Hypothetical theft question

[Steviesam]

Hypothetical question.

I drop my car off of the garage for some work, but as I cant get there to collect before they close, they put the keys behind the counter at the Esso petrol station next door, and the car outside.

What happens with the insurance if a random stranger comes in, asks and receives the keys and drives off?

[ToothbrushMan]

could be a claim against the repairing garage because to me handing your keys to the petrol station attendant next door to deal with you is negligence. youre car is in their custody and control and they have a duty of care to ensure its kept reasonably safe and secure. the the petrol station wont have any insurance cover for this type of unofficial "work".

i cant see how blame can be apportioned on the petrol station guy especially if you agreed with the dealership workshop manager that this arrangement is ok with you before they closed. its not a situation that should crop up really. i wouldnt risk it but then youd have to be unlucky in the extreme to have a stranger in the area on that day asking for the keys to that car......if that happened to me id go out and buy a lotto ticket afterwards.

i would simply wait till the morning and collect in person.

Edited by ToothbrushMan on Tuesday 13th May 11:54

[kambites]

I suspect you would simply be uninsured if you'd given the garage permission to do so and it got pinched.