My 2003 Audi A3 Caught Fire : Insurance/Audi?

Question

I loved my A3, I got it last summer and had owned it for approximatly one and a half years. I bought it from a main audi dealer, with a years warrenty ect. When it needed servicing I got it serviced by audi, any work that needed doing I had done. It had only done around 62,000 miles and was not due for another service.

On wednesday, the car was handling fine. It wasent making any strange noises. There were no strange smells and the car seemed to be in perfect Condition.

On my way home from work, after approximatly 5 mins of driving I was exiting a roundabout at around 20-25mph when white smoke started pouring from the front heating vents that heat the windscreen.

Quite alarmed by this I pull over on the sliproad to the a130. I turn the engine off and put the hazard lights on. My first thought was to call the RAC, thinking that the best thing to do would be to get it towed...

While I was looking for the number, the smoke started to turn black, so I imediatly rang for the fire brigade. While I was on the phone to them, small yellow flames quickly became very big yellow flames.

The fire eventually must have burned through the handbreak and the car started to roll back down the hill and if the wheels had not have been turned could quite easilly have taken out a police car!

I should hear from my insurance company soon. If they dont offer me enough to get something similar (not really sure if I want another a3 now!!) I'm not really sure what i'll do. Does anyone have any advice for me? Do I have a leg to stand on with audi (car was out of warrenty by about 6 months)

I mean, owning a 5 year old car you expect the odd "unexpected" bill for a part or whatever. What you do not expect is for your "quality car" to burst into flames for absolutly no reason whatsoever.

Has anyone else had anything similar to this happen to them? Has anyone heard of this happening to anyone??

If the insurance dont give me what I would call "fair market value" what other options do I have? Can you ask for an identicle replacement instead? (or as close to as possible)

Since the car was out of warrenty, do I have a legal leg to stand on if I want to seek some kind of compensation/money off a new car from audi!?

Answer 1

Once you figure out what went wrong check to see if there are any recalls, You could also hound audi about this being a safety hazard.

Answer 2

You will find there's no average costs simply because there's no average location and no average policy/situation. The way in which people do so, they ask an insurer, the insurance will ask questions about their situation, their vehicle, driving experience etc etc thereafter they'll get a quote. You'll be able to do this over the phone, in person or via several comparing websites. RE: Car insurance? Audi a3? Finance? I'm just wondering how much would the insurance be? Would they give me a deal or could it be cheaper on my dads? Thanks. Btw I've never had a car or insurance before

Answer 3

sorry about your car.