garage gave out customers car to another customer

[des8]

Only mentioned it because OP said the garage was a small outlet.
It is possible therefore that he has no assets, no garage liability insurance and so not worth suing.

If the damage to the car was caused by another driver who was correctly insured, it might well be more advantageous to make a claim against that person if he/she has been identified

Then sue the person who removed goods from the vehicle (probably the "borrower")

Leaves damages for extra mileage to be paid for by garage owner.

Why limit the targets?
Only a suggestion, but is there any legal or other reason for not naming all three as codefenders?

[jayfleming]

Only mentioned it because OP said the garage was a small outlet.
It is possible therefore that he has no assets, no garage liability insurance and so not worth suing.

If the damage to the car was caused by another driver who was correctly insured, it might well be more advantageous to make a claim against that person if he/she has been identified

Then sue the person who removed goods from the vehicle (probably the "borrower")

Leaves damages for extra mileage to be paid for by garage owner.

Why limit the targets?
Only a suggestion, but is there any legal or other reason for not naming all three as codefenders?

thank you to all out there with your super advice and help
I can not thanks you enough for everything
many thanks

[ostell]

Problem is that the OP probably does not have a name for the other driver and, unless the name is given when requested (probably a DPA contravention) then the OP can't start against them.

While I agree that there may be problems taking a small business to court this would be the only way to kick things into action.

[jaguarsuk]

I would think that you make a claim against the garage (or owner) as they had control of the vehicle at the time. It is up to the garage to sort out who they will be claiming their losses from.

That's my understanding of the situation too.