EOC Audi charging me for tyre inflation kit

[Clarino12]

Hi
I voluntary terminated my lease agreement with VFS.
They have since invoiced me for a tyre inflation kit that was never in the car when I purchased it. I contracted the dealership and was told my car did not come with a tyre inflation kit. I informed VFS of this but they still insisted it did and I was liable for £198 + VAT. I then contacted the dealership explaining the issue and requested proof / check list. They informed me the paperwork was archived and they would send for it. Since then (2 ish months ago) i have been back and forth between the dealership and VFS, I asked VFS to contact the dealership direct for proof as I was not getting anywhere. VFS have now said the dealership is “certain” it came with a tyre inflation kit but are unable to provide proof, but.....insist I have to pay for it!!
Any help would be gratefully appreciated!
Kind regards Andrea

[R0b]

Get the archived paperwork from the dealership so you have evidence that it wasn't listed as being there, and in the meantime ask them to confirm by email that it wasn't included in the car. The burden of proof rests with VFS (he who asserts, must prove) to show that the inflation kit did come with the car and I'm not sure how they can unless they had a representative carry out an inspection/inventory prior to or on the day of collection (that never happens).

If there isn't any proof, then they can't claim for it. You should have got a copy of the paperwork at the time of collection and that would have included the pre-delivery inspection sheet or similar. If you have that then check to see whether it was listed and if it wasn't, it's reasonable to argue that it didn't.

Make a formal complaint, outline the fact that VFS initially insisted that the inflation kit came with the car but have since changed their tune to say that the dealership is certain, though no evidence or proof can be offered to back up that claim otherwise the cost should be removed. If they reject your complaint, make a further complaint to the Financial Ombudsman and ask for compsenation for the distress, harassment and inconvenience caused by VFS who have admitted that no proof exists but still expect you to pay.

[Clarino12]

Rob, Thanks for your speedy response!
I have requested the paperwork from the dealership on three occasions, without it being provided. That’s why I asked VFS to intervene to see if the dealership would pull their finger out and get the paperwork. I do not have the initial checklist, this went with car handbook, servicing etc
This is VFS email.......

Good morning Mrs Goode,

Thank you for your response to the below email.
I can confirm we have spoken to the car dealership and they have confirmed that they are certain you would have been sold the vehicle with a tyre inflation kit.

In light of this the below charge remains.

Tyre inflation kit Missing Not Available Replace £198.00
(Price excluding VAT)

would you be able to advise on a response back to them?
Kind regards Andrea

[Clarino12]

I have sent a detailed response, thanks again!

[Clarino12]

Thanks!
Mall sorted resulting in no charge to myself!

[tedolsson]

Get the archived paperwork from the dealership so you have evidence that it wasn't listed as being there, and in the meantime ask them to confirm by email that it wasn't included in the car. The burden of proof rests with VFS (he who asserts, must prove) to show that the inflation kit did come with the car and I'm not sure how they can unless they had a representative carry out an inspection/inventory prior to or on the day of collection (that never happens).

If there isn't any proof, then they can't claim for it. You should have got a copy of the happy wheelspaperwork at the time of collection and that would have included the pre-delivery inspection sheet or similar. If you have that then check to see whether it was listed and if it wasn't, it's reasonable to argue that it didn't.

Make a formal complaint, outline the fact that VFS initially insisted that the inflation kit came with the car but have since changed their tune to say that the dealership is certain, though no evidence or proof can be offered to back up that claim otherwise the cost should be removed. If they reject your complaint, make a further complaint to the Financial Ombudsman and ask for compsenation for the distress, harassment and inconvenience caused by VFS who have admitted that no proof exists but still expect you to pay.

Thanks for your detailed response.