Car damaged while being serviced

Firblog

OH left her car in to get an issue with breaks fixed. When the garage/dealer had the job done they took the car out for a run to check it out; during this run the bonnet flew up and smashed the windscreen. They've given her a loan of a good car to drive at the minute, but haven't contacted her since.

What do people advise as to her rights here?

Atlantic Dawn

I'd expect it to be fixed and be in the condition it was pre damage. Depending on how bad it flew up the metal might be buckled and it could need a replacement bonnet, the hinges also could be damaged.

Del2005

They fix the car and give it back. Make sure you are happy with the colour match on any newly painted panels and that the windscreen is sealed correctly.

biko

They broke it - they fix it.
It may take some time for them to source a bonnet and windscreen but she has a replacement car so she's not stranded anyway.

Yawns

Looks like they're doing everything right at the minute OP.

They've given a replacement car in the meantime while they source and fit a replacement bonnet. As others have said, make sure the seal is good on windscreen and colour matches in with rest of bodywork.

Toyotafanboi

Usually when the bonnet cones up with enough aggression to shatter the windscreen the roof gets a belt too, depending on the damage to the roof, age of the car etc, you could find it's not repairable at all.

bear1

I'm wondering if you should inform your insurance company.
As said, if the bonnet hits with enough force then it could alter the structure of the roof/pillars.
That's a write off in that case.
You will want to have someone look at the car to say no structural damage is there.

Firblog

She's afraid that the hinges on the car may be stressed when it comes back and isn't too happy with the idea of taking the car back - it has been damaged, so will reduce the value of the car to less than it was when she left it into them. She feels that they should buy the car off her, or give her a good deal on a trade; would someone in this situation be right to expect these options to be offered if they don't want the car back?

biko

Firblog wrote: »

She's afraid that the hinges on the car may be stressed when it comes back and isn't too happy with the idea of taking the car back - it has been damaged, so will reduce the value of the car to less than it was when she left it into them. She feels that they should buy the car off her, or give her a good deal on a trade; would someone in this situation be right to expect these options to be offered if they don't want the car back?

That's not going to happen, nor can anyone expect this to happen.

Firblog

Personally I don't see why not, which would you buy if there was no difference in price?

1. A car that has been damaged and repaired
2. A car that has never been damaged

This must surely have reduced the value of her car; and she should get some compensation for that.

bear1

Firblog wrote: »

Personally I don't see why not, which would you buy if there was no difference in price?

1. A car that has been damaged and repaired
2. A car that has never been damaged

This must surely have reduced the value of her car; and she should get some compensation for that.

If it comes to that then id deal with their insurers.

Toyotafanboi

What is the car OP and was it a main dealer or independent?

c montgomery

Firblog wrote: »

She's afraid that the hinges on the car may be stressed when it comes back and isn't too happy with the idea of taking the car back - it has been damaged, so will reduce the value of the car to less than it was when she left it into them. She feels that they should buy the car off her, or give her a good deal on a trade; would someone in this situation be right to expect these options to be offered if they don't want the car back?

Expecting way too much here

c montgomery

A person crashed into me last year. Needed new rear bumber, their insurance company paid for it. Should I have insisted that they buy my car from me? Of course not!

Toyotafanboi

c montgomery wrote: »

A person crashed into me last year. Needed new rear bumber, their insurance company paid for it. Should I have insisted that they buy my car from me? Of course not!

What if a key structural component had been damaged?

No point in telling the OP what they should or shouldn't do without knowing

The model and year of car
Main dealer or independent dealer
The exact nature of the damage

c montgomery

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

What if a key structural component had been damaged?

No point in telling the OP what they should or shouldn't do without knowing

The model and year of car
Main dealer or independent dealer
The exact nature of the damage

It should be assessed for damage and any damage repaired

cerastes

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

I'd expect it to be fixed and be in the condition it was pre damage. Depending on how bad it flew up the metal might be buckled and it could need a replacement bonnet, the hinges also could be damaged.

The pillars and roof could be damaged, beyend being economically or safely repairable, the OP may be referring to an old car with little value in excellent condition, they should approach their insurance company. The car may need to be checked after this work, or even before to see if its worthwhile.
Getting a bonnet replaced may not cut it.

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

Usually when the bonnet cones up with enough aggression to shatter the windscreen the roof gets a belt too, depending on the damage to the roof, age of the car etc, you could find it's not repairable at all.

this

Firblog wrote: »

She's afraid that the hinges on the car may be stressed when it comes back and isn't too happy with the idea of taking the car back - it has been damaged, so will reduce the value of the car to less than it was when she left it into them. She feels that they should buy the car off her, or give her a good deal on a trade; would someone in this situation be right to expect these options to be offered if they don't want the car back?

Id be more concerned about something more than the hinges, has the owner seen the car? taken some pictures. It may be a write off.
Id have wanted to see it to ensure nothing is covered up.

c montgomery wrote: »

A person crashed into me last year. Needed new rear bumber, their insurance company paid for it. Should I have insisted that they buy my car from me? Of course not!

No comparison though, is it

Toyotafanboi

c montgomery wrote: »

It should be assessed for damage and any damage repaired

Nice way to not answer the question.

Often, damage is not repairable. It may be possible to repair it visually, but if the structure is compromised, even if only lightly, it's a whole other ball game.

bear1

Id be wondering why was the bonnet being opened if only the brakes were being done and also how fast they were driving it.

Firblog

c montgomery wrote: »

A person crashed into me last year. Needed new rear bumber, their insurance company paid for it. Should I have insisted that they buy my car from me? Of course not!

When you go to sell your car and are asked was it ever hit, you think that answering yes won't reduce the value of your car?

What you are happy to settle for is up to you.

Firblog

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

What is the car OP and was it a main dealer or independent?

2010 KIA Ceed Estate

Main Dealer - she bought the car from them 2nd had a couple of years ago.

pajero12

bear1 wrote: »

Id be wondering why was the bonnet being opened if only the brakes were being done and also how fast they were driving it.

You've never checked brake fluid or bled the brakes when you've worked on them? Absolutely no need for conspiracy theories.

Eric Cartman

bear1 wrote: »

Id be wondering why was the bonnet being opened if only the brakes were being done and also how fast they were driving it.

dealer doing a basic check or bleeding a brake calliper would require this.

bear1

pajero12 wrote: »

You've never checked brake fluid or bled the brakes when you've worked on them? Absolutely no need for conspiracy theories.

Not a conspiracy theory as I hadn't thought of the fluid but I know that whenever I've opened my bonnet I make damn sure its closed.
No need to overdramatize what I said.

Firblog

Garage phoned today; car is a write off. They're giving a good deal on a trade in.

Atlantic Dawn

Firblog wrote: »

Garage phoned today; car is a write off. They're giving a good deal on a trade in.

Feck, will be an expensive kick in the hole for whoever took it out for the drive. At least they are being fair about it, their mistake but they are looking after you.

Claude Burgundy

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Feck, will be an expensive kick in the hole for whoever took it out for the drive. At least they are being fair about it, their mistake but they are looking after you.

That's what their insurance is for !

But good to hear that they are dealing with it in a proper manner.

bear1

Out of curiosity OP, are they giving you a good deal on a brand new car?

Firblog

They're giving her a good price for her own against any car they have in stock. At the min 2012 Toyota Avensis D4D is the bell of the ball; (I put in negative review of the sportage she had been loaned - most uncomfortable seats I've ever sat in)