A MUM is fuming after a learner driver scraped her brand-new Audi – and she’s still facing a £75k bill almost a YEAR later.
Jo Alexander, 49, had only taken her flashy car out once before the crash – leaving the motor with a large scrape down the side.
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Clik here to view.
Driving with her daughter Lili, 12, when it happened, the mum-of-one was just grateful the crash wasn’t severe.
The car came away with a few scrapes and dents on the driver’s door.
But something Jo thought would be an easy fix turned into a battle with the insurance companies and thousands of pounds worth of bills.
Vision Vehicles pursued the claim on behalf of Jo’s insurers Direct Line.
They said multiple emails and calls were made to the other driver’s insurance company Gallagher Basset – but an agreement couldn’t be made.
Despite Jo saying she had witnesses who could prove the learner driver was to blame, neither company would admit their client was at fault.
However, the L-plate driver and the instructor did end up taking responsibility.
At the end of the lengthy process, Jo was billed £75,440 for hire cars, repairs and storage costs for the Audi.
SCRATCHED UP
Jo said she had been “tearing her hair out” over the tedious situation.
She said: “I thought I’d have my car back in a few weeks, a month at the most.
“It was just a dent and a few scratches really and I had witnesses to the accident being the other driver’s fault, so I didn’t think it would be a big deal or that there would be any complications.
“Boy was I wrong – every time I phoned or emailed I was told there were hold-ups and that I would have to be patient.
“It seems the insurance companies just weren’t speaking to each other – and just kept leaving messages and sending emails to each other, but not following them up for weeks on end.”
Jo added she felt guilty when the costs started adding up because it makes “premiums more expensive” for everyone.
The collision happened on March 28, 2022, and Jo didn’t get her car back until February 16 this year.
CRASH OUT: What to do if you've been involved in a car accident
Here's what to do if you're involved in a car crash
The AA has shared a checklist for what to do:
- Immediately after the crash, stop the car and turn off the engine
- Switch your hazard lights on
- Check for any injuries
- Call emergency services – contact the police if the road is blocked and the ambulance if anyone is hurt
- Remain calm and don’t apologise or admit fault until you know what has happened
According to the AA, if the road isn’t blocked, only call the police straight away if the drivers leave the scene without giving their details, or if you think they are under the influence.
You must tell the police about the accident within 24 hours or face a fine or points on your licence.
Make sure you:
- Exchange motoring details
- Record the make, model, colour, and number plate of the vehicles involved in the accident
Finally, phone your insurance company as soon as possible. They will ask for:
- Your policy number
- Registration of the cars involved
- Details of the drivers involved
Read more on the AA website.
Bosses at Pentagon Paint & Body, in Hatfield, Herts, carried out the repairs on her car.
They said it was “ludicrous” how long she had to wait.
A spokesman said: “We were all ready to do the work as soon as the insurance companies sorted things out – but they took almost a year.
“It only took us a few days to get the car back looking good as new and Jo has been very patient.”
Vision Vehicles said they had trouble reaching insurers at Gallagher Bassett and that messages were often not returned or were ignored.
The Sun approached Gallagher Bassett for a comment but is yet to hear back.