Day 235 / 2014 - Awning v Wind... Update

The insurance company called by 9am on Monday they asked if there was a prefered repairer we would like to use. We asked if we could ring a couple of places to see if they would be interested and get back to them.

We tried to contact someone local there is a caravan service centre in Roma but he wasn't to keen and couldn't give us a time frame. He also said we would have to pay him for any work then we claim it off the insurance company. We called a Caravan service company in Dubbo who could do the antenna and awning they said it would take some time as they would need to see the damage make the assessment then quote for the repairs.

Anne really wanted Retreat in Melbourne to replace the awning and fix the walls. The guy in Dubbo said they could fix the antenna then insurance company would call this a temporary fix then when we get to Melbourne Retreat could fix the rest. We sent photos of the damage so that the repairer from Dubbo could quote to replace the antenna.

Our main concern was being able to get moving again our last hurdle was what to do with the old awning. We couldn't carry it as it was to long to fit inside the van. We contacted the insurance company and asked them what to do with the damaged awning they said if it cannot be repaired then it could be disposed of but only the repairer could make that decision. They would contact Retreat Caravans send them the photos of the damage then get them to call us back. Retreat called we discussed the damage and they said they would send a quote for the repair and that the old awning would not be used and we could dispose of it. The caravan park managers very kindly disposed of it for us.

I was quite inpressed how quickly our insurer RACWA and their interstate partner Inovation Group dealt with our claim and when any issues cropped up resolved them quickly. I was also impressed with both B & C Caravans in Dubbo and Retreat Caravans in Melbourne in how they organised enough of the quoting process so we could get moving again. The next stage will be how quickly the insurance company approves the quotes so we can get the repairs done.

Will keep you posted.