Urgent help needed! Damaged a Courtesy Car

stripeyfox

My dad got stung (almost) when he had a minor prang in a courtesy car. The car was handed over to him with nothing signed and off he want. He pranged it and reported it immediately, The garage confirmed it was covered on their insurance BUT there was a £1000 excess which he would have to pay!

In the end, the garage gave way because it hand't been made clear at the time. The garage has since amended it's procedures getting the customer to sign a form about their liabilities.

smokeytoby

That's interesting to hear! I have had no information in regards in excess etc, and while if they are able to prove the car was scratched in my possession I would accept liability, I am now dreading that the excess is going to be extortionate as it can often be with courtesy cars.

In hindsight, I should have inspected the car, photographed it's condition when leaving the garage and also enquired about excess (all good to know for future knowledge), but with this information everyone has kindly provided, I will give them a call, explain what has happened and see where to go from there. Thank you so much for all of the replies.

angrycrow

Was it raining when you picked up the car. Rain on panels can hide scratches which is why you should not view second hand cars in the rain. Damage may already have been there and known to the garage.

Are you certain you insurance is covering the courtesy car, driving other cars cover is normally third party only so no cover for courtesy car if damaged. Some insurers do extend comp cover to any car but it is rare.

shaun_from_Africa

angrycrow wrote: »

Are you certain you insurance is covering the courtesy car, driving other cars cover is normally third party only so no cover for courtesy car if damaged. Some insurers do extend comp cover to any car but it is rare.

Not that rare. Both my present insurer (Aviva) and my previous one (AA) both covered me fully comp for courtesy cars.
They are not covered under the 3rd party cover for driving other cars but under the main cover.

sheramber

smokeytoby wrote: »

No, I have only used it to work and back so far since I have had it in my possession. The drive to work and back is just along main A roads, and there are no hedges or bushes along the roads on my farm that could have caused this, hence me believing that the damage was there beforehand.

Parked at work?