My car was dinged by a customer while it was being serviced. I dropped my car off at the dealership and returned to find a small dent and a missing paint chip. The person who opened their door and caused the damage left a note saying he would take responsibility for it, but when I sent him the repair estimate, he backtracked and claimed the bill was too high. He then stated that the dealership is liable and that he wouldn’t be paying, even mentioning small claims court.
I’ve contacted my insurance company for advice, as the dealership informed me that it’s a matter between the two of us since it’s a typical accident. However, the insurance representative mentioned that the dealership might actually be responsible since they have coverage for these types of incidents. She is checking with her supervisor and will update me on Monday.
Has anyone else experienced a similar situation, considering that insurance coverage and liability can vary by location?
Edit: The individual did leave his license plate number, phone number, and details about his car (make, model, year). There’s clear 4K video of him carelessly swinging his door into my car, causing it to shake. While the dent is small, it’s particularly concerning on a leased vehicle.
I’m sorry to hear about your experience—it sounds really frustrating! Dealing with damage like that, especially in a dealership setting, can be stressful. Given that the person admitted fault by leaving a note and you have clear video evidence, it seems like you have a strong case.
Since the guy originally agreed to pay and now is backing out, it might be worth pursuing that small claims court route if he continues to refuse responsibility. The fact that his admission is documented can help solidify your position.
In terms of liability, it’s true that dealerships can sometimes be held responsible for damage occurring on their premises, especially if they didn’t have adequate supervision in place during service. If your insurance company confirms this as a liability issue on the dealership’s part, it may shift the responsibility away from you and the other driver.
Hopefully, your insurance will provide clarity on Monday. In the meantime, gather all documentation and evidence—photos, the video, the note, etc.—to support your case. Good luck, and keep us updated!