Peugeot Partner - Car damaged in car wash

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Tue 5 Aug 2014 08:03
Peugeot Partner - Car damaged in car wash - iamafreeman

Yesterday my car was damaged by the end barrier of a car wash suffering quite deep scratches to the front, offside front wing, headlamp glass and door mirror.

I'm awaiting the owners response to my claim but the attendant mentioned getting the scratches "polished" out but can I insist on a respray of the affected areas - not a total respray I hasten to add - as polishing out is not something I would willingly accept?

As for the headlamp glass can I reasonably expect a replacement unit as I assume the glass isn't available on its own?

Is it advisable to inform my insurer now or see what the carwash are prepared to do to fix the damage first?

Any thoughts or advice gratefully received.

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Tue 5 Aug 2014 09:08
Peugeot Partner - Car damaged in car wash - brighteyes
Inform your insurance company and leave it with them to sort out. The only thing you'll have to do concerns any excess you have which you have to pay then claim back which is fairly straight forward just make sure you get a receipt for the excess and send it with the relevant paperwork to the car wash insurance. All the details should be supplied by your insurer and by and large they are usually fairly helpful with advice too. Don't forget you can also claim any additional costs such van hire especially if you use your van for business. One last thing, make sure you keep a copy of ALL communications concerning your claim.
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Wed 6 Aug 2014 20:50
Peugeot Partner - Car damaged in car wash - iamafreeman

Surely whether I get the excess back depends on whether the carwash operator admits liability because if they don't that's that, basically.

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Thu 7 Aug 2014 10:55
Peugeot Partner - Car damaged in car wash - Armitage Shanks {p}

Most car washes I have been in have some weasel worded disclaimer re damage caused by one's use of the machine

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Thu 7 Aug 2014 12:04
Peugeot Partner - Car damaged in car wash - brighteyes
As far as I am aware all business's, especially those in the public service, must have public liability insurance. They are also charged with a "duty of care". Your insurance company is far better placed to claim against their insurance providing you followed all the relevant instructions (eg removing your aerial) that are deemed reasonable. Once they have made their claim and assuming it is successful then the door is open for you to walk in with your claim for your excess and any other reasonable costs.
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Sat 9 Aug 2014 11:34
Peugeot Partner - Car damaged in car wash - iamafreeman

Well I have taken the car to a body shop on the instructions of the insurer and it will cost a little over £500.

I am not a little displeased that through no fault of my own I am £150 down because of my excess and no doubt my premium will be suitably raised next year even though I have no claims bonus protection.

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Sat 9 Aug 2014 15:05
Peugeot Partner - Car damaged in car wash - FP

"...through no fault of my own I am £150 down because of my excess..."

As has been pointed out above, you may be able to reclaim your excess:

"Once they have made their claim and assuming it is successful then the door is open for you to walk in with your claim for your excess and any other reasonable costs."

"...no doubt my premium will be suitably raised next year even though I have no claims bonus protection."

Probably, yes. That's what happens when you make a claim.

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Sat 9 Aug 2014 22:36
Peugeot Partner - Car damaged in car wash - galileo

Well I have taken the car to a body shop on the instructions of the insurer and it will cost a little over £500.

I am not a little displeased that through no fault of my own I am £150 down because of my excess and no doubt my premium will be suitably raised next year even though I have no claims bonus protection.

Through no fault of ours wife is £75 window excess out of pocket as her car (and 4 others nearby) had windows broken in the small hours of last Friday night. No chance of claiming it back from criminal scrotes who will a) probably never be caught b) if caught will only receive a 'slap on wrist' type punishment.

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