gilligan905
Guest
Strange thing happened when my car was in for its MOT last Friday. While on the ramp the rear tailgate window exploded outwards. The garage assure me that no one was near it at the time. They say they heard a pop, then noticed the glass was shattered and kind of curved outwards. The Manager arrived and made a couple of phone calls, then gave the good news that it had passed the MOT, but that it would cost me £175 for the glass to be taken from a scrap tailgate and put into mine.
My questions are:
Firstly, I am astonished that they think I can be liable for this damage that happened on their watch. From the info that I have gleaned from the Citizens Advice website it seems that they should be liable and if need be can claim from their public liabilty insurance. The Manager did ask if I was covered on my insurance, but I explained that glass was not covered in my Third Party, Fire and Theft policy. What do others think and has anyone had a similar experience?
Secondly the £175 charge seems steep. Searching on EBAY myself I found an identical tailgate complete with glass in my metallic green colour for £35. I know sod all about cars, but I suspect fitting a new replacement tailgate would not be the biggest job in the world. Has anyone any opinions on this? Sad thing is I have been using the garage for 9 years and have always been pleased with their service.
Car is a 1998 Seat Ibiza Estillo 1.4. Current state of play is that I stated that I am not happy to pay for this and they are sourcing a tailgate. Phoned on Saturday and again today, but they have no update and my patience is starting to wear thin. Any practical advice on dealing with this situation would be greatly appreciated.
My questions are:
Firstly, I am astonished that they think I can be liable for this damage that happened on their watch. From the info that I have gleaned from the Citizens Advice website it seems that they should be liable and if need be can claim from their public liabilty insurance. The Manager did ask if I was covered on my insurance, but I explained that glass was not covered in my Third Party, Fire and Theft policy. What do others think and has anyone had a similar experience?
Secondly the £175 charge seems steep. Searching on EBAY myself I found an identical tailgate complete with glass in my metallic green colour for £35. I know sod all about cars, but I suspect fitting a new replacement tailgate would not be the biggest job in the world. Has anyone any opinions on this? Sad thing is I have been using the garage for 9 years and have always been pleased with their service.
Car is a 1998 Seat Ibiza Estillo 1.4. Current state of play is that I stated that I am not happy to pay for this and they are sourcing a tailgate. Phoned on Saturday and again today, but they have no update and my patience is starting to wear thin. Any practical advice on dealing with this situation would be greatly appreciated.
