Friend's son caused damage to car

medsec_222

My son dropped off some things at a friend's house. Whilst he was inside, her five year old son gouged the side of his car with his bike. It seems it might have been deliberate, but difficult to say as he is only five.

The cost of repair is likely to be towards £300. The boy's mum didn't even apologise. Her attitude was that the damage was done now so no point in telling the child off. In fact, she was annoyed that her child had been blamed. There was no offer from her either to pay for the damage or help towards the cost.

My son has a £300 excess on his own motor insurance so no point claiming from them. Is his 'friend' be legally obliged to contribute something towards the repair

McKneff

Ask her if she has household liability insurance, that might do it.
Have you had it to a body shop for a quote.

Strider590

medsec_222 wrote: »

her five year old son gouged the side of his car with his bike. It seems it might have been deliberate, but difficult to say as he is only five.

The cost of repair is likely to be towards £300. The boy's mum didn't even apologise. Her attitude was that the damage was done now so no point in telling the child off.

Sounds like an accident to be honest!! Unless specifically made aware of it, children are totally oblivious to the potential to damage property like that. He probably does the same to his moms car and she just shrugs it off.

I've been with a woman who just didn't care about her car and as a result her son didn't either.... This then transferred to other peoples cars. He totally couldn't understand why I told him NOT to bring his bike past my car or not to run around the cars playing games.
They have no concept of damage, cost or money at that age.

His mom should pay for the damage and stop buying him anything (sweets, toys etc) for a month so that he knows that damaging property will actually cost him something.

Gordon_Hose

Sounds like an accident, she should offer to pay at least half, but you can't make her pay unfortunately.

I'd go get a quote from a bodyshop and go and have a chat with her about it.

MoneySavingUser

From your post it seems unlikely that she will be willing to pay unfortunately

Tell your son to stop being the lady's friend to avoid a repeat performance!

medsec_222

Thanks you all your comments. My son is off tomorrow so will be getting a couple of quotes.

Moneysaveruser - you are quite right. From her couldn't care less attitude there is no chance that she will pay up or even contribute.

Hopefully this will be the end of a 'beautiful friendship'. She has also told him that he pays far too much attention to his children - hardly a good sign for a future relationship !

Hammyman

Sue her through small claims court. Its not likely to be a cheap repair. Depending on his insurance excess, its probably cheaper not to claim if his NCB isn't protected.

iltisman

Just wait 15 years and scratch his car.

Altarf

Hammyman wrote: »

Sue her through small claims court.

With not a cat in hells chance of winning. Good advice.

medsec_222

Hmmm - I think he might have to take it on the chin !

photome

Altarf wrote: »

With not a cat in hells chance of winning. Good advice.

Why not? I am not being funny I just dont know why. Isnt the parent responsible for her 5 year olds actions