Car Wash damage

[Question5]

i used a car wash last Friday in a perfectly Road worthy car that has not been modified I any way ( Ford Fiesta Zetec S) . Only 3 years old and not modified in any way. I was just about to sell it and thought I’d give it a quick clean before it was collected! The car wash started and it was really noisy with my car shaking and was a really frightening experience but I couldn’t get out . As soon as I could I got out and found the rear spoiler had been ripped off the car and was lying on the floor!! I reversed out and went into the shop at the BP garage . I was visibly upset and he suggested I hadn’t entere the car wash properly and would check the cctv! He must have done this and was then more amenable and gave me details of who to contact and said he’d send an email of the incident too. Because I was selling the car I had to get it repaired as soon as possible and went to the Ford garage the next morning for a quote and to book it in. It has only ever been serviced by ford and I wasn’t going to take it anywhere else. The company MRH have contacted me by email and want info etc . They have said they want 2 quotes but I had to get this done so it was repaired today at a cost of £550!
What are my rights and chances of getting this refunded.??

[Laticsforlife]

You didn't of course have to sell it. But we are stuck with that now.

I'd agree that the Company should have been allowed to ask you to get a quote, however I think you too are within your rights for the reasons you stated to only have it done at a Ford dealer.

They might argue that their insurers would have chosen a garage who would also have done the work to an acceptable standard for much less, but £550 doesn't seem too bad IMO.

In or out of warranty with Ford? That could help push your 'has to be Ford' argument. You had to take it there to maintain the bodywork warranty (likely at least 6 years).

Even if they disagree with your choice, then they still are liable for the repair, and may offer a lesser sum that would have been charged by 'their' garage.

I'd write back and politely explain the situation, that you had s agreed a sale of the car and were about to hand it over, when the damage occurred.

Explain that in order to maintain the bodywork warranty the dealership suggested it had to be done by them, and so you did, and that it needed doing quickly due to the sale.

[des8]

It is your vehicle and you have the right to choose whom you wish to repair it.

If the third party who caused the damage believe you have not reasonably minimised your costs, they may defend their contention if you take them to court to claim your costs and damages.

IMO, as per Lactis above, choosing a Ford dealer to maintain warranty is reasonable and I would tell MRH tat you anticipate they will reimburse you by return!