After a few weeks of driving round in complete bliss I am sad to say that Max (thie mini) and I came across a rather deep and large pothole which has basically done all sorts of damage to him.

He is now in the crash repair centre having new front suspension, wheel bearings, possible new front wheels, new tyres on the front, computer reset and reprogram (as all the warning lights in the car went mad, airbag light, runflat light, etc etc). They are going to check everything over and the back as well and then make sure he is all aligned.

Could be without hiim for 2 weeks, am V SAD AND ANGRY

Worst of all I have a 1.1 cc CLIO as a courtesy car !!!!!!!!!!!!!

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2002 Mini Cooper R50 in Velvet Red. Planned Mods: Bluefin Superchip, Aero Kit, Window Tints, Vented 'A' Panels, stitched leather dash (dream on)

no way that is so sad to hear! who is paying? the potholes from the ice is so bad i cant drive in a straight line through town i am crawling along monouvering around them all

Make sure that you get some pictures of the pot-hole for your insurance, as they may need to be used in a claim against the council.

Hopefully you'll get Max back fit and well very soon.

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POT HOLES! Arghhh - hit one late on Saturday night - instant puncture in one tyre, another tyre ripped and needed replacing and dented one alloy! ouch! Only one consulation - I was in my husband's company car and not my mini!! Cost to my husbands company £700+

Blimey, how many pothole related incidents have we had here recently!!!

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2008 MINI Cooper S R56
2003 BMW Z4 3.0i SE Roadster

Take loads of pics the email the council for a claim form I have been without my baby for 3 weeks and counting and after speeking to some one at the council today I have been told it's not a quick process so knowing what there like hopefully I'll have my car back by June. But I would speak to them befor going threw your insurance just so u don't loose your no claims bonus as you will get stung twice

did any of your air bags deploy?

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I love LOUD NOISES
Mods: omp strut brace, spax lowering springs, Dave.f, grs motorsport ic, milltek exhaust system, janspeed decat manifold, 17% pulley newman cam, 550cc injectors and mynes tune
Next mod power or cosmetic I still don't know yet

HI and thanks guys,

Luckily my job is working as a crash and accident investigator for motor insurance so was able to get my insurer to deal with the damage to Max through my policy without affecting my no claims. They are then going to let me take over the management of the claim and sue the council. Have taken photos and done a full LOCUS report in preparation.

NO airbags deployed Sleety but the on board computer went barmy and set off all the warning lights, dash lit up like a christmas tree.

Reckon I will be without him for about 2 weeks though. This may sound really soft for a 40 year old bloke but I had a lump in my throat when I walked away from him this morning and even patted his roof and told him all would be ok.

My wife thinks I am turning soft lol.

Will keep you all posted as to progress.

Incidentally, I am happy to give advice or guidance on dealing with insurers or claims etc if needed based on my experience and work I do.

Cheers and looking forward to L2B 2010 in May

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2002 Mini Cooper R50 in Velvet Red. Planned Mods: Bluefin Superchip, Aero Kit, Window Tints, Vented 'A' Panels, stitched leather dash (dream on)

How did you get it not to affect the no claims bonus as my estimate is up to 2600 quid which I don't have but I miss my car badly especially as my demo is now a 1. Nothing festa

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I love LOUD NOISES
Mods: omp strut brace, spax lowering springs, Dave.f, grs motorsport ic, milltek exhaust system, janspeed decat manifold, 17% pulley newman cam, 550cc injectors and mynes tune
Next mod power or cosmetic I still don't know yet

Sorry to hear this tail of woe, bloody pot holes!

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Sorry to hear about your accident, but least you have all the experience you need to deal with the claim. Bloody pot holes!

Nothing wrong with a clio though, i have one and love it to bits, but mine is a 1.6 so a little nippier.

Chris (Mr Cooper) would be exactly the same if anything happened to his MINI and can even picture him doing the same thing you did when saying goodbye for a little while.

Hope the damage is sorted asap so you can be reunited with your loved one asap!