Car damaged on car dealer lot while in for service

[jmp]

Hi everyone. Recently I left my car overnight at a dealership for service, and put my keys in the early drop box (this was in Centre County, PA). I came back the next day for pick up and someone had hit my car! The damage isn't significant enough to be covered by insurance (less than $500). The dealer says it's not their responsibility. They say their lot is "public" so if it is not physically in their garage being repaired they hold no responsibility for the damages.

I tried to mediate-they have offered to pay half the damages so I'll leave them alone. I really had to fight even to get that. My calls weren't returned and I don't think I was taken seriously. That's not good enough. I'm a student and can't afford to cover the damages. I contacted the national office (Nissan)and they can't do anything directly except send a letter to let the dealer know a complaint was filed (this is being done).

I think I'm being taken advantage of because of my age and sex. I doubt they would have treated my father the same way. Does anyone know if they are legally obligated to cover the costs? FYI-they have NO security so they can't even check a security tape to find out who hit my car. There was even a suggestion made that maybe I came to the dealer with the damage already there and was trying to swindle them!

Thank you. I appreciate any advice-I can't afford to consult anyone and I wouldn't know who to go to anyway. This is a less than year old car that I worked hard to afford-it hurts to have body damage already, especially since I had nothing to do with it.

[This message has been edited by jmp (edited September 18, 2000).]

 

[Edward]

The damage is under 500 and they are offering to pay half ?? Take the money and run ! run real fast and soon cos soon they will just get pissed off and tell you to take a hike. They do not have to pay you squat.

 

[keeshy2]

Who came up with the $500 figure? If they did, I would recommend taking it somewhere else to get an unbiased opinion of repair costs. I'm not trying to suggest the dealership is shady (even though we know those type exist!) but to ensure the $500 figure covers any damage that's not obvious. But get their offer to pay half IN WRITING!!! Immediately!!!! From the manager!!!! Often they'll try to go back on their word...

Otherwise, I would suggest using another dealership after this & don't use the night drop boxes. Only have the car serviced when you can wait or can have someone pick you up. I refuse to leave my car using the night drop box - those look like they could easily be broken into. But I know how you feel on the age/gender issue - just stand up for yourself & everything works itself out!

 

[jmp]

Don't worry-I did get the offer to pay half in writing. The general manager told me that if the service manager hadn't given it to me in writing he would never have even paid half.