Wrecked OHs mothers car...help!!

giddybootz

Hi all,

So i am (finally) learning to drive. My boyfriend's mother very kindly agreed to put me on her insurance and let me practice in her car. My boyfriends dad very kindly agreed to teach me.

I have had about 5 professional lessons before.

So I get insured on the car on Tuesday and crash it on wednesday :mad:

I took a corner too wide and was way over the middle line and was headed straight at an oncoming SUV. So i over-swerve...panic...think i might at this point have tapped the acelerator instead of the braek for a second, hop up on the curb and hear a big smash BUT manage to stop before hitting the wall.

Hit a square post box and gouged the front panel, front door and rear door....BADLY!! Oh yeah...I also smashed off the wing mirror...it's destroyed.

How do I fix this?? Do i get a panal beater or replace the doors? Where do i get a mirror? Am I the worst driver in the world?

Any help much appreciated as I want to be the one fixing this, not leaving his folks to do all the work.

Cheers

BlackWizard

Not quite the worse driver in the world, but probably one of the worst.

I can't give you any advice past that. You might need to consider talking to your insurance company if the bill is huge

What car was it?

8vjohn

Sorry to hear this, but at least nobody was hurt.
What car is it?
Any decent panel beater will assess the car and give you your best options.

kona

giddybootz wrote: »

Hi all,

So i am (finally) learning to drive. My boyfriend's mother very kindly agreed to put me on her insurance and let me practice in her car. My boyfriends dad very kindly agreed to teach me.

I have had about 5 professional lessons before.

So I get insured on the car on Tuesday and crash it on wednesday :mad:

I took a corner too wide and was way over the middle line and was headed straight at an oncoming SUV. So i over-swerve...panic...think i might at this point have tapped the acelerator instead of the braek for a second, hop up on the curb and hear a big smash BUT manage to stop before hitting the wall.

Hit a square post box and gouged the front panel, front door and rear door....BADLY!! Oh yeah...I also smashed off the wing mirror...it's destroyed.

How do I fix this?? Do i get a panal beater or replace the doors? Where do i get a mirror? Am I the worst driver in the world?

Any help much appreciated as I want to be the one fixing this, not leaving his folks to do all the work.

Cheers

CHILL!!! RELAX!! Its not the end of the world!!
Big smiley face:):):):):)


Bring it to a body shop, there are plenty in the golden pages they can assess it better than a bunch of people on the internet with no pics. If you need x2 doors a wing, wing mirror and paint, assumig that no glass is broke or any other damage id guess you are looking at the guts of e800-e1000.

Dont let this put you off from driving, get back in the saddle as quick as you can, the good thing that comes from a crash is that you now know your limits!!

God help you when the piss taking starts from the OH!

RonnieT

Ah, sh*t happens, and you're doing the right thing trying to sort it out for them.

To be honest, just take it to a bodywork guy (or a couple, if you want) and ask for a quote. They'll be able to advise you as to whether the doors want replacing or if they can be economically repaired, how long it'll take and the costs involved - don't try to work it out yourself, they do this every day, and if they can't source a mirror they'll tell you where to go.

And you're probably not the worst driver in the world. They'd have just handed the car back and asked "when will you have it ready for me to take out again ?"

EPM

No, but you shouldn't be driving on your own being as inexperienced as you are. Get some pictures up for an idea of whats done. Maybe slow down on corners so you dont go wide. Everyone makes mistakes so dont worry too much

It BeeMee

giddybootz wrote: »

How do I fix this?? Do i get a panal beater or replace the doors? Where do i get a mirror?

Get a panel beater to assess the damage first and see how much it will cost. How new/old is the car? You may be able to get a few parts from a scrapyard.

Remeber it's your "mother in law" whose insurance will be hit, she might be reluctant to put a claim in for something she didn't do herself.

