Hit and Run On Our 850 R

Kirsty · Post by **Kirsty** » 13 Oct 2011, 14:00

Yes, some nasty person, (that was very politely put), reversed into our beloved 850 R whilst it was parked up and drove off without leaving their details, surprise, surprise.........

We'd taken out fully comp insurance, but the company wanted to write it off without even coming to look at it. So, of course, a bit of an argument ensued, and it has now been agreed that we will take it to their designated garage on Monday to at least get an opinion on how much it will cost to repair.

In the meantime, we have sourced a replacement headlight and straightened out the grill, but sadly, the bonnet has damage along with the housing for the radiator and headlights.

I do believe we will have to pay for all repairs out of our own pocket to stop the car being written off and am wondering if anyone can tell me what the housing is called that holds the radiator and headlights so I can source one? If it helps, a partial image of the part we are looking for can be seen attached.

Also, if we are to argue with the insurance company further, can anyone point me in the right direction so I can argue the case that this is an enthusiasts car and is worth more than £500?

Many thanks in advance - I'm totally gutted to be honest

ajr2820 · Post by **ajr2820** » 13 Oct 2011, 14:13

Sorry to hear that, but WHY IN THE WORLD are you paying for full coverage on a 1997 model year car? You could probably buy another one just like it for 24 months of your premium! 12 months worth would likely pay for the repairs.

Post by **jblackburn** » 13 Oct 2011, 14:27

Sorry to hear that, but WHY IN THE WORLD are you paying for full coverage on a 1997 model year car?

Why not?

I have full coverage on mine...and it definitely helped a year ago when I did $1400 of damage to it after sliding on ice.

My premiums are $50/month.

Anyway, that section is literally just called "front section". Here's the part number for you:

Kirsty · Post by **Kirsty** » 13 Oct 2011, 14:33

jblackburn - THANK YOU!

ajr2820 - its actually cheaper for me to insure the car fully comp than it is to insure for 3rd party

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 13 Oct 2011, 16:32

This has come up before and I have had to deal with the same thing.

Insurance companies don't get car guys - the guys that meticulously maintain their cars and maintain them in as new condition.

My wife hit a deer, just after I had completely redone her entire front suspension, and the insurance company insisted that we total the car out - a front fender and a headlight would have pretty much fixed it.

I was going to buy it back as salvage right up to the point where the salvage lot shoved a forklift under it, dropped it nose first on the ground, and ripped the exhaust system off. At that point I surrendered and just cleaned out the glove box and the trunk.

...Lee

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 13 Oct 2011, 16:36

That is a really shame but there is no reason you should have to pay out of pocket. At the very least, have them total it out and then by it back for a quarter of what they gave you for it and then use the rest of the money to fix it.

Kirsty · Post by **Kirsty** » 18 Oct 2011, 08:11

I'm still gutted, but not giving in easily, and I'm certainly not going to let them write it off - if I ever did want to sell it in the future, (very doubtful), it would be recorded as a write off and I refuse that to happen.

I took it to the insurance company's repair garage of choice to get a quote. Even they did not think I would be driving in an R, but when I turned up, they conceded - yes, it is an R isn't it?! Thankfully, they are fans of R's and are doing their best to help.

I was also recommended a local Volvo specialist who has advised me that usual 850 front sections won't fit an R, apparently the top plastic part does fit, but the rest doesn't.......So sourcing one is going to be difficult. This particular garage does offer 2nd hand parts as they break them too, but the gent I spoke to would refuse to break an R, he says there aren't many left and it would go against the grain to do so, so very sadly, in this instance, he can't help with the part. We are however booked in to have an early cam belt change for peace of mind, an oil change and if necessary a new water pump.

We had 4 new tyres fitted to her over the weekend and the tracking done - she's driving like a dream, especially in Sports Mode!

If anyone hears of an 850 R front section going, please let me know!

Post by **JRL** » 18 Oct 2011, 08:18

Front ends are all the same
Only the BUMPER is different

Kirsty · Post by **Kirsty** » 18 Oct 2011, 09:16

Thanks JRL, its the part that sits behind the bumper, the part that houses the radiator?

Anyway, perfect, great and brilliant news: Just had a call from the repair garage and the insurance have now agreed to cover the work required!

They say they use new parts, so hopefully they won't have an issue with finding the right bit

One thing I've learnt - when the insurance company say NO and advise they will scrap your car - FIGHT BACK!

Post by **keepersboy** » 18 Oct 2011, 10:35

I've had a few times on other cars (trucks) when the insurance company wants to scrap it because repair cost, labor, is so high. I have always been able to buy the salvage back and do the repairs myself and almost always come out ahead, Although not having the damage would be best.