[225_AB]

So I parked in the car park of a hospital that I work at. I was slightly concerned as the spaces are tight and was parked next to some sort of people carrier thing but there were no other spaces. Came out later and idiot had scraped my passenger door with their bumper or trim. There were some scrapes which were superficial and t cut got rid of them. There is however a 6 inch long crease in the door extending into next panel just visible and can be felt. So is this the sort of job that companies like chipsaway could deal with? Can anyone recommend any companies in the High Wycombe area?

Going to get the CCTV footage checked as the perp didn't leave a note but it might be a patient as that part of the car park is for patients and staff.

[B33M3R]

Not cheap but wouldn't hesitate to use these guys again

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=602797

[225_AB]

Interesting thread thanks, anyone got any first hand experience of anyone in Buckinghamshire, north west london area?

[Guvernator]

Had a similiar incident with a previous car when I parked it at a customer sites car park. Asked security to look at CCTV footage but had no joy as unless the camera angle is perfect and good enough to capture the exact moment of contact, then you are out of luck. I ended up paying out of my own pocket in the end.

Took it too Little Knocks in Ruislip.

http://www.littleknocks.co.uk/

They were very reasonable and repaired the scuff perfectly so that it was as good as new.

[CarAbuser]

If i were you I'd do everything i could to get the person who did it. The fact they scraped your car then drove off is appalling.

I do everything possible to avoid parking in busy places but sometimes it just cant be helped. I did think about buying a video camera so that when i do return to find parking damage i can atleast get some revenge.

[nicktyler]

I hope the CCTV shows you who did it even though the police probably won't care.

[225_AB]

Can't check the CCTV till Monday apparently. If it is a member of the public then no chance as all I will have will be a reg number and unlike the car clampers, don't suppose DVLA will give me keepers address etc. if it is a staff member then I will be able to tell who it is.

It is possible that as the paint was still intact and most of scratches have come out that the driving didn't realise?

[ihpj]

I post to offer practical advice for the OP and to dispel myths about 'DVLA won't provide keeper details etc.' - here is what I would do:

1. I would definitely look at getting access to the CCTV. Many places incorrectly deny you access citing Data Protection; however this is incorrect because you are asking for information relating directly to you/your property and for which you are making a specific request for, i.e. narrowed to a very specific purpose and particulars...this is not speculative in nature which would breach the DPA.

2. Once you get access to CCTV and it yields something worthwhile, report it to the Police as a 'fail to stop after road traffic collision' and complete the process and make sure you get a report reference (different Services operate differently) this is very important. It is very likely Police will simply file it and do nothing, but you are a big step forward as long as it is reported and recorded by them.

3. Just in case you get fobbed off with the hospital car park is NOT public place argument, i can assure you that it WILL be deemed as a public place because at the time the Public had access to it, whether on payment or otherwise - so don't be fobbed off by anyone telling you otherwise. It is a public place and importantly for you subject to the Road Traffic Act.

4. Once you have reported the matter to Police and they have investigated, you are LEGAL ENTITLED to ask them to forward details for the Owner/Keeper details for the purpose of pursuing your own prosecution (i.e. pursue them through civil court).

5. By having reported to the Police as an offence, you have established a LAWFUL right to having this information released to you and the Police will provide you these details - albeit under a little pressure as they will be concerned you might want to undertake some vigilante type actions. You have FoI Act available as well as Victim Rights Charter supporting your right to having this information.

6. However you can in parallel write to the DVLA asking for details of the RoK given that a crime has been committed and you want these details to complete a prosecution - so like the Police this puts the DVLA under legal obligation to fulfil your request (there may be a fee but you can claim it against the Third Party at Court).

7. Once you have all the details, I would then write to the RoK giving them full details of what happened and why you hold them liable; give them say 14 days to acknowledge and a further 14 days to reply. If they ignore you after 28 days, file a claim for the cost of repair plus all costs in the small claims court and follow the MoneyClaim online process. I will bet the Third Party will look to settle prior to a Court hearing, otherwise, you go to Court and prove your case...and because it is Civil Court, the burden of proof is on balance of probability.


All of the above relies on CCTV yielding traceable details for the vehicle and owner and then driver, but I hope you get the idea. Is not a lost cause, you just have to do some legwork, but if you follow the process, and exercise your rights correctly, you will be successful.

I hope this helps...

[A_P]

^ = LEGEND

[BIGTIME]

Legend maybe, but I bet the OP still just pays for the damage himself as it's not worth the chew.

[Rudz]

I had a similar problem, details in the thread below

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=661045

might be worth exploring ebay or gumtree for replacement doors, will work out a lot cheaper than getting the creases removed

[225_AB]

Thanks for all the advice it is appreciated especially ihpj for taking the time and trouble to post. The creases aren't really that bad but you can see them in the right light and certainly feel them. My concern is more the failure to stop than the actually damage.

I probably will get it fixed myself but about to pass the car to my wife as my 640D is due in June and I suspect that she might inflict more dings on it so might get it all sorted in a couple of years when the 640 goes back and I get the 330 back.

All the advice is appreciated and will talk to the hospital about the CCTV.

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by doc_ab

Interesting thread thanks, anyone got any first hand experience of anyone in Buckinghamshire, north west london area?

I have used this company, they do all of the repair work for Sytner High Wycombe. Very good standard of work and are based on the Cressex Business Park in High Wycombe

http://www.autobodyrepairhighwycombe.co.uk/

[225_AB]

Originally Posted by JLR1969

I have used this company, they do all of the repair work for Sytner High Wycombe. Very good standard of work and are based on the Cressex Business Park in High Wycombe

http://www.autobodyrepairhighwycombe.co.uk/

Thanks mate might use them when the time comes.