My car's rear spoiler and brake light were torn off at an automatic car wash that I regularly use at my local car wash. Tesco supermarket. Employees commented on the frequency of vehicle damage. The cost of repairs is estimated at £750, but Tesco refuses to accept responsibility. It cites a maintenance report prepared by the company it contracted to supply and service car washes, which apparently found no faults. I was denied access to the report due to “company policy.”
JM, Dumfries and Galloway
A Google search reveals numerous complaints from drivers claiming Tesco car washes have damaged their cars. In each case, Tesco's response was to send an identically worded letter from its solicitors, stating that no defects had been found at the car wash in question, that no other complaints had been made and that a disclaimer at the gate absolved the company of liability for damage caused during use unless the machine was defective. You received the same letter as the person whose car was scratched. when the cleaning arm fell in the middle of a cycle.
However, Tesco denies it has a blanket policy to reject compensation claims and says it considers them on a case-by-case basis. I was told that staff check wash cycles daily and that the car wash you used was in good working order.
So you are faced with a choice: file a claim through your insurer or take the legal route. If you decide the latter, send a letter before you act, stating the amount of damages you are seeking and giving Tesco 14 days to respond.
If this doesn't work, collect details and photographs of the damage, as well as proof of car wash fees and repair quotes, and use a Scottish service. “simple procedure” file a claim through the sheriff court.
In England and Wales it's a similar process with the participation of the district court.
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