Technical Car broken into, where can i get it fixed cheaply?

[troubadour]

Had my car broken into yesterday, screwdrivered the passenger side lock and nicked my stereo and bag from boot.

My insurance has said if i claim through them i have to pay £350 but will get my car picked up and fixed, someone to come out and fit me a new stereo and tom tom, and £100 cheque.

I'll lose 2 years no claims too.

Is it worth it or can i get the lock fixed elsewhere cheaply(looks pretty badly damaged), and get myself a new stereo (£70) myself?

Somebody just quoted me £120 to come and fix it tomorrow.

I don't know whats best and if that's even a likely quote i'd get to fix it.

Also whats the deal with breaking into the punto via a lock and a screwdriver? What's the point in them if every Hackney crackhead can still get in?

Thanks folks

x

 

[MikeSalt]

Also whats the deal with breaking into the punto via a lock and a screwdriver?

The locks are a deterrent, but also sacrificial protection. If a Hackney crackhead cannot get through the lock, then they will start to dig into the metal around the lock, or perhaps insert a crowbar between the chassis and door, damaging both in the process. If this fails, then they come through a window, all of which are more damaging and more inconvenient than having a weak lock forced. Just don't keep any valuables in the car and remove things like stereo faceplates and sat-nav brackets. I even carry a blank parcel shelf as a boot liner, so I can swap it with my JBL-equipped (I'm cheap - I have no amp or sub but theiving scumbags will break in just for a look anyway) shelf if I am going to a rough area.

As for the locks, if you have a mk1, and can live with having a different key for that door, you can buy a full set for £45 from Fiat. The reason you have to use a different key is because you will still need to use the original one for the ignition since the immobiliser will need reprogramming otherwise. DIY fitment is reasonably easy, just be prepared to lose some of your knuckle skin to the sharp bits inside the door.