I scratched a car and don't know what to do!

Chickabiddybex

Hi guys, I managed to hit my neighbour's car with my wing mirror this morning. It's left a black mark on his silver car. I tried to see if it would rub off easily with a cloth but it didn't. I do think it will come off though, I think it's the plastic from my wing mirror. Anyway - I spoke to the neighbour who said deal with it after work which I really appreciate because it gives me time to work out what to do!

Is it usually the person whose car needs repairing that chooses the garage etc and sorts all that out? I don't want to put him to any inconvenience but I also don't want to make the decision for him of where it gets fixed. I can't see it costing more than my excess so I don't think there's any point contacting my insurer. I'm just not sure what to do because I've never hit anyone before! What is the norm? Is there an etiquette?

Also, does anyone know how much it would cost to rectify something like that? It doesn't look like the sort of car you'd scratch the black off with your finger and not worry about, it's a really nice car and it's spotless

PS I only just moved in on the weekend, not great way to introduce myself to the people next door My car is a wreck (covered in dents from previous owners) so I bet they think I'm a liability!

atrixblue.-MFR-.

it maybe black plastic scuffing from your mirror transferred onto his.


this is easily removed, with some car polish applied with microfiber cloth and rubbed in well, leave for 3-5 mins and then remove with a clean microfiber cloth.
have a look in a local car parts shop for T-cut scratch remover, or T-cut original polish, or car plan scratch removing paste.

if its his mirror that scuffed and has burned the paint away to plastic, then, he is within his right to take it to a garage to have painted properly to match the color of the car again.

in the event a polishing wont cut it out:
although your neighbor sounds decent, why not come up with a plan for you both to go to a local paint repairer on the weekend where by you can both get quotes, and be happy about the payment and arrangements?

Limey

It's likely that something like that will polish out without leaving any marks at all.

However if it has left a pemanent mark a smart repair from one of the 'chipsaway' type companies will get it looking good as new for a reasonable cost (circa £100).

Quentin

The innocent party decides on the garage.


You won't have to pay any excess ifyou leave this to your insurer to deal with.


If you have unprotected NCD then a claim will affect this, but if cost effective you can reimburse the insurer their outlay and get the lost NCD reimbursed.


When you are responsible, then you pay all costs involved - not just the repair bill (car hire whilst repairs are carried out/any loss of earnings/taxi fares etc)

borkid

[QUOTE=Chickabiddybex;67069082

PS I only just moved in on the weekend, not great way to introduce myself to the people next door My car is a wreck (covered in dents from previous owners) so I bet they think I'm a liability![/QUOTE]

It might be better than you think. If he didn't see you do it then he knows you are honest and don't shirk your responsibilties, a rare thing in this modern world.

fivetide

If his car isn't the newest and he knows what he is about then he might try T-Cut as mentioned above.


Worth a go. Unless of course you have actually dented/marked it but fair play for honesty. Rare thing these days

Strider590

A bit of T-cut and elbow grease will sort that out.

The garage is going to charge over £100 for that and the car is more likely to come back more damaged than when it went in (judging by what i've read on these forums).

ACG

My neighbour bumped into me when we were both on the way to work.

I gave a garage a call where I got my MOT done and they gave me a price. I gave it him and said if he can find somewhere cheaper im happy to use there instead but he knew the garage as it was close to his works and we just put it in all done and dusted plus he got me a crate of beer for being relaxed about it.

I think the etiquette is you made the mistake, you let him choose where the car goes but if you know a garage there is no harm in suggesting it.

I would be very surprised if he wants to report it to the insurance as it will mean he has to disclose it and it is likely to impact his premiums (mine went up and have been higher for 3 years despite not being my fault in anyway what so ever).

Chickabiddybex

Thanks everyone, I think I'll pick up some scratch removing polish on the way home to see if it comes off (if the owner of the car is willing to try it). I've read that it needs to be waxed after being polished though, would it make sense to get some wax too?

JustinR1979

Someone you know must have some polish and wax?
It's always good to have, should keep your car protected with either wax or sealant.
No need to keep the polish on, once worked buff it off.
Is the wax/sealant that needs leaving for few minutes.
Hopefully car is old and german, these have very hard clearcoat.
Could you feel the black on this cars paint?

Limey

T-Cut may be a bit harsh IMO, I'd graba bottle of this:

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/cleaning-products/paint-restorers/farecla-g3-paint-renovator-500ml

If you want summat between this and T-cut, this stuff's damn good:

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/cleaning-products/paint-restorers/farecla-g3-permanent-scratch-remover-liquid-500ml

My bottle of T-cut has been unused for a looooong time since I bought the G3 gear.

BUT I'd see what your neighbour wants to do before buying any of this, some folks can be picky about what polishes etc are used on their cars.