Paintwork damaged by car wash

[CaptainPeanut]

Despite constantly discouraging my other half from using car washes she couldn't resist a BP special offer and put her car through one of the automated machines a couple of days ago. The following day I noticed that the bonnet, roof and the top section of the doors are covered in scratches (and deeper than the usual swirling). These are all in random directions and not just running from front to back.

The car wash she used is one if these fitted with soft brushes, essentially big strips of material, and I suspect that these were contaminated with grit from a previous wash, essentially turning them into sandpaper.

She has now learnt the hard way why I'm so against them (although I've resisted saying 'I told you so' so far) but I wanted to see if there is any likelihood of compensation from BP? All of their pre-wash steps had been followed but I assume that there will be a raft of disclaimers trying to absolve them of any responsibility for damage.

[CaptainPeanut]

Thanks.

I've warned her before due to the swirling and very minor scratches to the top coat that they cause. These, however, are much deeper and more noticeable.

[CaptainPeanut]

The Crack Fox said:

Oh c'mon, this isn't America, and you're not stupid. There are signs warning that they won't be held liable and the fact your missus doesn't care about your paintwork as much as you shouldn't mean you can claim compensation.

I'm not American and not stupid, no, but would have expected a certain level of guarantee that the service wouldn't have damaged the paintwork to the extent that it has. I'm sure that valets and detailers require a level of insurance to cover against damage, surely an automated car wash would be the same.

[CaptainPeanut]

talksthetalk said:

I'm pretty certain that what I heard/read is useless internet rumour/guesswork, but here goes anyway....

Something in the back of my head that I read once somewhere said:

You will only get compensation if you can prove the operator was negligent in their maintenance of the car wash.

They're st,as you unfortunately knew, you did your best to educate, it did more damage than you expected, which is a PITA, but hopefully it will detail out.

A Sarcastic bd might have said:

You have no right to compensation as the car wash performed exactly to your expectations.

I fear this has the potential to become more of a domestic dispute than a dispute with the garage......
Neither is probably worth getting in to.

Sort it, move on, lessons learnt.
At least you have the next birthday present sorted
Wash mitt, bucket, chamois and a bottle of shampoo £10 from your local supermarket

Thanks, finally a response from someone that may have read the post!

I know they're crap and now she does too. There'll be no domestic as it's her car and she feels bad enough already.

Annoyingly, already have the kit for a 2 bucket wash but she just couldn't wait for the weekend. Have been after an excuse to get a DA Polisher though so this could be an ideal opportunity and at her expense!