by dapinky » Tue 25.07.2017, 11:59
I too would be upset (as in livid) - and human nature is to take it out on someone who is to blame for the situation.
Whilst it doesn't actually help, it would make you feel better. I hope that in the course of time the other party will see that any anger displayed is not actually a personal assault, but a venting of frustration, and we may all respond the same.
At the same time, she was at fault, she has complied with the law regarding her responsibilities, and has acted (so far) in a way which surprises many of us on here - are we realists or cynics? It's a sad reflection on modern society that many (probably most) drivers would try to get away with it if they were at fault.
Contrary to much of the above (although I fully accept where they are coming from with the advice), I would be very wary about dealing directly with the other driver. Don't discount the idea, but think it through.
First thing is to get a proper estimate from someone who is skilled in fibreglass repairs - if there is a crack, then it will need a proper repair, not just a skim of filler. Many garages are 'skilled' in bolting a new panel on and spraying it, not necesarily in repair work. Also, bear in mind that if the collision was hard enough to cause a crack, then there is a chance of unseen damage to the fibreglass under the paint in the panel, which you may not see at this stage.
Getting a metallic paint to blend in and match is a skill in itself, so I would suggest that any 'agreement' that the other driver may give initially to pay (if she thinks it will be just a matter of touching up a small area) will soon dissapear if presented with a large (realistic) estimate for a good repair.
There are good repairers out there, but I can't recommend one near to you as I have never looked into the area - if you have a local Lotus/TVR/Marcos garage, ask them for a recommendation - or (strange though it may sound) a boat repairer may well be the best route.
If you have a 'standard' insurance policy the process is the same as if you have a 'classic' policy, but the outcomes may be different.... a 'standard' policy is often less accomodating than a classic insurer, but don't let them bully you into accepting what they are prepared to offer you - you are NOT bound to get the vehicle repaired at their 'Approved Repairer' - and many garages would just say that new panels cannot be obtained, so they won't do the work (they work to very rigid costing and won't do any more work than they are paid for). It all looks repairable from the pictures, given the skills reqired.
I am happy to recommend the guy who did the repairs and paint on mine, but he is in Clevedon so a more local place would probably suit you better if you can find one.