Car Insurance - Options When No Parts Are Available in The Country for Repair

geekcohen on 06/09/2024 - 13:46
Last edited 09/09/2024 - 16:01

Hi OzB Community!

I am sure this will be an interesting debate with many opinions, haven't found much online that discusses this specifically.

I hit a Kangaroo on 26 Jul 2024 making the car undriveable and doing what I have been told is about $20k worth of damage. Took 2 weeks for assessment and then quote approval through RACV. No choice of repairer, but that isn't an issue.

RACV approved Tuesday 13th of August.
Repaired said to give us a few days to order parts to provide an ETA.
Friday 16th of August, ETA provided of September 13th.
Rang the repair today, the 6th of September to see if all is on track to only find out that they are still waiting on a part that isn't isn't available in the country. Ford have apparently been very painful to deal with.

Car is 2022 PX3 Ford Ranger insured for $60k.

Due to the age, RACV PDS seems to indicate all new parts. I don't want a second-hand replacement I don't want a second-hand like new replacement from a wreckers, I would prefer one that is new as it is a major element. It is a part that supports the battery and other electrical components on the passenger side of the vehicle. It sounds like that to replace it, you need to dismantle a lot of the vehicle (including the radiator) before putting everything back together. So in the event there is an issue with said part, it is a lot of work. I know RACV provide a lifetime warranty, but I still don't want the grief down the track.

Anyone been in a similar situation and then eventually had the car "repair write off"? Or what happened in your scenario?

I spoke to RACV and the guy I spoke with seemed to indicate a payout, which would be great in my view, but there was no indication of how long we wait for said part before that payout occurs.

Resolved - Turns out the repairer has been able to source a part after a phone call today. All is resolved, should have the ute back end of next week.

Automotive Car Insurance Insurance

closed Comments

  • Gdsamp on 06/09/2024 - 13:50

    I don't want a second-hand replacement

    what's the second-hand part that needs replacing?

    • geekcohen on 06/09/2024 - 13:50

      It's more than second-hand with the damage caused. Maybe I should been more specific - I don't want a second-hand like new replacement from a wreckers

      • AustriaBargain on 09/09/2024 - 09:48

        Can't you just wait for the part to arrive?

    • DazMon on 07/09/2024 - 20:27
      +1

      Wow, how on earth did you misunderstand that?

  • spackbace on 06/09/2024 - 13:52
    +9

    https://www.racv.com.au/content/dam/racv-assets/documents/in…

    Parts used when repairing your vehicle
    Generally, we use the following parts to repair your vehicle. If your vehicle is:
    under 3 years, we use new genuine parts (when reasonably available)
    3 years or older, we use:
    – new genuine parts (when reasonably available), or
    – quality non-mechanical reusable parts.

    I'm gonna say they'd classify a 2021 car as 3 years or older, which means you're likely to get offered a used part

    Highly unlikely they're writing off a $60k car over $20k in repairs and a part that can't be easily obtained brand new

    • geekcohen on 06/09/2024 - 13:54

      Its technically a 2022 Build Date and that what is is insured as, but I don't want to say 2022 and people get confused between the PX3 and the Next Gen Ranger. Even registered as 2022. Its a PX3 Model, one of the last ones.

      Year
      2022
      Make
      FORD
      Body type
      UTIL

      • spackbace on 06/09/2024 - 13:55
        +7

        Ugh heaven forbid you use proper details like that when asking for opinions.

        Anyway, keywords in PDS have them covered to just offer you a used part:

        when reasonably available

        • geekcohen on 06/09/2024 - 13:57
          -8

          Even if one can be sourced and it is reasonable. The part is within the engine bay that supports the battery and fuse box which is very closed to the passenger side of the vehicle. I would say that most written off rangers would have this part damaged.

          • spackbace on 06/09/2024 - 13:58
            +9

            @geekcohen:

            I would say that most written off rangers would have this part damaged.

            You've observed many written off Ford Rangers have you?

          • ifyareckon on 06/09/2024 - 16:19
            +1

            @geekcohen: Given how little changed between the PX1/2/3 rangers over 10 or so years, there is every chance this is the same part across all models as well as the BT50 built as a rebadged ranger. Have seen many many rangers at wreckers that have not had the front end touched so seems someone needs to look a bit harder.

