking. I just can't imagine leaving France without it, even if I have to lose it eventually. As I've said elsewhere I'm having to foot the hotel bill now. ADAC paid for three nights tho....and at least I can walk into centre ville from here and get a bottle of nice vino and some pate from Monoprix! Every cloud...! Seriously tho, I am getting very close to the edge now... That's the spirit Carol If it drives, you can do it! I'd be wary of write-offs and "don't worry we'll deal with the salvage" offers. There's a lot of money in those vans with all the parts, heaters, fridges etc. And some people are less than economical with the truth. Don't take no for an answer x |
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Post by lotusanne on May 30, 2014 20:32:11 GMT
But will it still be insured Vern if she drives it home if it's a write off?
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Post by X on May 30, 2014 20:34:27 GMT
As I said you are ok so all is good . You can be brave and drive it back but at the end of the day if you cannot walk away and leave it . I really do not own anything that I care whether I have it tomorrow or not it is all materialistic crap when you really think about it .
P.s I would miss the chainsaw !
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Post by kangooroo on May 30, 2014 20:45:04 GMT
If you can get some detailed photos on Monday - interior, exterior, front, back and sides then hopefully some of the more experienced members here can give an honest assessment of whether it's repairable.
If the French assessors are considering it a 'write-off' this simply means it's beyond economic repair (if correctly assessed) and doesn't automatically mean it's unsafe to drive (category C can be borderline, A and B must not be driven). I'm assuming all damage was to the roof only and not the structure, engine or steering. If you're unsure then just ask which write-off category it falls into. If 'D' then it should be absolutely fine to drive home.
In your position, I would be keen to get myself and the van home and deal with any repairs or write-off negotiations in your own environment and language. Also, if it really is a write-off, then never accept the first offer but wait to see what follows.
I wish you luck with this and can understand how 'alone' you must be feeling.
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Post by X on May 30, 2014 20:53:18 GMT
But will it still be insured Vern if she drives it home if it's a write off? The law is based on what is reasonable as in the actions of a reasonable person ? Would it be reasonable to patch a roof up and drive it home of course it would If the brakes were gone and your steering was wrecked and you have sharp metal protuding from the body would that be reasonable ? It is only a write of on the grounds of uneconomic to repatriate it if a recovery firm is used as I would guess that bill would be a couple of thousand at least ,add the repairs and it is uneconomic to repair . How much is the van worth you know that and you can do the maths ! |
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Post by Firefox on May 30, 2014 21:01:40 GMT
Looking at a new roof for £600, and cupboards for the same, £1200 total on a budget.... plus self repatriation, it becomes a different story.
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Post by billieblue on May 30, 2014 21:29:55 GMT
Looking at a new roof for £600, and cupboards for the same, £1200 total on a budget.... plus self repatriation, it becomes a different story. A new roof for 600! ADAC have said it would be €6000! I get you Charlie when you talk about material possessions and all that stuff but even decent human beings get attached to such things. If it wasn't such a one off van it would be easier. I know I've gone on about wanting something bigger but when I was in it for those THREE nights I felt really happy with it. But, as anne said, I have wanted something slightly bigger so as I won't find another t4!like that, it'll have to be! Just don't want to leave it in France! And how do I know it'll be scrapped? And no chance of buying it back etc |
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Post by X on May 30, 2014 21:41:31 GMT
Looking at a new roof for £600, and cupboards for the same, £1200 total on a budget.... plus self repatriation, it becomes a different story. A new roof for 600! ADAC have said it would be €6000! I get you Charlie when you talk about material possessions and all that stuff but even decent human beings get attached to such things. If it wasn't such a one off van it would be easier. I know I've gone on about wanting something bigger but when I was in it for those THREE nights I felt really happy with it. But, as anne said, I have wanted something slightly bigger so as I won't find another t4!like that, it'll have to be! Just don't want to leave it in France! And how do I know it'll be scrapped? And no chance of buying it back etc Get them to pay my fair over and I will drive it back ! Seriously I will do it if I can find way to get over easily . |
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Post by Firefox on May 30, 2014 21:46:26 GMT
Did you see the one Full Timer posted in this thread earlier... It was a £600 high top for your van type, supply and fit. Even allowing for painting a matching colour, it would be £800 at most from that supplier. Not sure if that price included widow and roolight, but it's a long way from 6000 Euros!
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Post by billieblue on May 30, 2014 21:47:32 GMT
Thanks Charlie, really appreciate you wanting to do it for me. I always try to look for a positive out of shit times, and I have had them, and the support and concern people have expressed has been great. I'd rather be listening to the birds and looking onto a gorgeous view tho! |
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Post by Is it spring yet, dormouse? on May 31, 2014 8:14:53 GMT
Drag yourself out into the fresh air Carol and go take a look at that Jardin de Plantes. Been looking at more photos on the web and it looks absolutely fab! Will help while away the weekend in a good way, too  xx |
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Post by billieblue on May 31, 2014 19:14:23 GMT
Didn't go today Marie cos not walking distance apparently so just had astroll by the river and a wander around Rouen. It's a lovely place actually. Just wish I was in a mood to appreciate it! |
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Post by billieblue on May 31, 2014 19:21:36 GMT
If/ when the insurers tell me the van is a write off could someone outline my options for me? What rights/ time scale etc have I got? Do I have to agree with them and if not what can I do? Do I have to agree a price there and then? What happens to the van if I don't agree? If I did agree what happens to the van? I'm sure their offer won't be acceptable. If I don't agree where does that leave me/them re obligations re storage, my repatriation etc? Haven't a clue and needless say keep getting so many different points on t'other side, helpful as everyone is being
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Post by Firefox on May 31, 2014 19:41:53 GMT
It depends on the company but negotiate the best offer where you keep the salvage. This should be possible as it is not a structural write off. You need to be prepared to drive it back...or take up charlie's offer and pay his expenses. This is likely to be your best financial option.
If repatriation via insurance/Adac does not have strings attached then go for that, but if that is part of the claim, the best option will be to get it home under your own steam, and fix it on a budget at your leisure.
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Post by Oldish Hippy on May 31, 2014 20:20:56 GMT
It depends on the company but negotiate the best offer where you keep the salvage. This should be possible as it is not a structural write off. You need to be prepared to drive it back...or take up charlie's offer and pay his expenses. This is likely to be your best financial option. If repatriation via insurance/Adac does not have strings attached then go for that, but if that is part of the claim, the best option will be to get it home under your own steam, and fix it on a budget at your leisure. |
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Post by campervanannie on Jun 1, 2014 7:32:03 GMT
Hi all over on the dark side there is a guy Mark61 he is on route to Carols aid there is talk of him helping her to get the van back to the UK he will get there Monday so we will see what unfolds from the offer Carol's very own Sir Galahad.
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Post by billieblue on Jun 1, 2014 7:54:24 GMT
Yes, I don't know Mark, but he pm ed me Friday I think, then phoned me. He is on his way back from Austria back to London and has offered to come to Rouen to see how he can help. Isn't that amazing? Especially as he's never met me.....he could be helping out a monster for all he know! Better warn him!
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Charlie I have European cover with the insurance and of course ADAC as I've said. They are bearing the brunt of this. One thing I'm confused about is that they're taking it to a specialist garage to see about the possibility of repair, but my actual insurers who will pay are doing nothing about that. Will they eventually liaise and send the report to my insurers?They haven't asked me for any evidence of insurance yet.....thanks again everyone. Campervanannie has even offered to come all the way to Dover in her t4 to collect me and belongings! What a star! 
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