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Is a dealer liable for theft from my car while in their care?

My Kia was dropped off at main dealer in Canterbury and 9 hours later picked up where we were informed the rear exhaust was missing.

The dealer will not repair until we pay the £800. My question is do dealers who have possession of your vehicle responsible for damage or theft from it?

Asked on 4 December 2023 by Michael

Answered by David Ross
While garages have a legal duty to look after your vehicle while it is in their care, they are only responsible for damage or theft if it can be proved that they were negligent in this duty of care. Additionally, many garages will have signs indicating that vehicles are left on the premises at the owner's risk, so it may be difficult to prove that they failed in this duty.

However, if you do feel that the garage was negligent and they are refusing to replace the stolen parts, we would suggest writing a letter of complaint by recorded post to the dealer, to Kia UK and if required contacting The Motor Ombudsman to complain.
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