Help! Verso Engine Blew Up!

[dean11]

Hi all,

Ive just joined as I need some advice..

my friend had an '05 Corolla Verso D4D. It was parked on the drive, they were in house. They heard a noise, only to find their engine was on fire..this is like a roaring fire...the fire brigade put out the fire and the car got taken for investigation. This car was bought brand new so should still have warranty....anyway - it has now gone through the insurance who are refusing to pay out as they say it is Arson..but the chief fire inspector has ruled this out as there is no evidence of tampering with the car and has linked the fire to an electrical fault.

It has also been to another top engineer who says the same thing. This report has somehow leaked to the dealers, who are denying all responsibility and she is just getting lip service..basically she is getting nowhere,

She has now hired a solicitor to look into things for her, but was wondering if anyone on here has heard of this happening?? and could shed some light?

The insurance and dealers dont want to know as they are still adamant it was arson...although ALL the evidence suggests otherwise. :ffs:

[mr2gti]

Hmmm, I work at a Mr T and this is a new one on me.

Warranty cost's the dealership nothing, infact they MAKE money so that ain't an issue.

Tell your friend to ring TOYOTA direct on 01737 363633 and ask for CUSTOMER RELATIONS and start a claim.

No promise but they are soft, and adverse publicity would hurt them. In a court of law, THEY (Toyota and Insurance) would have to prove it was arson, as you would have to prove a fault. engineers can investigate and prove faults.

It is all about leaning on the big boys at the right time. It will take time but it'll come good in the end.

[dean11]

thanks for that..I hope it does get sorted, the engineers started asking questions like "was the alarm factory fitted" and other alarm questions.

She has no car at the moment, insurance wont give courtesy car due to the circumstances..so the sooner its sorted the better!

[mr2gti]

Thats the only issue, but she's doing right involving a solicitor, ears will ubik-up and things get done.

Any idea's what part of the car has the finger of blame from the guys already who's looked at it?

[dean11]

As far as I know - its been linked to an electrical fault, but she hasnt gone into much detail with me. I think its relating to the alarm from the questioning she got. Couldnt be sure though. She has had to buy the engineers report for the insurance company..she has been offered a pay out for the car, but then she cannot take it any further if she accepts. Obviously she wants to resolve it and wants to know what the fault is. Rather than be silenced by a 'pay out'

[Red Yaris 54]

..she has been offered a pay out for the car, but then she cannot take it any further if she accepts.

Surely that is the idea of insurance......................to pay out in the case of total loss