Car park ding- they drove off- now what?
Discussion
just been down to tescos for the weekly shop. Always careful about who I park next to. After we had paid for our shopping I looked out to see the same VW mpv parked next to me.
30 seconds later me & the missus are approaching our car and a lady is loading her kids into the back. I get right to the drivers side of mine and then a nice "thud" was heard. I look over and although the lady is holding the door open she saw fit to clunk her door into the side of my car causing a nice ding.
Obviously I said to her "you've just dented my car" and the reply was simply "where?", which was to be expected as she was hardly paying attention to life let alone my pristine car. I pointed it out at which point she calls her husband who is sat in the driving seat. He simply says "we'll need it to be verified"and dint even bother getting out to look. At this point I remarked "this isnt go to go anywhere is it and you've just damaged my car". They left.
I have tried to post here without swearing my nads off (naturally I'm fuming) but the problem is... now what? Someone damages my car in front of me and not only denied it but then left. I have the car's reg. No doubt the husband is in the local US air force judging by his accent and he demeanour so what should I do... inform the police, phone the local airbase or simply cough up for the dent and put it down to car park scum? Any other ideas welcome
30 seconds later me & the missus are approaching our car and a lady is loading her kids into the back. I get right to the drivers side of mine and then a nice "thud" was heard. I look over and although the lady is holding the door open she saw fit to clunk her door into the side of my car causing a nice ding.
Obviously I said to her "you've just dented my car" and the reply was simply "where?", which was to be expected as she was hardly paying attention to life let alone my pristine car. I pointed it out at which point she calls her husband who is sat in the driving seat. He simply says "we'll need it to be verified"and dint even bother getting out to look. At this point I remarked "this isnt go to go anywhere is it and you've just damaged my car". They left.
I have tried to post here without swearing my nads off (naturally I'm fuming) but the problem is... now what? Someone damages my car in front of me and not only denied it but then left. I have the car's reg. No doubt the husband is in the local US air force judging by his accent and he demeanour so what should I do... inform the police, phone the local airbase or simply cough up for the dent and put it down to car park scum? Any other ideas welcome
Thanks all- interesting posts indeed. I've made a note of the points made so I'll answer them:
I have the registration number of the car. I've spent the afternoon researching and reflecting. It certainly seems that going anywhere near my insurance company is something I shouldn't do as it could get tricky with my premium next year.
I have also thought of informing the police (more below on this).
1 comment mentions the acceptance of small dings. I have to say that whilst it is fact of life that accidents happen, I felt that due to these people I have been left with damaged property- if it were not for their actions I would have a car without a dent therefore it is correct that I should pursue this without cost to me, so small claims will likely be the way to go.
I have checked the askmid site and they have insurance, although they did not offer their details. I have to be honest and say I didn't ask for them. I am 30 and so far have never been in this situation so I guess I should have asked for them - refusing to provide is an offence from what I have read.
I forgot to explain fully in my original post that I normally check the cars near me and I try to park next to cars that are in good condition and are not mpvs. This one occasion I thought I would be ok and the lure of having a space near the entrance to tesco was rather enticing! There aren't many space in this car park and it is not easy to park away from others (unlike sainsbury's where I can).
It is certainly worth me causing some noise about this to authorities although the conclusion I am coming to (and is why I am really annoyed) is the complete lack of responsibility on these people's part. I'm honest and they should be too. I know in life people have different values but when caught red handed their attitude astonished me.
It may only be minor damage but these things can cost money. I've just spend £300 getting the front bumper perfectly aligned since the car had suffered a very minor impact prior to me buying it and she was looking like new until this.
Regarding pictures- certainly I can take these of my car without a problem. The offending car has chips on the door where it caught mine, so I am sure if the police want to check it they can.
I shall give the local police a bell in the morning and explain my situation. Here in Suffolk the police are quite good with the more civil matters that crop up so I am hoping they will be helpful. At least this means I have done the right thing, even if they haven't.
Shall keep you chaps posted.
I have the registration number of the car. I've spent the afternoon researching and reflecting. It certainly seems that going anywhere near my insurance company is something I shouldn't do as it could get tricky with my premium next year.
I have also thought of informing the police (more below on this).
1 comment mentions the acceptance of small dings. I have to say that whilst it is fact of life that accidents happen, I felt that due to these people I have been left with damaged property- if it were not for their actions I would have a car without a dent therefore it is correct that I should pursue this without cost to me, so small claims will likely be the way to go.
I have checked the askmid site and they have insurance, although they did not offer their details. I have to be honest and say I didn't ask for them. I am 30 and so far have never been in this situation so I guess I should have asked for them - refusing to provide is an offence from what I have read.
I forgot to explain fully in my original post that I normally check the cars near me and I try to park next to cars that are in good condition and are not mpvs. This one occasion I thought I would be ok and the lure of having a space near the entrance to tesco was rather enticing! There aren't many space in this car park and it is not easy to park away from others (unlike sainsbury's where I can).
It is certainly worth me causing some noise about this to authorities although the conclusion I am coming to (and is why I am really annoyed) is the complete lack of responsibility on these people's part. I'm honest and they should be too. I know in life people have different values but when caught red handed their attitude astonished me.
It may only be minor damage but these things can cost money. I've just spend £300 getting the front bumper perfectly aligned since the car had suffered a very minor impact prior to me buying it and she was looking like new until this.
Regarding pictures- certainly I can take these of my car without a problem. The offending car has chips on the door where it caught mine, so I am sure if the police want to check it they can.
I shall give the local police a bell in the morning and explain my situation. Here in Suffolk the police are quite good with the more civil matters that crop up so I am hoping they will be helpful. At least this means I have done the right thing, even if they haven't.
Shall keep you chaps posted.
Edited by nixon1 on Saturday 9th July 20:28
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