Car Insurance & Car Maintenance?

[katdarn79]

I was driving down the road, when the bonnet flew up and came straight off smashing the widnscreen. The roof is now dented and the bonnet is scratched and obviosly no longer atched to the car.
Phoned the insurance and they have said that is down to the maintenance and will only pay for the windscreen, has any one else heard of that?
I dont understand how i would ever know that the bonnet catch was wearing.

Thanks, Kathryn x

[katdarn79]

Eddie it was over the phone, they said straight away I wasn't covered but the windscreen was. He never even asked when I last changed it. Like I said I only had it open two week ago checking the oil, water etc and there was nothing wrong with it.

[tonyav]

Kat, was it the bonnet cable or did the bonnet catch it self actually break.

[katdarn79]

The handle part under the bonnet that you would release it with. I noticed it wasn't there when a kind man lifted the bonnet back on to the car, it was further down the road.

[tonyav]

Is your insurance Fully comprehensive cover ?

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Interesting one this.........if you're on the motorway doing 70 and a tyre that is visibly compliant fails with catastrophic results would they still say its your fault?

[katdarn79]

Yes it's fully comp.

[tonyav]

Then speak to Citizens Advice, kat.

[katdarn79]

I'm going to write a complaint tonight and see how I get on, thanks.

[tonyav]

Good luck, kat.

[katdarn79]

Thank you!!!xx

[Andyvon]

The condition and function of the bonnet catch is something the owner should occasionally check Katdarn. Due to the location the catch mechanism gradually collects dirt and muck which can cause the catch to lose it's efficiency. The catch should also be lubricated with oil or grease every so often. If the lubrication has been neglected then old grease or oil gets sticky and collects dirt which gums the catch up.

I'm sorry to say that I think your insurer is correct as it sounds as if the catch on your car hasn't been periodically checked or lubricated. It's a little unfair to expect them to cover the damage as it was avoidable.

The catch on my Golf was getting stiff last year so I fitted a new one. I think that sounds the best thing to do with the catch on your car.

[chas2008]

as a body shop involved in insurance claims we have repaired more than one vehicle that this has happened to, all on insurance.
we had one vehicle that had a medium bump on the front which weakened/misaligned the catch, the guy carried on driving it until the catch failed,bonnet flipped & took the screen out..
The insurance company treated it as 2 claims & paid out on both..(owner got hit with 2 x £350 excess though)

[EDDIE51]

I once had a washing machine that failed and overheated burning the clothes in it. The insurance paid out for the clothes and damage to the kitchen but not for the machine itself . On that basis the insurance company should pay for the damage to the car but not for the actual catch. Definitely worth a complaint if they don't pay, if they still refuse to pay there is the insurance ombudsman to complain to.
They will get their money back in the end though as if you claim your insurance will go up for the next 5 years due to your 'claims history'.

[katdarn79]

Chas2008, it's funny you should say that as my boyfriends friend has had a body shop for over 20 tears and said he's never come across insurance saying I'm not covered. My excess is £100 for the windscreen and £150 for the rest.

Andyvon, my catch was not stiff and showed no signs of anything been wrong, how old was your golf?

What I don't get is surely if it's my fault in there eyes they wouldn't pay for the windscreen, it makes no sense.

[katdarn79]

20 years not tears.

[RATTER15]

^^^^^^^ what a coincidence.

[ginnyb]

I heard that Renault clios had this problem a while back. I'm pretty sure it was on Watchdog...what make is your car?

[hondauae]

6 Tricks That Can Make Your Car Last Longer
As odd as it may seem, not every person who is enthusiastic about getting behind the wheel gives much thought to keeping their machine in good condition.
If you are diligent and you adhere to some simple rules, you can avoid any damage that comes your way and make your vehicle serve you longer.
Today we are going to share some simple tips with you which can help you maintain your car and keep it in good shape:

Don’t Let Your Car Reach Extremely High Or Low Tyre Pressures
We see very often when a person behind the wheel, is driving poorly or does not check the tire pressure, the tyres get under-inflated. This makes the car consume more fuel and also damage the drivability of the vehicle. For instance, a car that is not properly inflated may cause skidding or can even lead to an accident.
● Keep your tyres properly inflated
● Rotate them after six months or one year
● If you live at a place that experiences different seasons, change your tire in every season

Avoid Abrupt Braking And Sharp Acceleration
Whether you are accelerating the car too sharply or putting your foot on brake pedals with extra force, doing any of these things can be harmful to your car. They make the parts of the car suffer in different ways. For instance:

● The brake pads and brake discs wear out prematurely
● The stopping distance increases
● The gearbox and engines deteriorate
● And if things go worse, you are more likely to meet an accident

Park The Car Properly
Many people find it difficult to park the car, especially those who have just started driving. Many don’t stop the car completely and shift gears from drive to reverse quickly. This is a very dangerous habit. As it causes severe damage to the gearbox, it can lead to hefty repairs.

So, whenever you are parking the car, be patient. Stop the vehicle completely and then go from accelerate-mode to reverse-mode or vice versa.

Avoid Overloading

Whether it is in the form of passengers or cargo, heavy loads are damaging for your vehicle’s components such as suspensions, transmission, steering, tyres and the engine. Moreover, if you habitually overload your car, it will negatively affect your vehicle’s performance on the road and make it less controllable which can lead to accidents.

To avoid excessively loading your car, read the maximum loading capacity mentioned in the user’s manual and follow. We also suggest you throw every redundant material out of your car and only carry things that are necessary for you.

Don’t Overload The Clutch
Harming your car’s body and performance, overloading the clutch is very common among new drivers. Don’t put too much pressure on the clutch while you are waiting in the traffic lights. If you overload them, they will wear out prematurely. Clutch, like every other part of your car, needs some rest.
Don’t Ignore Symbols On Your Car’s Dashboard
Among the most common reasons why cars see break down is poor maintenance. If you want to see your car in good condition for a long time, never delay car maintenance. Make proper timelines and get things done in an organised way. Mostly, machines require an oil check after 620 miles and a change of air filter after 250 miles or less

Renowned brands like Honda Automobiles are now producing cars which have advanced dashboard features. These features indicate the driver if there is anything wrong. Whether the engine is overheated, the fluids are not enough or there is a problem with the battery, you will receive a warning. Don’t hesitate from reaching an automobile mechanic as he can fix it up quickly and avoid a major breakdown.

Don’t underestimate the importance of car maintenance. Have an annual inspection of your car’s detailed and major issues. While for the minor ones, get it checked weekly or monthly. Tire pressure, engine oil, etc should be checked regularly to ensure that your journey is safe.