    • apple2016 on 08/09/2024 - 10:21
      +5

      I think what RACV meant was cash settlement of $20k instead of repairs and not write off the car for $60k.

      • NotCheap on 08/09/2024 - 11:26
        +3

        This. It'll be cash settlement rather than repair. This means they give you $20k and walk away - everything is then your problem including dealing with finding the part, costs having it at the repairer for however long it takes you or the repairer to find the part you want, the repair (which will no longer be covered by their lifetime warranty) etc.

        To be clear, you're not looking at $60k.

  • theHMASfriendship on 06/09/2024 - 13:58
    +6

    So a battery tray? Meh I'd just say yes so I can get my car back.

    • geekcohen on 06/09/2024 - 14:01
      +1

      I hit a Kangaroo on 26 Jul 2024 making the car undrivable

      car is stuffed

      • theHMASfriendship on 06/09/2024 - 14:01

        But aren’t you just waiting on that one part to do the repair?

        • geekcohen on 06/09/2024 - 14:02

          To start the repair, yes. It hasn't even been started or dismantled due to waiting for this part.

          • boomramada on 06/09/2024 - 14:11
            +3

            @geekcohen: well, you don't need a forum question, you got the answer to your own question, either way, you aren't getting your car written off unless you go find another Roo :)

            • geekcohen on 06/09/2024 - 14:15

              @boomramada: No necessarily

              I spoke to RACV and the guy I spoke with seemed to indicate a payout, which would be great in my view, but there was no indication of how long we wait for said part before that payout occurs.

              • boomramada on 06/09/2024 - 14:18

                @geekcohen: well, I guess, you need to wait and see, usually a few weeks :)

              • Dollar General on 06/09/2024 - 14:51
                +2

                @geekcohen: Is this guy authorised to make the payout? If not, it’s just called customer service to get you off the line

              • gromit on 08/09/2024 - 08:33
                +1

                @geekcohen: payout doesn't necessarily mean payout for replacement vehicle, it can be payout for the cost of repairs and then it is up to you to choose how to repair. I had this on a car about 20 years ago as part was going to be another 4 months, but unlike you I took the option of going to the wreckers and getting the part I needed.

      • joshash on 07/09/2024 - 07:49
        +1

        At first glance you wouldn't think that was 20 grand of damage.

        • pharkurnell on 07/09/2024 - 14:49

          Have a look at some of the "written off" bikes that cant ever be registered again on ebay.. You could ride many of them home if the scratches or broken blinkers didnt bother you.

          Lifetime warranty also has a lot to answer for

      • 2025 on 08/09/2024 - 19:51

        Looks like that cute little bonnet protector did its job

  • 87percent on 06/09/2024 - 14:30

    can they give you a rental until your car is repaired?

    • geekcohen on 06/09/2024 - 14:51

      Wasn't on my policy, but I have a family member's spare car (Holden Cruze), so getting around isn't a problem at the moment, no ideal, but I want my ute back. I don't want to have to wait 3 months for this stupid part. I don't want it to become a waiting game for the part.

      • Euphemistic on 06/09/2024 - 15:32
        +12

        Just get the second hand part and be done with it. If its a battery tray, its unlikely to cause any problems. Second hand mechnical parts might be a bit iffy, and id be keen for new. Panels dont really matter as itll be welded in and painted and never noticed again.

      • 87percent on 06/09/2024 - 15:44

        Can you get the second hand part and order the new part, and when it comes in, get it replaced?

      • Ciderfizz44 on 07/09/2024 - 23:05

        M8 keep the Cruze those things are bulletproof

        • Sobieski on 08/09/2024 - 21:18
          +1

          Please tell that to my Cruze.

  • holdenmg on 06/09/2024 - 14:40
    +3

    OMG, How is the Kangaroo?

    • spackbace on 06/09/2024 - 14:43
      +30

      Raygun has entered the chat

      • mapax on 06/09/2024 - 15:46
        +2

        Wait, that was meant to be a kangaroo? I only saw pictures and not video so thought it was a weird t-rex

  • CurlCurl on 06/09/2024 - 14:42
    -1

    You bought a Ford, and a Ranger at that.

    Goes with the territory I'm afraid.

