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AIBU?

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AIBU to expect my passenger to pay for the damage she caused?

177 replies

ErinBell01 · 14/03/2026 17:58

I was giving a friend a lift to our meeting. I parked in the car park and switched off the engine. Passenger picked up her bag and opened the door and there was a bang! A car had driven past my car to occupy the space in front of the space next to my car and the door had hit this car. Friend said she'd looked in the mirror but hadn't seen him. We all got out and inspected the damage and exchanged details. My car has a dent and paint damage on the door. OP had damage to his wheel arch. When I dropped friend off later I said I was going to contact my insurers and also get quotes, and would hear from OP. She didn't offer to pay anything. I've now got a price, not worth going to insurers due to XS, OP says his pal is fixing his car at no cost. What do I say to my friend? Husband says she won't remain a friend if I expect her to pay anything. AIBU to expect her to take responsibility? It was an accident but she caused it.

OP posts:
MrsEmmelinePankhurst · 14/03/2026 18:12

Absolutely your friend should pay. You were doing her a favour by giving her a lift!

Zhu · 14/03/2026 18:12

I don’t think you can expect your friend to pay. You are the insured person, you as the driver are responsible for the car - and the actions of your passenger. It’s not clear to me that the driver, whose vehicle was moving when it struck your car, is not responsible. He or she should have been more careful - this is not an unpredictable situation in a car park.