Neighbour keeps damaging the car. What action can I take?

PaulMike

Hi, I have an allocated parking space, and the neighbour's rear passenger keeps slamming their door into my read door leaving a series of deep dents and marks in the same spot. We are parked side to side.

How can I protect my car (ranging from door bumpers to physical barriers), and what legal action can I take against them?

There's CCTV in the car park, but the footage can only be obtained if there's a police report.

What's the likely outcome/evidence required if I reported the case to the car insurance? If we even settled 50/50 I think the neighbour would get the message.

I checked, and getting another allocated parking was not possible.

I suggested to the neighbour that I purchase sticky bumpers to install on their door so that if they slam it the paint on my door is less likely to be damaged. They were rude, and refuted such a simple suggestion.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Norman_Castle

If they're aware they are doing this and continue its wilful damage. Sue them.

PaulMike

Easy to say. I know neither their name nor door number. What evidence that it was them who caused the damage will i be able to supply when it comes to it?

PsiDOC

If they have a habitual routine (eg: 4pm back form picking the kids up from school) I'd set up a dash cam style camera in the car facing the point of impact and let it record. If the point of impact cannot be seen from inside the car I'd set the camera pointing at a door mirror that had been adjusted to see the point of impact. You should also be able to get the registration plate as they pull in.
Then take that to the old bill and insist the old bill get the CCTV footage.
That's just me though.

Quentin

Don't suggest a 50/50 settlement to your insurer. That has the same impact on your future premiums/loss of Ncd as if you were 100% to blame.

You cannot do anything about the damage to date with no proof. (Other than make a claim on your insurance if you have comprehensive cover which will be a fault claim as no proof of who was responsible)

Get the proof as advised then get the insurance details of the car from askmid and send a claim in to their insurer for the damage caused by the incident you can prove.

Note though you would have to still notify your insurer about the incident and it would go on your record and have to be disclosed to other insurers you approach for quotes in the future

sevenhills

If a motorist is aware of an accident, it should be reported to the police? If the motorist fails to give you the name of insurance company. It would be nice, confronting a neighbour, but if that is what you want.
Both your insurance premiums will increase, you ready for that?

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/if-youre-in-an-accident

C_Mababejive

How about denting their care and see how they like it,or is it junk anyway?

maninthestreet

Claim on their car insurance??

Tiexen

C_Mababejive wrote: »

How about denting their car and see how they like it,or is it junk anyway?

I can see that ending well, especially as its the passenger that's caused the damage.

unholyangel

If they are intentionally or recklessly damaging your car then its not a civil matter, its criminal damage.

Either theres plenty of room to get in/out in which case they shouldn't be hitting your car. Or theres not and therefore the driver should let his passengers in after pulling out so there is enough room.