Claim by driver after dog hit

Katy1066

In September our beloved Labrador was hit by a car. He was being walked by a local dog walker who was house sitting as we were on holiday. We were so upset but like a miracle he is ok. The walker said he ran out of the field and into the road - he's never done that before, maybe she let him off the lead too early.

A few days later we had a text from the driver (dog walker had pass on the number) saying he hoped we were insured as his car was damaged and was going to make a claim.

I spoke with him a few weeks later and supplied the pet insurance details. I asked him if he had reported it to the police and he said no, but was going to.

As he didnt report the accident at the time, does that make a difference to the claim? I received a letter this week saying the cost was £1900 - I find it hard to believe the dog did that much damage as he was fine.

Either way I suppose Im happy for the pet insurance to pick up the bill and Ill have to pick up the excess - the dog walker felt he was speeding but we werent there so have no idea.

I just dont like to think he is pulling a fast one.

Does anyone have any advice?

Crazy_Jamie

Katy1066 wrote: »

As he didnt report the accident at the time, does that make a difference to the claim?

Probably not, but just because damage was caused to the car it doesn't mean that the driver has a viable claim. In order to succeed in such a claim he has to demonstrate negligence either on your part, or on the dog walker's part. Whilst it is possible that you have been in some way negligent for (as an example) not giving proper instructions to the dog walker, it is far more likely that the dog walker has been negligent in not ensuring that your dog was properly restrained. In which case the driver should be directed the claim to the dog walker (who should also have adequate insurance) and not to you. I'm sure your insurance company will pick up on that, but on the face it I would have thought that the driver will be in some difficulty in establishing that you are liable for the damage to the car. The mere fact that you were the dog's owner is not enough.

spadoosh

Shouldnt the dog walker be covered for this? I would imagine the responsibility of controlling your dog would lie with them. Might be worth checking to see if they have public liability insurance?

[Deleted User]

Who did the letter come from? Them or their insurers?

Katy1066

It came from his solicitors - saying if we didnt supply a ch3que for the full amount in 7 days they would take court action.
We have already supplied our insurance details.

csgohan4

Fight it all the way, get copies of vet assessment, as a car having to be damaged badly means the dog will likely have had serious injuries.


They will get what they deserve

Quentin

Katy1066 wrote: »

It came from his solicitors - saying if we didnt supply a ch3que for the full amount in 7 days they would take court action.
We have already supplied our insurance details.

This incident is nothing to do with you.


If they take court action against you then you should defend it!


you should tell the solicitor the dog walker's details!

Jlo31

Yes I would have thought the dog walker would have liability insurance. I guess if dog walker is being difficult then pass the court letter through to either your pet insurance or house contents liability insurance and hopefully the insurer can reclaim the costs off the dog walker and deal with everything.

In 2015 a dog ran in to the side of my car as owner let the lead slip which caused scratches and dents in my door. Owner was apologetic but when saw damage said there dog did cause it. They had no pet insurance so in the end my insurer had to cough up for the damages and I gave a 'fault claim' on my claims history. The dog was ok though btw

agrinnall

£1900 of damage to a car is very easily caused, as an example a small plastic part was broken in a very low speed collision that I had and resulted in over £600 in costs as the entire headlight assemblies had to be replaced.

Glad to hear your dog was fine.

marlot

agrinnall wrote: »

£1900 of damage to a car is very easily caused, as an example a small plastic part was broken in a very low speed collision that I had and resulted in over £600 in costs as the entire headlight assemblies had to be replaced.

Glad to hear your dog was fine.

I agree. A new mirror for my car was £600 + paint + fitting!!!!!

Very glad to hear the dog is OK.

FutureGirl

If this was a person that had just ran out in the road, the driver would be at fault.