Council grass cutting damaged my car

[mr alan]

I know that sounds like a Jeremy Kyle topic but.

We live adjacent to a piece of council owned grass area and path and this morning while the grass cutting was taking place I heard a loud bang. Thought nothing of it but going outside an hour later I saw a dent and a huge stone chip in the front wing of my car and a stone lying on the driveway suddenly it became obvious what had happened. I contacted the local council and they sent someone round this afternoon who took photos of the damage told me to get to quotes and they will pay and he apologised on behalf of the council. Frankly I'm in shock. I can't quite believe that they will pay for the damage that they have clearly caused without a fight.

[mr alan]

I know I'm quite astonished but actually very pleased. I have sent the pictures to Chipsaway and they say £200 and I've been to a local body shop this afternoon and they say roughly the same. What's peoples thoughts on Chipsaway quality?

[mr alan]

Sytner have quoted £1000 a local body shop have quoted £500 and Chipsaway have quoted £220. I will push for the work to be done at Sytner as that's where I got the car from three weeks ago

[mr alan]

The quotes have been submitted let's see what they say here is a picture of the bullet hole

[mr alan]

[mr alan]

[mr alan]

TooMany2cvs said:

"Bullet hole"?

BTW, is the stone responsible for the distinctly variable-width shutline there and the poor paint match, too? Or is that how it came from Sytner?

That's the camera angle and shadows

[mr alan]

I would agree £1000 is frankly ridiculous I doubt very much the council will pay that I certainly wouldn't.

[mr alan]

Breakdown is

Labour £525
Paint £150
Other ?? £100
Parts £88
A few other bits then dreaded VAT

Total £1035

Ouch

[mr alan]

Exactly my thoughts as well, I can't for a second think that they will go for the Sytner quote. I'm quite happy with chips away frankly as its guaranteed and will probably be 95% as good as anyone else. Especially as I thought I would have to foot the bill myself.

[mr alan]

DaveCWK said:

Take it to a reputable bodyshop, make a point that you are the one paying & get another quote. I'm betting it will be around £300.
I really hope the council would see sense to reject a £1k+ claim for that.

If you scroll back a bit you will see the 2 other quotes for the same job.

[mr alan]

As I said it sounds like a Jeremy Kyle topic

[mr alan]

lord trumpton said:

Don't go with a smart repair on that colour!

Really ? Don't you think they can match it. They seem to think they can and guarantee it, however would be interested to know if you know otherwise ?

[mr alan]

I would agree. But in all honesty I can't see the council paying the £1000 that has been quoted more likely the £400 out at best. Worst case is the chipsaway last option.

[mr alan]

Chips away said he would spray it to a swage line on the wing and then lacquer with a soft edge guarantees you won't see it

[mr alan]

The council have come back and as suspected have gone for the chips away option. Shame they couldn't stretch to the body shop but I do understand why given the pressure the councils are under. Frankly I'm surprised they have actually coughed up at all. I will take that as a positive result in the circumstances.

[mr alan]

All done and looking good again, can't tell at all. Well I can't anyway, I'm sure an expert could.