"Free" Windscreen Repair Situation - Help Needed!

VectorInspector

hi guys!

recently I went into tricky situation.

Few days ago I went to my local Homebase store @ Basingstoke.
Right in the middle of the car park there were couple tents and large advertisement messages: "free windscreen repairs today"
Usually I am very skeptic about anything "free" but it was Homebase car park (trusted name?) and finally my wife forced me to come to this guy to ask for details.

I came to this guy and asked him directly - "Hi! How much it really cost and where is the catch?"
He answered me like "most of comprehensive policies do have windscreen cover and it is cheaper for insurers to fix small cracks rather than to pay for full screen replacement if it get broken"
I have asked him whenever my insurance company is eligible and is supported by Screen-Care UK.
He has checked my insurance details I had with me and confirmed that it will be free repair for me.

So I left the car with this guy and went to store, on my way back I have collected the car and signed work statement.

Few days after I have received a letter from them claiming that I need to pay (personally to them) outstanding amount of money (almost £180 for repair of 3 small cracks\scratches)!

They are trying to scare me with "will be reported to debts collectors" and other wording.

Today is Monday and it is a first working day after I have received their letter, so far I haven't called them yet and I want to know more information what I can do in this situation.


My points are:
- The service was advertised as free
- The guy that performed the service checked my personal details (including insurance details) and confirmed that it will be free for me
- No prices were discussed at all


Their points (what I can imagine can be)
- There is a fine print in the works order I have signed which is telling (quote): "I agree and understand that if my insurance policy has lapsed or does not have windscreen cover or is not a comprehensive policy or I fail to provide the above required insurance details I am liable for full payment of works and services to <companyname> to the above vehicle"



Definitely I do not want to pay them - this is clear payment harassment. But I need to have a strong legal position to call them and tell them that they are wrong and will get nothing.
I do not mind to call Trading Standards Institute or any other authority and report this case first.


p.s.

I have made a number of mistakes that day, but it become obvious later =(

First of all - I was needed to give a call to my insurer to ask if it is ok with them.
Additionally - if you are offered something "free" - check the details very carefully and ask written confirmation that it WILL be free from service provider.



Thank you! Any help or real life examples will help me a lot!