Was she in the car with you when it happened?

giddybootz wrote: »

Am I the worst driver in the world?(

Not at all, we've all bent metal at some stage. Chalk it down to experience and be glad no-one got hurt. Metal can always be replaced.

homer90

kona wrote: »

CHILL!!! RELAX!! Its not the end of the world!!
Big smiley face:):):):):)


Bring it to a body shop,

Maybe let someone else bring it

Farls

Tell your boyfriend and his mother what you done and pay for the damage to be repaired properly.

Why you were driving on your own after having only 5 lessons? Your very lucky nobody was hurt and its a pity the guards weren't about. :mad:

BlackWizard

If this was a guy who posted I doubt you all would be so kind to him for maybe driving too fast around corners, not paying attention, no experienced driver with them, someone could of been killed etc.

But thank god it's a girl. Another wonderful woman driver about to enter the roads to make my driving a pleasurable experience.

peasant

BlackWizard wrote: »

If this was a guy who posted I doubt you all would be so kind to him for maybe driving too fast around corners, not paying attention, no experienced driver with them, someone could of been killed etc.

But thank god it's a girl. Another wonderful woman driver about to enter the roads to make my driving a pleasurable experience.

Would you like some tar and feathers with your post, Sir ?

Rovi

Where did the OP state that they were driving unaccompanied?

kona

BlackWizard wrote: »

If this was a guy who posted I doubt you all would be so kind to him for maybe driving too fast around corners, not paying attention, no experienced driver with them, someone could of been killed etc.

But thank god it's a girl. Another wonderful woman driver about to enter the roads to make my driving a pleasurable experience.

While I agree with you, I dont think shouting abuse and telling her she is a **** driver is going to Improve things, she has alot to learn, and how the hell do you know it wasnt caused by a bald tyre in the wet leading to understeer?? In that case its not the OP fault at all. Im sure plenty of people here drove unaccompanied while on a L plate so cop the **** on.

IMO you need confidence on the roads, lots of people are nervous due to the amount of ****ing retarded gob****es on the road who because they drive a bigger car or are older,they think they own the road, there would be alot less nervous and stupid drivng if everybody had some road manners and consideration.

BlackWizard

Rovi wrote: »

Where did the OP state that they were driving unaccompanied?

Sorry, I should of kept typing maybe before all the points. Just bad English I guess.

peasant

Can we get this thread back on topic now please?

Help is what the OP was looking for, remember?

BlackWizard

kona wrote: »

IMO you need confidence on the roads, lots of people are nervous due to the amount of ****ing retarded gob****es on the road who because they drive a bigger car they think they own the road, there would be alot less nervous and stupid frivng if everybody had some road manners and consideration.

Oh really? You should ban all the "big cars" then. And that's completely off topic and potentially leading this discussion WAY off course. I shouldn't even be replying to it.

Paulw

Farls wrote: »

Why you were driving on your own after having only 5 lessons? Your very lucky nobody was hurt and its a pity the guards weren't about. :mad:

I think you need to re-read the OP. She was NOT driving unaccompanied. She said her boyfriend's dad was teaching her.

Not much the Gardai would have done.

peasant

Ahh ...ffs

people please stick to the topic (i.e offer help) or else just shut up !

BlackWizard

I suppose I can draw myself to giving some advice. Give up driving Na Im kidding. Learn from it and don't do it again. Maybe you should consider going to a skid course to learn more about card handling and overcome any fears you now might have of driving.

And let your boyfriend and family know about the accident. Let them get the car repaired and you foot the bill. Your boyfriends Dad should have a bit more experience in getting the car repaired by the right crowed or potentially even getting it done at a decent price.

giddybootz

Farls wrote: »

Why you were driving on your own after having only 5 lessons? Your very lucky nobody was hurt and its a pity the guards weren't about. :mad:

BlackWizard wrote: »

If this was a guy who posted I doubt you all would be so kind to him for maybe driving too fast around corners, not paying attention, no experienced driver with them, someone could of been killed etc.

