I've taken a car to an HJ recommended garage and they've crashed it. If they'd phoned to say it happened, fair enough. But only when I called them did they let me know, 3 days after the accident. In the first story a lorry had run into the back of it. In the second a member of staff had driven it into a pillar.
I was willing to pay £120 over the lowest quote because I reckoned they'd be good, God help me. But when I asked if they'd make a damage report or insurance claim available I was told 'No'. I was unable to examine the car, and no deduction will be made from my bill.
Please help.
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You serious? They crashed your car while it was in the garage for some work, didn't tell you about it immediately and now are saying that they will not compensate/repair/claim on their insurance over the matter and are still going to charge you for the work they did/doing on the car?
I'm not sure exactly what I'd do but it seems that what they are trying to pull is not legal!
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Tell your insurance company that the garage have crashed it. They will deal with the garage's insurers and you should be able to get an alternative car. Go to the garage even if it is a real pain to get there and have a look at the car and take photos. Don't tell them you are going as it stops them hiding it before you get there.
I would also contact your local trading standards or CAB and find out where you stand exactly. I would also write to HJ and outline the story and tell them which garage it was and they will likely be removed from the list (hopefully costing them a small fortunate in lost business).
teabelly
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Maz,
Not exactly clear where the car is now and what they intend to do. Is it that they have sent it to be repaired and the only hassle is that they didn't tell you and you can't see it until it's finished?
I would inform my own insurance company but make it very clear it was for information only. You may well find your private policy covers your car in the garage and you don't want to claim on that! Also you may find their trade insurance doesn't cover the exact circumstance of the damage so beware they might be having a cheap job done or even try to deny liability.
M.M
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Agree with Teabelly (still love that name BTW!).
Of course accidents can happen but the garage's actions seem absurd to say the least. It's almost unbelievable!
To be credible any such guide must be subject to review and although it's impractical for HJ to constantly check and monitor every name on the list I'm sure he'll be happy to look into this and take appropriate action.
In the meantime follow the advice above. Good luck.
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Leaving aside the important issue of the crash, I don't feel the absence of any phone call is surprising. My experience is that it is an unusual garage that makes its own phone calls. Unless it is to get something out of YOU, of course.
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Just to clarify, I paid a surprise visit to the Garage last Saturday, but the car was not with them. It was said to be at the bodyshop which was closed. I was promised a call by the middle of this week but have heard nothing.
My overall impression is that they think I'm a fool.
I will contact Trading Standards and HJ today. I'd just bought the car and took it straight to the garage, although it's covered third party on an existing policy it has not specifically been insured.
Thanks for the advice so far.
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Maz - it certainly undermines your faith in the garage. What was the damage ?. Perhaps it was just a broken bumper or something, and they think 'what you don't know can't hurt you' - not right, but understandable
On the subject of the good garage guide, remember, they are recommendations from us Backroomers, not from HJ, so don't give him to much grief - his ears are probably still ringing with moans about popups !
just 'cos I know what I'm saying doesn't mean I know what I'm talking about
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