Valet has damaged my car - what can I do?

I took my car to a valeting centre, but after collection I found they had broken the electric driver's seat. The spindle is broken due to them pushing the seat over a fire extinguisher that is located beneath itr.

They claim they could not see the extinguisher because of the car mat. They have also blamed the fault on wear and tear on the spindle as a result of the seat being moved over the extinguisher over time.

I have tried to negotiate with them in term of payment to fix the seat, but they refused and have told me to take legal action as they will not pay. What should I do?

Asked on 11 May 2016 by Paul T

Answered by Honest John
If the fire extinguisher was a standard fitting then I think a court will probably hold them liable. If it was an aftermarket fitting, then I don't thing a judge would regard it as "reasonable" for them to crawl under the seat to check before moving the seat for a routine valet.
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