But thank god it's a girl. Another wonderful woman driver about to enter the roads to make my driving a pleasurable experience.

Woah woah woah.....I was practicing WITH my OHs dad in the car beside me, fully insured, i was paying attention, it just happened and i'm sick about it.

I know i was so lucky not to hit the other car and it really honestly wasn't fast enough to have hurt anyone on impact. I'm in shock that at such a relativly low speed I could do such bad damage. The car still runs and the steering wasn't affected thank god.

Ok so i will start looking up body shops or panel beaters (?) and arrange to get the car dropped in for a quote/advice.

The guy in the SUV was really nice to me (i guess coz i missed his car ) and said that it was just a little mistake and i probably would have been ok if i hadn't panicked and swerved SO sharply.

kona

BlackWizard wrote: »

Oh really? You should ban all the "big cars" then. And that's completely off topic and potentially leading this discussion WAY off course. I shouldn't even be replying to it.

but you are replying because you want to. ill make a educated guess that:

You are possibly middle aged.
You drive a Status Symbol.

So statistically speaking you have a greater chance of being one of these arseholes who are just about above taxi drivers in my table of gob****e drivers. Judging by your views on the OP id say you are.
That said not all middle aged drivers and taxi drivers are gob****es.


also, No I wouldnt ban any cars, each to their own. Id ban the Gob****es driving them that are detatched from reality. :rolleyes:

Anan1

First off, don't panic - accidents do happen. I'm assuming from your first post that your BF's father was in the car with you when it happened? If so, how would he & his wife like to deal with it?

giddybootz

Anan1 wrote: »

First off, don't panic - accidents do happen. I'm assuming from your first post that your BF's father was in the car with you when it happened? If so, how would he & his wife like to deal with it?

Yeah he was with me. Ah they are actually the two nicest sweetest calmest people I have ever known. They do so much for me and I just feel terrible leaving them a mess to clean up. I just feel I should be doing more than just handing over cash.

The car is an 8 year old Opel Ageila so I'm lucky there that it wasn't something newer or fancier!!

Basically I just am looking for recommendations for good places to bring the car in the Dublin 12 area. Didn't sleep very well so sorry if my posts aren't very clear!

BlackWizard

Is there any chance it's a write off? How much is the car worth?

giddybootz

His mam doesn't want to claim off the insurance as she had an accident about 6 weeks ago and claimed then. Car was fixed up nice as new and then i get in it

hobochris

You'd probably replace it cheaper then you would fix it TBH. depends on how bad the damage is.

Paulw

You're just unfortunate.

I can understand their lack of desire to claim insurance.

Cars are designed to crumple and damage like that, so as to protect the people inside.

Try contacting Kennelworth Motors in Harolds Cross and ask them if they could recommend a garage to look at the car.

It might be an expensive lesson, but hopefully it won't dent your confidence too much.

david

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Agila/1.0/200904191577778/advert
Zing.

You probably won't fix it any cheaper

giddybootz

david wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Agila/1.0/200904191577778/advert
Zing.

You probably won't fix it any cheaper

And it is even in her favourite colour!! Thanks...I'll show her!

david

giddybootz wrote:

Thanks...I'll show her!

Glad to be of assistance, but...

giddybootz wrote: »

And it is even in her favourite colour!!

:eek:

Farls

Paulw wrote: »

I think you need to re-read the OP. She was NOT driving unaccompanied. She said her boyfriend's dad was teaching her.

Not much the Gardai would have done.

I picked it up from a previous post, my mistake!

Wrong side of the road going around a bend constitutes as dangerous driving at worst or driving without due care and attention at least. Both driving offences carrying different penalties.

I still think that due to the OP being a girl she is getting treated a lot more different than if a lad posted the same.

