Has anyone taken RAC to small claims or ombudsman?

[TheRACDamagedOurCar]

I’m facing having to do this and I’m so scared, would appreciate talking to anyone who has been through the process.

It’s for damage caused to our car during the breakdown recovery process - which they are denying.

Happy to share more info if anyone feels they can advise

I’d go and talk to a solicitor first to see what options you have. Do you have evidence to support your claim against the RAC?

Yes and no, it’s not concrete

it’s more that, they took custody of the car in ABC condition

and it was delivered in XYZ condition

they are insisting it was already in XYZ condition

Do you have evidence of the car's condition when they collected it?

a video of the engine still turning over - they are claiming it had already suffered catastrophic failure

their own photos of the odometer at collection vs the incoming garages report showing the mileage has increased

their collection report which doesn’t report damage to the panels which now have scratches

I obviously can't comment on the strength of your evidence, but if you can convince a judge that, on the balance of probabilities, the car was damaged whilst in the RAC's care, you will be awarded appropriate compensation.

If there is damage to the bodywork get you car insurance involved.

I tried, they said no as its a third party liability claim because i gave RAC custody of my car

That is a shame. I hoped that would move things forwards

I'm now getting legal support via my home insurance and there is quite a good claims limit on there. I've also since had the SAR which shows the engine was working at the point of recovery and there is a break in the chain of custody, and they can't speak to all employees of the subcontractors as they have since been terminated - so it's all looking very suspicious in my mind.