So, apparently the body of a fork lift truck is stronger than the side of a fiat coupe! Who'd have thought it?

Basically, I was at a hotel today for a meeting and parked my car in the carpark. Mid morning break, I returned from a restroom break to my colleagues telling me my car had been hit by a fork lift truck. Initially I thought it was some cruel attempt at humour but then gathered they were serious given there was also a hotel staff person there telling me the same thing.

I walked out to the car, visions of the forks impaled through the bonnet racing through my head.

Fortunately it was the back of the truck that hit me not the forks. Damage to the passenger door and a tiny section of the rear 3/4 panel. So, went to see the manager who was extremely apologetic. I didn't get angry as it's just one of these things that happens but it is going to be a pain having to get it fixed.

So he said to go and get 3 quotes to get the repair work done and let them know the costs. Then book it into the garage I want and let them know and they'll basically square the bill with the bodyshop at the end of the day. He also said they would cover costs if I needed to arrange alternative transport while my car was being repaired.

So it seems like it should be sorted ok. I got pictures of the car directly after it happened and one of my paint on the forklift ( ) and plenty witnesses that heard the hotel guy admit it was him. I still think I should probably write a letter though detailing what I plan to do, what happened etc...

I'd appreciated if someone like Nigel ( ) or Emjay might take a look at the draft I've done and comment back, or if anyone else has any advice it would be appreciated.

B

Thats bad luck mate.

Still though, very good of them to pay for it. At least its only an inconvenience to yourself and not massive bill.

Awww, bad luck Matt, where was this?

At least it sounds like they are going to do the decent thing.

Matt,

Sorry to hear that mate

Well I would write down in a letter outlining the situation and send it to them to just harden up the deal. Also get this offer witnessed by a few people.

Any ideas where you'll get it done?

Nick

Just looking for places just now to give me some quotes. The place that did some work for me last time are booked solid 'til mid August so any suggestions of places in or around Aberdeen (preferrably with some 1st hand experience) are appreciated.

Sorry to hear this Matt


I have pm'd you details of the guy I used here , give me a shout if you want a quote

Ouch! but you are lucky at least to have a genuine manager at that hotel could stick some styling mods on there and whack it on the bill Ooh how's about an impreza bonnet intake

On a similar note... couple of years ago, daughter came out of a course to discover a contractor had put a ladder through her car without bothering to open a window first. No problems with either the contractor or the course host, and a new drop glass was fitted before she left.

Last week, it fell into the bottom of the door. When I took it to bits to investigate, I found they'd broken the little plastic bit that moves the glass around, broken various door-plate clips, and missed a couple of bolts when they put it all back together.

Moral - make sure someone you trust does the work, and/or check it carefully afterwards.

So annoying, really feel for you

So many nice cars get dinged when parked up

Happened to me when I had a concourse MK1 Golf GTI...window cleaner with his ladders He denied all knowledge.

Sounds like they are being reasonable at least, I've given you the details of the bodyshop I use, any more info required let me know

And chin up, it could be worse

Very true. You could be an ugly cu..........



...oh, sorry.

This is the problem Neil, finding somewhere that is good and that I’ll be happy with.

MattB - you should definitely write to the hotel manager, reiterating the sequence of events and what was said by who and when. Write down your version of events for the avoidance of doubt. Far better for short discussions while its still fresh in everyone's mind than to wait until later when people mysteriously and conveniently "forget".

Mention that you are pleased with their swift admission of liability and that because of this, you expect to be able to proceeed without having to claim of their insurance company, or having to resort to official channels.

It might be worth reporting the issue to your own insurance company though, because if the quote is high and the hotel goes back on their word, you may have to involve them. Far better to have told them and not needed to, rather than the other way round.

happy to have a look through any draft correspondence - just PM the text or ask me for my email address and you can sent the whole document

Thanks Nigel. I’ll pm it to you later today.

I wouldnt tell the insurance company. I told an insurance company about my wheel comming off and they had it down as an accident....... WTF?? I didnt claim and nuthing apart from the bumper was damaged.

I wouldnt tell them just yet. Just my 2p worth.

Ross

Let's have the repair shop a good look to your door I had a damage on my door a few years back and when you had a look on the inside of the door you could see the side protection bar was displaced. so I advice when you are unshure Let them replace the door for a new one.

Good luck

LUM

One new door later......

Aye she's looking nice again.

Good to see you've got it back

Does that mean you can go to Fiat for me

Matty said he's over to Dyce tomorrow so get him to go on his way out there. I is busy tomorrow I'm afraid.