As for the post on people driving larger cars owning the road...that is ridiculous.

rocknchef

giddybootz wrote: »

And it is even in her favourite colour!! Thanks...I'll show her!

hope she goes for this color at least we will all know the op is coming and we can mount the foot paths and let her turn the corner.

you said your mother in law had it at the garge 6weeks ago why not bring it back to the same place if they done a good job.

and dont worry we all make mistakes. once we learn from them its all good:D

giddybootz

rocknchef wrote: »

hope she goes for this color at least we will all know the op is coming and we can mount the foot paths and let her turn the corner.

Ha ha that had me laughing for the first time since it happened!! Thanks!!

thegen

BlackWizard wrote: »

If this was a guy who posted I doubt you all would be so kind to him for maybe driving too fast around corners, not paying attention, no experienced driver with them, someone could of been killed etc.

But thank god it's a girl. Another wonderful woman driver about to enter the roads to make my driving a pleasurable experience.

Wow the assumption it was a girl, could be a gay couple but more likell a young girl looking for help not to be slagged off. Anyway I am sure we all made mistakes when learning to drive. I know I did.

Anyway, no one was hurt. Ask around where you live, normally at least one bodyshop local. If you post your general whereabouts you might get some names from people on here, with good recommendations

brian076

As other posters have said don't panic, but the important thing is that you get driving again asap. However for most people 5 lessons would not be enough to go out on the rd without dual controls, and I think your accident proved this.

I would suggest that you take another 4 or 5 lessons before attempting to drive a car without dual controls.

furtzy

Would recommend these guys

Crofton Motors
Crofton Motors, Dublin 12, Are Crash Repair Specialists and Handle All Aspects of Car Repairs and Servicing Crofton Motors

18 Sundrive Road
Kimmage
Dublin 12 Tel: 1800 200 720
Mobile: 01 4921833
Fax: 01 4921665

Very reasonable and good quality work. I've used them myself and was very happy with them

x in the city

That sounds a write off from the OPs account of the accident

no point getting it fixed

get a 2nd hand one as mentioned previously

giddybootz

Here ya go......have a look at my shame

crash1.jpg

crash2.jpg

crash3.jpg

crash4.jpg

crash6.jpg

giddybootz

crash7.jpg

So.....it's in bits right?!?

Jip

Pics 3 and 7 looks like someone tried to peal it open with a giant tin opener.

Gary ITR

Would cost more than the car is worth to fix I would imagine

Thoie

It is a bit, but get the quotes anyway just in case. It might work out cheaper to ask the owner if she'd mind the green one instead

If hers has lower mileage and various other things, it might be best to repair, even if it doesn work out more expensive.

Pedro K

The damage would definately cost more to repair than the car is worth when you factor in labour etc.

You'd probably be better off going route 2 and getting another car of the same year.

giddybootz

Oh god...she is gonna hate my face!! oh yeah did I mention it was my boyfriends birthday yesterday too?!?

Thaks guys and gals!!

mik_da_man

If you get her the green one maybe you could use the silver one
Stick a new mirror on it and use it to learn in?
Not being mean but chances are you might have one or 2 more little bumps/scrapes while you are learning.
It happens us all

Anan1

mik_da_man wrote: »

If you get her the green one maybe you could use the silver one
Stick a new mirror on it and use it to learn in?
Not being mean but chances are you might have one or 2 more little bumps/scrapes while you are learning.
It happens us all

That's actually a pretty good plan. The ripped panels would have to be sealed, but it's nothing a tub of Isopon and a tin of silver Hammerite wouldn't sort out.:)

Muckie

You were very lucky not to get hurt.

So basically the damage is a front wing and the front and rear passanger

door, if that was me i'd see about getting the doors replaced, maybe the

wing too. Changed the Mother-in laws passanger doors recently(similar

damage) €70 a door. Took an hour to do.

Maybe try a few breaker yards before you buy another car.

giddybootz

Cool thanks for the advice!

Nameajaysus

Just wondering how ya got on? Did you end up going with buying another car?