Kids damaged car - advice on how to get adult to pay

jimmy_cricket

Hi all,
I'm looking for a bit of advice. The next door neighbour had visitors who had foster kids in tow who damaged my car. I don't know how and the only reason that I knew the damaged had happened is that the adult responsible for them knocked and explained.
I have had the car repaired but cannot get this person to pay the bill - not a lot considering the damage £180. They suggest that I need to claim from the LA as these were foster kids but whenever I ask for the forms they are not forthcoming.
Has anyone had anything similar? Or any good suggestions on how to move this forward?

Cheers
JC

Hammyman

How to move it forward? Solicitor letter.

jimmy_cricket

What would a solicitor be likely to charge as I'm not sure if this would be a financially viable option and whether I would just be spending more money that I would be unlikely to get back

kataddey

try your insurers - if you have legal cover they will have solicitors who can help you out

shuaibf

Yep i agree solicitors woud be best way to me it looks like he's trying to drag it on and saying a load of excuses

muckybutt

similar experience, I had a rock thrown at car whilst moving which hit windscreen, managed to get the kid and reported it / them to police, police had a word with the lads parents and said criminal damage etc juvenile record blah blah, kids parents asked for two quotes for repair which I did and they paid up.

Get plod involved and get a crime ref number then tell next door neighbour that you will press charges for crim damage unless he pays up, they as the guardian of the child at that time would be responsible for the childs actions at the time im sure....thats what I would do anyhow

devon_scouse

Dont know if this is of any use. Few years ago my son went into back of car on his bike only 10 at time.I claimed on house insurance under public liability section

vaio

are parents legally responsible for damage their children do?

Harry_Flashman

Damn well should be!

olly300

vaio wrote: »

are parents legally responsible for damage their children do?

Yes in some circumstances.

anewman

muckybutt wrote: »

similar experience, I had a rock thrown at car whilst moving which hit windscreen, managed to get the kid and reported it / them to police,

How did you manage to avoid a charge of assault/sexual assault etc to the child? You just have to lay a finger on them and you're looking at a custodial sentence these days.

And yes - parents should pay more attention to what their kids are doing. If the kids have no plans to do something constructive/useful then it's only likely they'll be getting up to no good.