Been in tears last 2 days. Sent my van for a cheap spray job and it's come back damaged.

I would advise a 'expert report' first and cost to put back as was. Then she knows the amount to go for.
Went through mcol website before Christmas and got paid

 

If you have the time it doesn't cost that much to file a case against the business as you clearly have the evidence and there is plenty of help online these days, I wouldn't let them get away with it (although I did about 8 years ago)

 

My insurance renewal just got emailed to me. Reading the small print it explicitly says that the cover will be in place when the vehicle is being repaired or serviced and any restrictions on drivers or use are ignored.

I can't cut and past the section of the wording but it is there.

 

I guess the problem if you win a case against a small firm they could just wind up and start another business under a similar name

 

Looking at the photos of the paint job and damage I feel you have the evidence to firstly go back to the body shop firm and tow truck company to make a formal complaint and request your money back in full. I suggest also to put your complaints in writing to them. Invite them to view your van where it is now.

As said, it would be a good idea to get a different garage and body shop to cost the repairs needed to put the van back to its original condition before it went to the sprayer.

Do not go to a solicitor as the costs would be thousands. The small claims court would be the way to go.

But give the sprayer and tow company a chance to make amends first. If they refuse then you have made every effort which you can show to the claims court.

 

I cant remember if the OP had anything in writing to show what the parties to this matter intended. In respect of damages the OP will have to prove they are in a worst position than they were before all of this and that they haven't had their monies worth. The best might be to see if they can be persuaded to pay for the damage caused, even then their cashflow might be so poor they will be reluctant to give anything back. As LC says even if you win they may change names and start up again. If they are a limited company the OP could check on the companies house website to see how long they have been trading. Another way of checking how often they may have changed name is to take a look at street view and use the different date feature if it exists at their location.

 

How are they going to make amends ive just seen the photos thats an awful paint job unless its had a shocking reaction after it left the paint shop.
The only way id let them is if they NOT YOU had a agreement that a different reputable body shop took it over and the cowboys / girls pay the bill.
Awful situation tbh.

1. Independent report
2. Quotes
3.small claims AGAINST THE NAMES OF THE PEOPLE.and the company names as they will just wrap the company name up leaving you tits up.
4.get it repaired

Sorry im not being negative just honest ive helped people do the claim through court thing with shoddy builders. They just move on and set up again unless you go after the person not the company.
Do you have paper work from any of the companys saying what work is to be carrid out?

 

It would be unusual to have a written agreement for the work to be carried out on a vehicle. If you take your car to a garage for servicing or repairs, do you draw up a formal agreement and get them to sign it. Nobody does that. You trust the garage to do the work and do it properly. The garage would quote for the servicing and you accept and there is a contract.

Building work on a property is not straightforward and would need a written agreement.

 

Honesly mate over a grand and its qoute written and dated with date of completion. If its a resto its payments on progress

 

an email or message chain would be evidence of an agreement...

 

I think you have to balance everything against what the OP paid for this.

 

I know its a hard one.
Honestly id be more *******ed that the bus is out of action for camping
Hate to say it but getting on with your life vs chasing the painter's and transport company... it could take years

 

Whilst the paint job is an issue, the bottom line is that it's been damaged whilst in their care.... they should be arranging to fix / pay for repairs.
It's fallen of their sub-contractors tow truck or been damaged loading/unloading ..... that's the main issue.

 

Yes, the van is damaged and would need repairs to make it driveable again. The small claims court should be the last resort. Hopefully the sprayer/tow truck firm would do the right thing, which is the easy way out for them, and refund the money. I would get the van repaired so it could be driven. Then maybe consider doing a nice homemade paint job with the Rustoleum roller method. couldn't be worse than the sprayer did and there would be the fun of diy and very cheap to do. So turn a bad event into good thing.

 

?

Does it not occur to you that if they were willing 'to do the right thing' it would not have been given back to the owners in this state in the first place?

As for not having an agreement on what work is to be done....that's what the quote is for if nothing else. As an actual previous owner of an automotive company we use to do around 40 vehicle checks that the owner signs before we start work, the quote and invoice are matched docs and a post work sign off doc at the end.

The issue with the motor trade is it's often run by people that know how to turn a spanner but have very very very very little clue on how to run a business past their daily accounts.

Restorers are the same, often someone that self taught learns to weld their car, then does a mates, then a friend of a friend etc etc. No actual welding certifications, business acumen etc.

 

I'd forget the cheap paint job: put it down to experience. They rarely work out well. I'd pursue the transporter, if it's obvious the damage was caused by the van coming off the wagon. Hard to see how the "restorer" could've caused that much damage.

Rectification costs need to come off the transporter's insurance, assuming he's got any. I'd tell him your going to take legal action if he doesn't do something. Just mention it as a starting point. Can't let them get away with it - they may have trashed your engine.

 

I am thinking much the same, the priority is to get the van repaired and back on the road. Sorting out the paintwork can wait and after such a bad experience who could you trust, and I also doubt the sprayer caused all that damage as they probably painted the van on the level.

 

Start plus gassing the heat exchanger nuts now !!!