My car was damaged in my work car park

Two months ago I purchased a brand new Ford Fiesta.

Last week, whilst my car was parked in my work car park, another colleague drove into it and damaged my rear bumper (taking off roughly an inch of paint). The person did not leave a note and upon noticing the damage I sent an e-mail to the business and the responsible party did come forward - claiming she did not know whose car it was (although we have a registration log on our intranet and my new numberplate was on this) and that she did not think there was any damage to my vehicle.

I sought a quote from my Ford garage to have the damage repaired - approx £250. She felt this was 'too expensive for the damage' and asked me to get another quote - which I have done with another 2 garages - quotes ranging from £150 to £250 and all recommending removing the bumper, scraping off the damage and re-spraying.

The responsible party has however sent a photo of the damage to another independent company and has had a quote for £70 - and she feels this is fair for the damage and refuses to go to another garage or claim off her insurance.

I am surprised at the low quote and alarm bells are ringing at this. As the car is new, I do understandably want proper, quality repair work and not just a patch up.

Asked on 12 May 2011 by I love JJ

Answered by Honest John
Tell the person that if she does not agree to your quotes you will sue her personally. Do NOT inform your insurer.

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