Peugeot Contract Hire

[Fiscal]

Hello to all
Would like your thoughts please on my story. I had a van on contract hire for 4 years, at the end of the contract the vehicle was inspected and I received a bill for £637.92 for small dents and scratches which I disputed.
Peugeot wrote to me saying they would recover the costs via my direct debit. I cancelled the direct debit at the bank and told Peugeot they should not attempt to take money from my account (recorded delivery)
Two weeks later I noticed they had withdrawn the said amount from my account, I phoned them and asked them to repay and they refused.
I reclaimed the money via the direct debit indemnity.
They are now threatening court action through a DCA.
I think what they did was fraudulent but I am unsure how or if to prosecute.
Also if they took the money and have not repaid it is the debt settled.
All opinions would be welcomed thanks.

[R0b]

Re: Peugeot Contract Hire

Hi Fiscal,

What are your reasons for disputing the dents and scratches? did you take any photographs of the vehicle before you handed it over? The debt is not settled because you claimed your money back via the indemnity process so they will have a right to take you to court for the cost of the damages incurred. Whether they are reasonable costs is arguable but that will be up to the judge to decide.

[Fiscal]

Re: Peugeot Contract Hire

Hi Fiscal,

What are your reasons for disputing the dents and scratches? did you take any photographs of the vehicle before you handed it over? The debt is not settled because you claimed your money back via the indemnity process so they will have a right to take you to court for the cost of the damages incurred. Whether they are reasonable costs is arguable but that will be up to the judge to decide.

Thanks for the reply Rob, Yes photographs were taken I disputed the cost because I thought they were extreme in relation to the ware and tear damage on a 4 year old commercial vehicle, I also asked them twice for a third party examination which is in their guidelines but was ignored both times.

[R0b]

Re: Peugeot Contract Hire

What was their reference for the applying the costs to the damage? what guidelines are you referring to, the BVRLA or Ford's own guidelines, and is it discretionary to require a third party examination or does it say that if requested one will be carried out?

I think if the guidelines formed part of the lease agreement then they might have shot themselves in the foot by refusing to get an independent examination done. When you asked them was this in writing or on the phone?

[Fiscal]

Re: Peugeot Contract Hire

Their reference was the person who inspected the vehicle who said "we can't knock dents out we have to replace the panel" the guidelines are from BVRLA and yes I asked them twice both documented.