Car door hit mine

Olokia

Just wondering what people think I should do.

I was in a car park today waiting for an appointment and as I was an hour early and tired, I decided to doze off for a bit.

I got woken up by a bang and the car shaking and I realised that the man in the car next to me had shoved his car door open and hit mine. He didn't seem to care at all as he left his door open while he got something from the back seat and then closed his door and left. He didn't even check to see if he caused damage.

I hate confrontation so while I should have said something then, I didn't. I walked around to the door and there was quite a big scuff mark that would have easily been seen by him. I wiped it hoping that it would just come off and while most of it did, he had caused damage to my car.

There is a vertical scratch about 1cm long and 2mm wide and a horizontal scuff mark about 1cm long and 2cm wide. It is right on the door handle so I keep noticing it when I open the door. There is also blue paint in the scratch from his car.

I'm really annoyed with this guy for causing damage to my car and not caring. I am very very careful opening my car door as I would hate to cause damage to other people's property. I took photos of the damage on his car, the damage on mine and a longer shot of the two cars together just in case I can do something but I have no idea what to do next.

Ellejmorgan

Buy a scratch pen from ebay for a couple of quid, otherwise you will end up out of pocket, forget about claiming on insurance one scratch will end up costing you hundreds in NCD or exccess..

Quentin

Shame you didn't accost him at the time as now he can deny it and no-one will be able to decide who is telling the truth.

droopsnoot

Problem is, he'll just deny doing anything. People don't seem to like to take responsibility for their actions these days, and even if you'd confronted him at the time you might have got nowhere. As awful as it is to admit defeat, poster above probably has the right idea.

You might find that if you take it to a decent valet place, they can polish most of it out and you can then decide whether it warrants paint - without seeing the damage it's impossible to say. His blue paint will compound off, but you can rub through your own paint if you press too hard, so if you're not familiar with the process leave it to someone who is. Also check out the mobile dent and chip removal people in your area, or "paint correction" is another term.

Horizon81

I would have said something at the time although I suspect it would have got me nowhere. Nobody would want to get insurance involved, so short of asking the guy for £70 for a 'smart repair' (which he's most unlikely to give you), I'd let sleeping dogs lie. It's too late now.

But get over your fear of confrontation.

Olokia

Thanks everyone,

I know I need to get over my fear of confrontation. I guess it comes from growing up in a place that wasn't very nice.

I have never even scratched another persons car (apart from 1 accident but I gave them my insurance details). I hate the fact that other people around me don't care and my car has scratches all over because of them.

I will get a repair kit then.



Argh! I just want to go back and scratch what I think of him into the side of his car in huge letters. (Obviously I won't though)

arcon5

Request the details of the registered keeper from the DVLA and write a letter including photos of the damage. In your letter explain the incident is also on CCTV and you request a contribution towards its repair.

Others have said is it worth it costing you your NCD & Excess.... but to look at it another way, is it worth his NCD and excess by not dealing with you direct? I suspect him knowing you have evidence, he will jump at the chance of a private settlement, so long as the sum is reasonable and proportionate.

fivetide

Quentin wrote: »

Shame you didn't accost him at the time as now he can deny it and no-one will be able to decide who is telling the truth.

This. Happened to me and I stood in his door until he got out.

Most of it should rub out. Get some T-Cut, some decent polish and buff it up.

Rather than try to fix it yourself (unless you are decent at it) if the car is otherwise unmarked and in good nick, it might be worth a call to a smart repair service like chipsaway. You can always call in a local dealer and see who they recommend. If they don't have a bodyshop they will have someone they use to tart up used cars so they'll know who is good.

If the car is getting on a bit, polish it and leave it. Most people would expect a mark or two on an old car.

5t.

londonTiger

tip: never park next to bangers, or cars that look unclean and not well looked after. Always park next to cars that look like they've been looked after, cars less than 2 years old.

NEVER EVER PARK NEXT TO VANS

I doubted this tip the other day, when I was in a rush to quickly pop in and out of a shop. Parked next to a banger, cam back, and was greeted with a dent from the other cars driver door.

Mrs_Imp

I have what some would class as an 'old banger'. The trouble is, all the dents in the side have been caused by people parking next to me, opening their door into my car, and assuming that I wouldn't notice/care because my car is old. Or just simply driving in to my car, then driving off and parking elsewhere.

red_eye

Horizon81 wrote: »

I would have said something at the time although I suspect it would have got me nowhere. Nobody would want to get insurance involved, so short of asking the guy for £70 for a 'smart repair' (which he's most unlikely to give you), I'd let sleeping dogs lie. It's too late now.

But get over your fear of confrontation.

wonderful thing these mobile phones with cameras some even do video.

A quick vid of op's damage and the other driver refusing to hand over insurance details I would be asking for £300 not to get the police involved of course I would still make a claim on his insurance £300 can go to children's hospital