Damage to car during test drive - who is liable?

Lark1021

Yesterday my partner did a test drive of a new car. Unfortunately he clipped a curb, at a moderate speed, and burst the tyre and damaged the alloy...
The dealership took a photocopy of his driving license prior to the test drive but we didn't sign anything or get told anything about insurance/liability. Worth mentioning, it was an accompanied test drive - the sales guy was sitting in the back.

We are actually buying the car which made the situation slightly less awkward. But we're waiting to hear from them on how much a new tyre and alloy will be. 

But I'm now unsure if it is our responsibility to cover these costs or if the dealership should have insurance to cover these types of situations? Any insights or advice greatly appreciated. Thanks.

cw8825

Dealership will have insurance in place for this but likely will look to repair themselves. They will be able to get it done for considerably cheaper.
I can see a few outcomes
- dealer repairs no charge to you
- Dealer get it repaired, charges you for the cost
- dealer does not get it repaired,  discounts the price of car then you can get it repaired at a place of your choice

daveyjp

Excess on a dealer policy will be far more than the cost to them of a new wheel and tyre.

Ayr_Rage

If it was a front wheel make sure they check for suspension damage and if the tracking has been compromised.

Mildly_Miffed

I'd have said squarely in his corner, given that there's no question of it being anything but the driver's fault.

If the dealer wish to cover the damage as part of the deal, that's very decent of them. But it certainly won't be worth an insurance claim over.