We bought a new car 12 days ago. Not brand new, it's a 10-plate Astra and rather smart. All black and shiny. I took it to the yard on Friday, was only there about 90 mins and before I left, I went to the boot and there was a big scratch/scuff down the boot that hadn't been there when I arrived....I know this categorically.
A few months ago I had a minor run-in with a volatile lady on the yard and we haven't spoken since and she arrived whilst I was round (out of sight) lungeing Gracie so I had my suspicions she might still hold a grudge. Yesterday morning I saw M, who had also been around on Friday and asked her if she saw "anybody" around the back of my car and explained about the scratch. She then said that her new horse had been titting around when she came back from her hack and had got close to the car.... and that she hoped it hadn't been her. I said I'd wait for Jen to get back from her weekend away and check the cctv. M then messaged me yesterday afternoon saying that if it did turn out to be her horse, she'd pay for the damage but that she didn't think she'd got that close. I said it was unlikely to be her because to scratch the car like that you'd have definitely been aware of contact and that surely she'd have come straight round to the school to let me know, that she wouldn't have to pay because accidents happen and it probably wouldn't be much to touch in a scuff/scratch. Besides, I added, we all take the risk of damage when we park our cars near the barns.
Well, the cctv showed irrefutably that it was her horse - he's stepped sideways and she caught the car with her stirrup. I was just relieved that it hadn't been done with malice by the other one!
I stopped at the local car repair/respray centre on the way home and he said they'd have to respray the whole boot and it will cost £200!!
Jen is adamant from the video that M definitely knew it had happened because she is looking down at my car as it happens and then turns to look again as she walks away. She reckons that after I innocently said that the scratch hadn't been there before and I'd driven straight to the yard and would check cctv, that M realised the evidence would be there, hence her messages yesterday.
Anyhoo, I've messaged M and sent her the vid, plus told her the cost. She straightaway apologised profusely and said she'd pay but I've told her that I'm happy for us to go 50/50 and pay £100 each but she's still insisting she'll pay the whole cost. Yes, her new horse caused the damage but it was only an accident and as I've already said, because the cars are all parked outside the barn we do accept the risk, so I'd be genuinely grateful to even get half!
My question is....if she does give me the full £200, do I accept it? I'd hate any ill-feeling on the yard. She's a nice lady, sensible sweet and kind and I'd hate there to be any ill-feeling.
What would YOU do? And how would you feel if it was your horse? Tbh, I'd probably be the same as her and offer to pay in full coz I'd feel terrible, especially if the car was someone's new pride and joy!
Opinions?
A few months ago I had a minor run-in with a volatile lady on the yard and we haven't spoken since and she arrived whilst I was round (out of sight) lungeing Gracie so I had my suspicions she might still hold a grudge. Yesterday morning I saw M, who had also been around on Friday and asked her if she saw "anybody" around the back of my car and explained about the scratch. She then said that her new horse had been titting around when she came back from her hack and had got close to the car.... and that she hoped it hadn't been her. I said I'd wait for Jen to get back from her weekend away and check the cctv. M then messaged me yesterday afternoon saying that if it did turn out to be her horse, she'd pay for the damage but that she didn't think she'd got that close. I said it was unlikely to be her because to scratch the car like that you'd have definitely been aware of contact and that surely she'd have come straight round to the school to let me know, that she wouldn't have to pay because accidents happen and it probably wouldn't be much to touch in a scuff/scratch. Besides, I added, we all take the risk of damage when we park our cars near the barns.
Well, the cctv showed irrefutably that it was her horse - he's stepped sideways and she caught the car with her stirrup. I was just relieved that it hadn't been done with malice by the other one!
I stopped at the local car repair/respray centre on the way home and he said they'd have to respray the whole boot and it will cost £200!!
Jen is adamant from the video that M definitely knew it had happened because she is looking down at my car as it happens and then turns to look again as she walks away. She reckons that after I innocently said that the scratch hadn't been there before and I'd driven straight to the yard and would check cctv, that M realised the evidence would be there, hence her messages yesterday.
Anyhoo, I've messaged M and sent her the vid, plus told her the cost. She straightaway apologised profusely and said she'd pay but I've told her that I'm happy for us to go 50/50 and pay £100 each but she's still insisting she'll pay the whole cost. Yes, her new horse caused the damage but it was only an accident and as I've already said, because the cars are all parked outside the barn we do accept the risk, so I'd be genuinely grateful to even get half!
My question is....if she does give me the full £200, do I accept it? I'd hate any ill-feeling on the yard. She's a nice lady, sensible sweet and kind and I'd hate there to be any ill-feeling.
What would YOU do? And how would you feel if it was your horse? Tbh, I'd probably be the same as her and offer to pay in full coz I'd feel terrible, especially if the car was someone's new pride and joy!
Opinions?