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Original poster

Damaged car in car park

31 replies

user1471444764 · 15/04/2023 10:14

A few weeks ago, I accidentally damaged another car in a car park (wind caught my door as I opened it and it hit the car next to me). I immediately left my details and have been corresponding with the other owner about paying for the repair. I now have the final quote which I’m going to pay, but am wondering how much extra I should send as compensation for their trouble and time? They obviously have suffered from my utter stupidity so how much extra is fair?

OP posts:
PussBilledDuckyPlait · 15/04/2023 10:17

I don't think you should be compensating them beyond their expenses - insurance wouldn't if they'd gone via insurance. No one was injured here.

drpet49 · 15/04/2023 10:18

Dont compensate them for anything. You should have gone through your insurance.

Original poster
user1471444764 · 15/04/2023 10:26

To be clear, they have been very nice, reasonable and haven’t asked for any extra beyond the cost of the repair. I just feel awful and like I should offer something. The amount in question is less than my excess which is why we haven’t gone through insurance.

OP posts:
FionnulaTheCooler · 15/04/2023 10:27

You pay for the repair and that's it. They don't need "compensation" for a dented door.

Magenta65 · 15/04/2023 10:28

Unless they’ve asked to be compensated then you just pay for the repair and that’s it.

icelollycraving · 15/04/2023 10:28

Just the cost surely? I don’t drive so I’m not up on driving accident etiquette!
If you know their address, maybe a bottle of wine?

OchonAgusOchonOh · 15/04/2023 10:28

If you really want to do something extra, just give them a small box of chocolates and say thanks for being so nice.

MissHoollie · 15/04/2023 10:29

A bottle of wine

hedgehoglurker · 15/04/2023 10:38

I agree with a small gift. Flowers/ chocolate/ wine.

Sweetapplestrudel · 15/04/2023 10:51

Wow. I would just be so grateful that you left your details!!! I returned to a dent on my car door last week after parking in a car park. Likely due to the exact situation you describe or someone carelessly opening their door...or perhaps a child doing it but there was no note left!!! You've done the right thing and that is enough... 🙂

mondaytosunday · 15/04/2023 11:31

Extra? It was an accident. You are doing what you should, you do not need to give more.

LittleRebelGirl · 15/04/2023 11:33

If you wanted to I'd just send some flowers. Not lily's though in case they have cats.
But really, you don't need to do anything else.

EnjoyingTheSilence · 15/04/2023 11:35

Why would you pay more than you need to. Maybe a bottle of wine or some chocs but it was an accident. There is no need to pay any extra

gemsgv · 15/04/2023 11:36

Just round it up. It if cost £187 then send them £200

Angebot · 15/04/2023 11:44

user1471444764 · 15/04/2023 10:14

A few weeks ago, I accidentally damaged another car in a car park (wind caught my door as I opened it and it hit the car next to me). I immediately left my details and have been corresponding with the other owner about paying for the repair. I now have the final quote which I’m going to pay, but am wondering how much extra I should send as compensation for their trouble and time? They obviously have suffered from my utter stupidity so how much extra is fair?

I once accidentally caused damage to the effect of a small scratch to a neighbours car. He got the quote and damage fixed ans said it cost £120. I gave him £150 because he did the running around and got it fixed. But that's because he used his time to do It.

SkiingIsHeaven · 15/04/2023 12:51

I once gave cash to cover a repair and rounded it up. They sent me the £1.53 extra back because I had owned up and they were so grateful.

MangoBiscuit · 15/04/2023 12:59

We had someone damage one of the wing mirrors over Christmas, and went through the insurance. Car was off the road while we sent in photos for the assessor, and waited for the approved garage to book us in. (big electric thing hanging off the side and flapping about) We ended up having to do a patch job just so it could be driven safely, because they took weeks and weeks to even pick a garage. They also then recorded the claim incorrectly and caused a whole bunch of stress when we renewed the insurance. I wish we'd just repaired it privately and paid for it ourselves.

You owned up to it, and are prepared to pay for the repairs, rather than making they deal with their insurance company. IME, you've already saved them a bunch of trouble and time!

PuffinsRocks · 15/04/2023 13:01

Did you post about this a week or two ago?

brooksidebackside · 15/04/2023 13:03

gemsgv · 15/04/2023 11:36

Just round it up. It if cost £187 then send them £200

Don't do this!!

Pay the repair bill directly, otherwise they could quite well just keep the money and not be arsed getting the door fixed. They are possibly being so nice to ensure they get some money out of OP.

thequeenoftarts · 15/04/2023 13:23

You are an exceptionally nice and kind person. How lovely of you to even think about that. I'd say wine, flowers or chocs, with a little card, saying sorry for the accident, please enjoy these on me. kind regards ..... I am sure they will be most grateful, although there is no need at all to do the above, its just nice to be nice

Original poster
user1471444764 · 15/04/2023 14:11

PuffinsRocks · 15/04/2023 13:01

Did you post about this a week or two ago?

No, I've not posted before.

OP posts:
Original poster
user1471444764 · 15/04/2023 14:20

Thanks for all your opinions, I don't have their address so unfortunately I can't send wine/chocs. I just feel really guilty, it may have been an accident, but it wasn't their fault yet they've been left with all the hassle. A nice person would have been more careful in the first place and not caused the damage. Lesson learnt, not to park next to other people in future.

OP posts:
Shade17 · 15/04/2023 14:25

The amount in question is less than my excess which is why we haven’t gone through insurance.

You don’t pay your excess on third party claims, only for damage to your own vehicle! ALWAYS go through insurance. Presumably you’ve informed your insurance company anyway as per the terms of your policy?

brooksidebackside · 15/04/2023 14:50

I don't have their address so unfortunately I can't send wine/chocs.

Even more reason to ensure you pay the repair bill directly.

JustAnotherPoster00 · 15/04/2023 15:10

Most obvious reverse ever, no you shouldnt try nd grift any extra money, they should have gone through their insurance in the first place, how inflated was the cost of repair OP?

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