Pot hole damage to mini (dealership damaged my car)

[jus3454]

Few days ago went through massive pothole, scratched alloys left side back and front with gash on front tyre. Took it to m8ni dealer to be looked at, wouldn’t let me come in servicing bay which was like a mile a way, had stranger driving my car. After 30 mins car comes back the plastic seal on wheel arch is scuffed and bit of bottom bumper. Said to the guy you hit my car, his exact words were there a massive door at front with automatic closing door and service bays have loads of room around. There checking there cctv  at the moment but I am gobsmaked taking my car for damage to get more of it, especially synther massive bmw dealer in the uk.......... anyone, mechanics tell me how this damage could of occurred  and how to take this further 

[huffo]

You are on a hiding to nothing.

The dealership either did it, or they didn’t. If they check CCTV and find that they did do it, they probably will confess and sort it out for you, but if they don’t confess, or indeed if they didn’t do it, it’s your word against theirs, and you have no evidence.

You either need to ignore the damage, or get it fixed at your own expense and move on with your life. You are unlikely to have any legal recourse against the dealer.

Sorry! Life’s shite like that sometimes.

[remmington]

Dec 5, 2020 0:55:21 GMT 1 jus3454 said:

Few days ago went through massive pothole, scratched alloys left side back and front with gash on front tyre. Took it to m8ni dealer to be looked at, wouldn’t let me come in servicing bay which was like a mile a way, had stranger driving my car. After 30 mins car comes back the plastic seal on wheel arch is scuffed and bit of bottom bumper. Said to the guy you hit my car, his exact words were there a massive door at front with automatic closing door and service bays have loads of room around. There checking there cctv  at the moment but I am gobsmaked taking my car for damage to get more of it, especially synther massive bmw dealer in the uk.......... anyone, mechanics tell me how this damage could of occurred  and how to take this further 

Ask for a copy of the CCTV footage....?


I do - when customers ask for it - I have nothing to hide - then I charge them a £40 admin charge for the time it takes to find the footage!


If we damage cars - we repair them - it does happen (not often thou!).


To be honest CCTV is a "God send" - as most of the damage we are accused of - does not happen on our premises!

[jeoff82]

The dealer I work at always pays for any damage the customers claim has happened on site. Even when I know it hasn't especially if I have worked on the car. Almost happens weekly that a customer accuses me or another colleague that we have damaged their car. Whenever someone has damaged a car I have always seen my colleagues own up to it as no-one gets in trouble for accidents, they just happen sometimes.

[studabear]

Dec 8, 2020 22:24:41 GMT 1 jeoff82 said:

The dealer I work at always pays for any damage the customers claim has happened on site. Even when I know it hasn't especially if I have worked on the car. Almost happens weekly that a customer accuses me or another colleague that we have damaged their car. Whenever someone has damaged a car I have always seen my colleagues own up to it as no-one gets in trouble for accidents, they just happen sometimes.

That's a bit of roll over and die tactics tbh, it fuels the pricks that think they can kick and scream to get something for free. 100% own up and fix your own accidents but rolling over is awful.

I work for a big firm which also rolls over.

[jeoff82]

Yer it is frustrating but it's not my decision. I went out to confront a customer last week because he accused me of denting his bonnet. Lucky for me the general manager was already talking with the guy otherwise I'd end up losing my temper. The dent is a £40 job for the dent guy so I guess it's not worth all the hassle for the company,

[remmington]

To be honest - I don't often pay out for damage - it just does not happen that much. Maybe once a year or less - but truthfully I reckon the last one I paid for was two/three years ago.


What we get a lot of is - and CCTV is a "godsend": Is customers driving into other customers cars in the car park when parking. Some own up it - some don't!

This is awkward for us! Private property - both parties are our paying customers.

[voicey]

I have a special line in my accounts for this - "Avoidable Mistakes"!  Stuff happens and we own up and fix it.  Mostly scuffs to bumpers where they've been mishandled on removal but had to sort a ding in a wing earlier this year from an errant hammer! I've even been responsible myself when I forgot the bonnet latch was clicked closed but the bonnet was open.  The wipers operated when the key was turned on and scratched the bonnet.  I just own up, apologise and fix it.  Every single customer has been grateful for this approach.

I operate a no-blame culture and encourage staff to own up to mistakes.  I'd rather fix the problem before the car goes out the door than have to deal with the customer finding a concealed issue.

[Karl]

Can you show us the pictures of the damage


Sounds like it would have been petty extensive damage to notice immediately

[oli]

Are you quoting him verbatim when you say “his exact words were”? If so, the poor b*gger’s got far bigger worries than bumping your car!

I’d be amazed if it was worth their while to try to dodge responsibility for something and open themselves up to hostile publicity when they have access to repair facilities at cost price.

I’d write them a letter in an open and civilised tone and see where it gets you.

Could the damage have been done when you hit the pot hole? (As Karl said, it’s difficult to visualise without a picture)

If you have no joy, then as just said, move on. I’m afraid accidental damage by others is one of those inevitable risks of car ownership, however galling.