Small Claims or Lost Cause?

CeePeeBee

hi People,

The ideal place to post this would have been in the CAB forum, but I saw some similar posts got moved here, so apologies if this is not the correct place.

Here we go: A couple of months back a lady reversed into my car in a shopping centre car park. I took her mobile number and called later that evening. The dent didn't look to bad so we agreed to try and get it done between us. All fine at this point.

I've had constant conversation with the lady's partner over the course of the last 6-8 weeks centred around getting the work done by an approved local dealer. He had managed to recommend a couple of places, and even came to survey the damage (after checking with me) so that he could give more accurate help.

Long story short, the garages he recommended were not particular helpful and quoted prices higher than he was willing to pay to get it fixed. He believed it was around the £150 mark, whilst the cheapest quote we got was £200. Anyway, after a few discussions I put to him that I get my car dealership to fix (quote of £470) and he pays the £150 he was looking for. A VERY generous offer on my part.


The work was them completed mid-August. I was made aware by said "guy" that he would then pay the money at the end of the month when he got paid. All well and good.

It's now the 9th September and I can't even get hold of him now and he is not responding. All I have his is phone number and a long list of correspondence between us detailing the agreements.


I have sent him a final SMS message this morning telling him my patience has been pushed and that further action will be being taken. That brings us to now.

Firstly, I've learned my lesson....details, details, details if/when I get another bump....but I was trying to me "nice" about it.

Secondly, can I actually look to go to small claims with the information I have?

Thoughts/Advice (not judgement if poss) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

McKneff

Do you have anything in writing from him.

You should have informed your insurance company anyway, this is in your contract with them. You have breached your contract because of non disclosure. Although they are in the dark about that at the moment.

In future, if it happens again, tell your insurance company for information only.

Deal directly with the third party (if liability is admitted) and go from there.
This is by far the quickestway and is completed in days. And you haven't done anything wrong.

In the meantime, send him a 'letter before action' and see how that goes.
Not sure that even now you should inform your insurance company and see what they say to be honest. They may suggest they can deal with it even at this late stage, and he then gets into trouble also for nnon disclosure. You may then get the whole lot paid for.
Or forget about it altogether. See what others have to say on here.

pauletruth

why did you not get the womans insurance details. why were you willing to pay out for anothers fault. bit late now for a £150 i would just give it up as a waste of time.

CeePeeBee

"Deleted User"...thanks for your wonderfully insightful and helpful comment. i'll be sure to look you up if I'm ever in need of help again.

Paul....honestly? I was being the good guy....the lady was a bit shook up that she had reversed into my car.....she seemed a little scared that I had gotten out, and furthermore she had her kids screaming in the car. Plus the dent looked incredibly minor at the time.

Naive, yes I suppose so, and as I say, I've learned my lesson. I was simply asking for some guidance on what to do.

Many thanks to McKneff for actually attempting to assist.

I don't however have any contact details beyond a phone number.

McKneff

CeePeeBee wrote: »

"Deleted User"...thanks for your wonderfully insightful and helpful comment. i'll be sure to look you up if I'm ever in need of help again.

Paul....honestly? I was being the good guy....the lady was a bit shook up that she had reversed into my car.....she seemed a little scared that I had gotten out, and furthermore she had her kids screaming in the car. Plus the dent looked incredibly minor at the time.

Naive, yes I suppose so, and as I say, I've learned my lesson. I was simply asking for some guidance on what to do.

Many thanks to McKneff for actually attempting to assist.

I don't however have any contact details beyond a phone number.

Oh dear, to be honest, I would maybe just give it up as a bad job. In all honesty, I would just keep your head down and give it up as a lesson. If yo do happen to ring your ins, company, and be upfront about it, your premiums would probably go up next year, yes, I know, not fair but it happens. Draw a bold line under it, keep the telephone number just in case and move on with your life.

pauletruth

ive done the same thing in the past. had a minor shunt and first thought no damage then the light failed to work. had to have the back straightened.

the other thing is the other people in the car could sue you not likely i admit. but they have shown themselves to not keep to their word. in future get there number plate and claim against there insurance. always watch out for yourself. being nice gets you used. in the end thats what the insurance is there for.

happy_bunny_2

If you have a number plate, you can get details from DVLA for whatever trivial fee they charge.

If not, only option is to try and trace the phone and if successful add the cost to the claim.

You could text and say you are planning on using the phone to trace him and will be adding costs to the court claim you are about to issue. See what response you get.

In reality, just treat as lesson learned...