Car damaged by garage: what should I do?

1. Car damaged by garage during repair: now what?

a) Damage with clear evidence

If you discover damage while walking around the vehicle, you should inform the garage owner immediately and ask about the recording protocol. If no damage was previously noted, or if you can otherwise prove it with images of the vehicle before taking it to the garage visit, the situation is clear: the damage happened in the garage. The damage will then be covered by the liability insurance of the garage. In this case,the garage may be obliged to provide a courtesy car at no cost to you for the duration of the repair.

b) Damage without clear evidence

If you notice any damage later, you should inform the garage. However, it is then difficult to prove that the car was damaged by the garage. In this case, it’s best to go back to the garage and have the staff check the damage. In the end, however, you only have the option of reporting the damage to your insurer.

If the vehicle is only slightly damaged (for example, the paint is scratched), only insurance for parking damage including scratches will cover the damage. However, this can usually only be taken out when buying a new car. In the case of simple parking damage cover, however, scratched paintwork is expressly excluded.

If there is greater damage (for example, damage to the body of the vehicle), this is covered by parking damage cover. If you do not have insurance against damage while parked, the damage is covered by full casco insurance. But with collision casco, you have to pay the deductible. In any case, the car remains in the care of the garage. In this case, you must bear the costs of any replacement vehicle you may need.

2. Tips for trouble at the garage

a) Wash your car

Before visiting the garage, you should wash the outside of your vehicle. This can be either at a car wash or by hand.

b) Check your vehicle for damage

Once your vehicle is clean, you should check it for damage before taking it to the garage. The car is also checked in the garage and any damage is noted in the recording log; nevertheless, an inspection should be carried out beforehand. When checking your vehicle at home, it’s also advisable to take a photo of it.

c) Joint acceptance protocol with the garage

Once the service or tyre change has been completed, the vehicle should be inspected together with the garage staff. Under no circumstances should you simply take the key and drive away with the vehicle. You should look around the car together and check whether the body has any damage. This saves a lot of trouble in the event of damage.