Auckland journalist Wilhelmina Shrimpton shares update after car sideswiped in Kingsland
She used her skills as a broadcaster to search for a resolution to the incident.
She says her insurance excess has been waived as a result.
Auckland-based journalist Wilhelmina Shrimpton believes the culprit who sideswiped her car in Kingsland has been identified.
The broadcaster was out for dinner with her fiancé and friends in Kingsland on the night of April 19.
After dining at a restaurant for a few hours, the pair found someone had sideswiped her CX5 SUV while it was parked on New North Rd.
The alleged driver left a note with only a phone number attached, telling Shrimpton they didn't have insurance.
Shrimpton said it failed to give further information, so she decided to take matters into her own hands.
Drawing on her broadcasting experience, she got in front of the camera on Instagram as she went back 'to the scene of the crime' to door-knock homes and businesses and look for clues.
She managed to obtain a number plate, which allowed her to identify the car as a Toyota Prius.
In her latest Instagram story, Shrimpton said the alleged driver's details were recently passed on to her insurance company.
'This week, we received a text from AA Insurance telling us our excess had indeed been waived, leading us to believe those details were true and correct.'
Shrimpton told the viewers her 'munched up' car couldn't be fixed until May 20. Fortunately, she's been loaned a Volvo XC60 as a temporary replacement.
'Let me tell you this, let me tell you this now: This sister sure as hell won't be parking anytime in Kingsland.'
Earlier, the Kiwi broadcaster told the Herald the ordeal has highlighted just how much New Zealanders need better insurance protections to feel safe and drive confidently on the roads.
New Zealand doesn't have compulsory vehicle insurance, largely as ACC covers the injury-related side of costs.
Despite all the trouble, Shrimpton enjoyed making light out of the situation and talking to people who loved seeing her return to their screens.
'When life gives you lemons, make a G&T and have a laugh.'
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