Wickes lorry crashed into my Gate

FreeBear

jeneferwilson wrote: »

I did try and report it to the police and waited to get through for about 45 mins, then started to explain what had happened and the lady said that they would not deal with it

Failing to stop after an accident, and failing to provide driver/insurance details when resonably asked - Both matters are something the police should deal with. If they don't, then a formal complaint to the Chief Constable is in order.

naf123

Mistral001 wrote: »

Have you read your house insurance policy? This would come under criminal damage.

The OP has said that they don't want to claim on the insurance if it's possible to settle directly with Wickes ?

Mistral001

FreeBear wrote: »

Failing to stop after an accident, and failing to provide driver/insurance details when resonably asked - Both matters are something the police should deal with. If they don't, then a formal complaint to the Chief Constable is in order.

This is correct, however there are so many incidents of accidental damage from vehicles damaging walls, other cars in car parks etc, that it looks like the police have made a decision not to deal with them and only investigate incidents where there is criminal intent or associated violence, etc.

As far as I see it, the OP has the following options:

- Go through their own house insurance.

- Track down the driver, and after proving that he/she was the person driving the vehicle at the time if the incident, take them to the Small Claims Court.

- Keep the pressure on the firm that has their name on the side of the lorry. They might have their name on the lorry, but that does not mean that they own it or employ the driver, however it might be bad PR for them to be associated with this incident.

silverwhistle

Mistral001 wrote: »

This is correct, however there are so many incidents of accidental damage from vehicles damaging walls, other cars in car parks etc, that it looks like the police have made a decision not to deal with them and only investigate incidents where there is criminal intent or associated violence, etc.

I witnessed an incident with a car and a neighbour's garden wall and in my opinion it was deliberate and, if not, driving under the influence or certainly without due care and attention, which opinion I wrote in my witness statement for my neighbour's insurance. My neighbour called the police but not the slightest interest.

jeneferwilson

thanks for your responses everyone. Wickes have confirmed that it is their driver but won't tell me who it is or which depot he is attached too (although the Manager that emailed me is from the Exeter depot so I'm guessing that might be a clue :¬)) As has been discussed, I'd rather not go through the insurance as the premiums go up as soon as you even call them to ask about a claim, (much less actually making one) and I do feel like as Wickes employee caused the damage, they should rectify it. We might try and discuss with Head Office or maybe see if asking for a resolution on social media might be more effective.

I think I am going to go down the Small Claims route if the above doesn't work - does anyone have any general advice please?

greyteam1959

For a reputable company Wickes are taking a rather unprofessional attitude in my opinion.
I would forget about the 'local manager' & go straight to Wickes head office.
I don't think that they will be best please with the attitude of their local manager.
Most if not all this type of vehicle have up to 6 on board cameras that record all the time.
Some even have on board sensors that report collisions etc to the depot.
Travis Perkins vehicles certainly do.

jeneferwilson

I know, I was totally gobsmacked when the insurance company that Wickes referred us to told me that the driver had denied touching the gate at all and that was an end to the matter - never mind that we had photos and both watched it happen! They even tried to tell me that the driver wouldn't have had any reason not to own up to it because the branch are 'self-insured' so the branch would pay!! That didn't make a lot of sense to me!

parcival

I would go direct to the MD of Wickes at Head Office which they will have somewhere. Doubt you will get to speak to the MD but all these large companies have an Executive complaint department that can usually resolve problems.
Failing that I would take it to the small claims court. I doubt Wickes would even turn up to defend the case which sounds like an open and shut one.

mpet

Try emailing the CEO simon.king@wickes.co.uk

Given you have photos, I can’t see how they can deny liability. If you get no joy there - try issuing a small claims through MCOL

Heedtheadvice

I know you are against using your insurance company but....
With the evidence you have, they have the clout to get a response and should end up with a no fault claim for you.


Yes there might be a risk that your premium might rise a little (it should not!) but then there are risks with other routes ! Wickes might continue to ignore you. The Small claims court might not find in your favour. The cost might be a lot more than you think.


All these are possibilities, however likely or unlikely we may feel they are. If you will not use it why bother to have insurance? There lies another risk,; you pay premiums every year....and get no benefit.....you loose more in premiums paid for insurance you will not use than a premium increase!


....and I would contact the police again....even go into the police station, different officer maybe different response!