    • spackbace on 06/09/2024 - 14:44
      +27

      Goes with the territory

      OP has 2 Fords?

    • holdenmg on 06/09/2024 - 14:47

      If only the OP had been going to/from the Football, eating a Meat Pie,
      hit a Kangaroo, while driving a Holden Car…

    • smartazz104 on 07/09/2024 - 18:33

      Which make and model do you recommend for hitting kangaroos with?

      • beach bum on 08/09/2024 - 13:23
        +1

        LandCruiser Ute with the 4 post Steel Bullbar .

      • Antikythera on 08/09/2024 - 17:22
        +1

        commodore. only $4k worth of damage.

  • EFC94 on 06/09/2024 - 14:58
    +1

    Could you try and source the part yourself and supply it to the repairer?

    • Mechz on 06/09/2024 - 15:32
      +7

      Yeah all you have to do is send them a link. I had the same insurance, different kangaroo.

      Honestly OP. Are you seriously worried about getting a second hand battery tray and ECU mount? It's a bent piece of metal and a few bolts.

  • JimB on 06/09/2024 - 15:06
    +6

    Car is superceded 2022 Ford Ranger insured for $60k?

    Yeah, I'd want a payout too.

    • Mechz on 06/09/2024 - 15:33

      Subconscious bias says yes.

    • geekcohen on 07/09/2024 - 11:38

      A payout would be lovely, but I would also be happy to the vehicle back! My concern is how long is all it going to take before it then goes, "we will just pay it out".

  • MS Paint on 06/09/2024 - 15:32

    What's wrong with second hand parts and panels?

  • freefall101 on 06/09/2024 - 15:54
    +16

    From what I can tell with these comments

    • OP wants a payout
    • Accepting a secondhand part would mean OP doesn't get a payout
    • Wants to know if the part taking 3 months to come from overseas will make the insurer more likely to payout to close the case, or will they screw themselves over by then having to wait 3 months to get their ute fixed
    • reactor-au on 07/09/2024 - 07:54
      +2

      Freefall101 > chat-gpt

  • Protractor on 06/09/2024 - 16:14
    +2

    Clearly the sales ppl at Ford Ranger HQ did not get the memo about how popular their brand is.You'd think there's be at least a few (new) spares to suit this repair somewhere.
    I dare say some Ozbargainers with Rangers, (with no after market frontal protection) may be giving bullbars a second thought,now.

    RIP Skippy

    • CurlCurl on 06/09/2024 - 16:19
      +1

      You'd think there's be at least a few (new) spares to suit this repair somewhere.

      Not carrying front chassis/body parts for a two year old vehicles is outrages, but than, so is the OP.

  • ifyareckon on 06/09/2024 - 16:20
    +3

    Post the exact part here. I'm the this community will find it in no time.

  • Protractor on 06/09/2024 - 17:40
    -3

    Send it to Father Teds Smash Repairs>
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4fBbhyzE9A

    • CurlCurl on 06/09/2024 - 20:47
      +2

      That's for an ancillary battery under the bonnet.

      • geekcohen on 07/09/2024 - 11:28

        And is for the Next Gen Ranger, not the PX3

  • theguru1 on 07/09/2024 - 07:19

    The car isn't new so what's the issue?

  • GordonD on 07/09/2024 - 08:31
    +3

    By the time the new part is brought into the country the car will be the 3 years old that allows them to repair it with a second hand part.

  • Bignudge on 07/09/2024 - 09:01

    I would take the payout TBH. The car will never be the same as it left from the factory assembly line.

    • geekcohen on 07/09/2024 - 11:37

      100% one of my concerns, I am concerned about a headache of electrical issues.

    • eddyah on 07/09/2024 - 20:58
      +1

      Yeah throw it in the bin and get a new one - screw the environment!

  • 82norm on 07/09/2024 - 09:17
    +1

    Install a bull bar next time.

    • geekcohen on 07/09/2024 - 11:37

      100% will, would've avoided all of this. Regretting not getting one originally.

      • gromit on 08/09/2024 - 08:35

        my brother regularly hits roos due to the roads he drives, one he hit a few years ago was so big and got him mid jump, bent the bullbar back into the car, was even more expensive repairs than hitting a roo without the bullbar.

