Garage damaged my car when I went in for Service

username09

Hi,

I am not sure if I am posting in the correct thread. I am basically looking for a bit of advice. I have taken my car for service yesterday to my nearest halfords autocentre. The car was in very good condition when I handed it in. But when i went to collect it there were deep scratches on the nearside bumper as if it was scraped against a wall or something similar and a dent and deep scratches on the nearside wheel arch above back tyre. The manager denied any knowledge and claimed that the scratches are already there when they completed the visual inspection after loading the car on their ramp. I have spoken to technician who handled the car he denied it but the look on his face says it all. They just assumed I wouldn't notice the damage and simple drive off. The manager in the end kind of agreed that there might be an issue and referred me to the complaints team but advised he will speak to his regional manager and provide me with some sort of goodwill. I dont want any goodwill but halfords to foot the bill to get the bodywork repaired. I have written an official complaint and sent photos of the damage to halfords customer services. They also charged me for repair they said that needs urgent attention and now I am not sure whether the work is actually needed. I am just wondering what would be by next course of action would be if they deny causing damage to the car or dont want to foot the bill for the repairs.

I was taking out my stuff out of the car before handing it and any damage of that sort i would have noticed. I drive my car carefully and its always parked on a drive without any obstacles so I know I have not damaged my car and it happened whilst it was in halfords possession.

Your advise would be appreciated.

Many Thanks

Strider590

I hear a lot of people say they look after their cars and yet most of them will park as close to the supermarket entrance as possible, even if it means parking half on a kerb.

That said, going to Halfrauds is just asking for trouble and from the horror stories i've heard, the damage you found is no surprise.

Many years ago a friend of the family went to them for a service + MOT. When he picked the car up a gentleman approached and told him the technicians had been doing donuts in the car park and sure enough all 4 tyres looked like balls of melted rubber. But i'm being unfair because you get this anywhere that employs kids instead of experienced mechanics, that very much includes main dealerships.

The problem you have is you simply cannot prove anything.

username09

I am one of those who wouldn't mind walking a short distance into supermarket from the car park. So I dont like parking in cramped spaces. I have a habit of quickly going around checking my car before walking away and thats what I did when I dropped my car for service and there was no damage to the car. I am thinking of asking them to provide CCTV footage and my worry is that they will simply brush off stating its not their responsibility. The manager in the end agreed there might be an issue on their end. So hopefully they will foot the cost. Is there a way I can claim my money back if they back off from taking responsibility. I have paid for the service using credit card.

DUTR

username09 wrote: »

I am one of those who wouldn't mind walking a short distance into supermarket from the car park. So I dont like parking in cramped spaces. I have a habit of quickly going around checking my car before walking away and thats what I did when I dropped my car for service and there was no damage to the car. I am thinking of asking them to provide CCTV footage and my worry is that they will simply brush off stating its not their responsibility. The manager in the end agreed there might be an issue on their end. So hopefully they will foot the cost. Is there a way I can claim my money back if they back off from taking responsibility. I have paid for the service using credit card.

Well, places do a visual pre check and the customer usually signs to agree with the results.
So either they were pre existing or it is a troll post after all, what savy forum user chooses halfords for a service?

xyz123

Did they give you some paperwork with condition of car when dropped off? As mentioned many places do that and without that it's a but difficult to prove. cctv may help but it's down to luck...

angrycrow

DUTR wrote: »

Well, places do a visual pre check and the customer usually signs to agree with the results.
So either they were pre existing or it is a troll post after all, what savy forum user chooses halfords for a service?

Halfords do not do drop off inspections.

I had a similar experience. I was forced to take my car to Halfords as they were the only company the warranty company would approve. Parked it next to a British gas transit and watched the owner of the transit leave. Came back for my car 4 hours later and forgot to check for damage. When I got home I found new damage to the rear bumper consistent with the transit having scraped it as they backed it out. I know the owner of the transit did not do it as he left before me. Did not confront them as could do the repair myself with less hassle than taking it back.

TadleyBaggie

Duplicate thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5417435

username09

No visual checks are completed to confirm the condition of the car. The look on technician face say it all. The manager agreed there is fault on their end. So hoping they will fork for the bodywork repair.