What do I do if my vehicle has been damaged during a service?
Discovering damage to your vehicle following a service can be concerning. Should this occur, it's crucial to address the issue promptly to ensure it's resolved satisfactorily. Here's what you should do if you find your vehicle has been damaged during a service booked via Garage.co.uk:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Contact the Garage: As soon as you notice any damage, inform the garage where the service was performed. It's best to do this immediately, providing details of the damage you've observed. Contacting them directly and swiftly ensures the issue is logged as close to the service completion time as possible, which is vital for any claims or resolutions.
- Documentation: Take clear photographs of the damage. This should include close-up shots and wider angles to show the damage in context. These images serve as evidence and can be crucial for assessing the extent and cause of the damage.
- Written Report: Ask the garage for a written report acknowledging the damage claim. This report should detail the damage observed and any initial thoughts from the garage on how it might have occurred.
Following Up
- Garage Response: The garage should investigate your claim, which may involve inspecting the vehicle further. They might compare the vehicle's condition before and after the service using their pre-service inspection reports if available.
- Resolution: Depending on the findings, the garage may offer to repair the damage at no extra cost to you, provide a replacement part, or offer compensation. The resolution should be fair and restore your vehicle to its pre-service condition or better.
If You're Not Satisfied
If you're not satisfied with the garage's response or how they propose to resolve the issue, you can escalate your complaint. This might involve contacting a trade association the garage is a member of or using a mediation service.
Preventive Measures
Pre-Service Check: Before any future services, consider taking date-stamped photos of your vehicle as a record of its condition. This can be helpful for any potential disputes.
Garage.co.uk values customer satisfaction and service quality. If your vehicle was damaged during a service booked through our platform, and you're encountering difficulties in resolving the issue with the garage, our customer support team is available to offer guidance on how to proceed.
Handling vehicle damage claims can be complex, but by following these steps, you're better equipped to navigate the situation, ensuring a fair and prompt resolution.