  • pharkurnell on 07/09/2024 - 14:51
    +1

    If the car has been approved for repair, that means cheaper than paying you out…

    I cant see them changing their mind no matter what the drone said to you.

  • Kremleen on 07/09/2024 - 15:33

    Parts could take 6 months and they will still not pay you out as they are not billed for the time lost. You will need to speak to your case assessor to determine if payout is possible. Then get it in writing

  • doctordv8 on 07/09/2024 - 16:23
    +4

    Seriously dude, it is a Battery Tray with integral associated bracketry. No moving, mechanical or electrical components.

    A piece/pieces or sheet steel, pressed into shape and spot welded together.

    With correct fitting / repair methods followed there is no reason to think a 2nd hand part will fail …ever.

  • Eeples on 07/09/2024 - 16:35
    +2

    OP isn’t doing too bad considering he really isn’t getting the answers he’s looking for.

  • Analytical Therapist on 07/09/2024 - 20:39
    +6

    Good luck, I rear ended a Rav4 with my MG in Decmeber 2023. I didn't get the car back repaired unitl end ofJuly 2024. RACV straight up refused to do anything other than tell me to f**k off and wait. I ended up complaining to AFCA and got a 2k payout from RACV to drop the complaint.

  • Dyl on 08/09/2024 - 02:26

    Don't you get a hire car of a similar model while it's repaired?

    • fozzie on 08/09/2024 - 07:08

      That’s only if you have paid for that option when at fault. Not sure if hitting a Kangaroo is at fault or not.

      • meong on 08/09/2024 - 07:58

        Some insurance companies only give "up to 20 days" regardless who is at fault.

        With RACV the add-on is called "unlimited car hire" which can be converted to maximum $80 taxi per day.

        Last time my car had to be in their garage for 2 days so I just simply used their taxi for 2 days.

        • gromit on 08/09/2024 - 08:38

          When you are not at fault (and other party identified) there is no limit as it is the other persons insurance that has to make good not yours, you are entitled to not be out of pocket.

          • meong on 08/09/2024 - 08:52
            +1

            @gromit: So in this kangaroo situation then it will be similar to at fault as there are no other parties that can pay for the hire car.

            • gromit on 08/09/2024 - 08:58

              @meong: yep, exactly same as at fault.

      • Dyl on 08/09/2024 - 14:27

        Yeah idk how car insurance works, that's my Uber drivers problem

  • Oofy Doofy on 08/09/2024 - 11:16
    -2

    If you get a pay-out for this, you will be increasing the inflation of everyone else's insurance.

    It's fixable, so just get it sorted and get back on the road.

    • fozzie on 08/09/2024 - 15:01

      How is that your call as whether he should get car repaired or payout? I’m sure that insurance will do what is possible to fix, but if too long the op shouldn’t have to wait forever.

      • Oofy Doofy on 08/09/2024 - 16:06

        In this case he needs to wait until its able to be repaired. Other than that he's SOL. It's just the way it goes.

        It's a body on frame vehicle, with a little bit of damage.

    • smartazz104 on 09/09/2024 - 14:24

      you will be increasing the inflation of everyone else's insurance

      Yeah because insurance companies won't raise your premiums anyway…

  • rickdwp on 08/09/2024 - 11:48

    It's a car. It's not special. Insurance repairs are warrantied for life, who cares if non-mechanical second hand parts are used.

    Pretty obvious you just want the payout which is worth more then the car, so you can go but a new one to keep up with the Jones. Pretty typical entitled Ranger driver behaviour

  • SoapyWooder on 08/09/2024 - 13:31

    How much premium have you paid?

  • paloverde88 on 09/09/2024 - 05:32

    Thanks op, I will ensure all that I know must buy a Ford as they are lovely to deal with😀

  • Herbse on 09/09/2024 - 09:01

    I'm confused. Your car is a 2022 model with used parts. You'll be getting the same 2022 used parts to replace it?

    What makes you think you're entitled to brand new parts?

  • imurgod on 09/09/2024 - 12:32

    It's all in your PDS. Read it.

    From memory, RACV can use 2nd hand parts at their discretion.

  • geekcohen on 09/09/2024 - 16:01

    Turns out the repairer has been able to source a part after a phone call today. All is resolved, should have the ute back end of next week.

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