About to take on the AA, any handy hints or tips?
- Thread starter Guest
- Start date
phil,
if I recall, youv'e only recently bought this car right?
I'm really sorry to hear you've got problems, I have no idea how to take on the AA, but I'm sure you must have some protection, or what's the point of an inspection.
Good luck, all let us know how you get on.
if I recall, youv'e only recently bought this car right?
I'm really sorry to hear you've got problems, I have no idea how to take on the AA, but I'm sure you must have some protection, or what's the point of an inspection.
Good luck, all let us know how you get on.
Guest
New member
Hi Phil,
Sorry to hear about the circumstances. I think it's going to a long procedure before you see any compensation. I sued a large car alarm installer (nationwide) for doing a bodge job. Some of the corners they cut were just a joke like not running a wire to the boot, meaning not alarmed. Immobiliser cuts were right next to each other when should be as far apart as possible, etc! The list went on...
Firstly have a specialist do a report on the problem and if you want pay them to fix it. The repair bill, cost to post letters, telephone bills, petrol incurred, courtesy cars is what you will be claiming back. Make sure you have receipts for everything and an end figure £££.
Write to the AA complaining. Stipulate all the info and copy of the report carried out on what they missed. Tell them you wish to settle in an amicable fashion. Include in the letter you have carried out due diligence and don't forget to add at the top "without prejudice". You must also include a date of when you will want compensation by. This must be fair and realistic so maybe a month.
Make sure all correspondence is sent recorded or special delivery so you have proof.
Then it's a matter of waiting for the reply. As the written conversation goes on drop a mention in of taking them to a court (depending on how much you want but prob the small claims?). If they still don't cough up get a claims form (available online from .gov) and pay for the court.
I had written maybe 15 letters to the company who attemped to install the car alarm (£700+ worth). First they offered me nothing, then £35 cheque that I sent back refusing. I had to pay for the court hire (you can do this online) and they wished to settle out of. They sent me full compensation I was claiming (£350) but forgot the court fee that had now been added. The court blacklisted them until they had settled this fee. I only claimed £350 as I had been supplied the goods that were half working so a full claim wouldn't have been justified. All in all this went on for 3 months but I got there and I enjoyed every word of sarcasm in my letters (without prejudice of course!).
Further more I involved trading standards who visited me at home one night after work. They had copies of the documentation I had, offered advice and were to set up a meeting with the company. One problem is that the company wasn't obligated to attend the meeting.
Before taking this action I did phone 3 or 4 times for the MD of the company. He never did take any of my calls. I passed messages on that I was to take legal action but they thought I'd give up.
Maybe if you paid on Visa card you have protection and can get a claim form. They may offer to take the case up for you?
What I have put is pretty basic but best of luck. The AA may want to settle with you sooner rather than later.
Sorry to hear about the circumstances. I think it's going to a long procedure before you see any compensation. I sued a large car alarm installer (nationwide) for doing a bodge job. Some of the corners they cut were just a joke like not running a wire to the boot, meaning not alarmed. Immobiliser cuts were right next to each other when should be as far apart as possible, etc! The list went on...
Firstly have a specialist do a report on the problem and if you want pay them to fix it. The repair bill, cost to post letters, telephone bills, petrol incurred, courtesy cars is what you will be claiming back. Make sure you have receipts for everything and an end figure £££.
Write to the AA complaining. Stipulate all the info and copy of the report carried out on what they missed. Tell them you wish to settle in an amicable fashion. Include in the letter you have carried out due diligence and don't forget to add at the top "without prejudice". You must also include a date of when you will want compensation by. This must be fair and realistic so maybe a month.
Make sure all correspondence is sent recorded or special delivery so you have proof.
Then it's a matter of waiting for the reply. As the written conversation goes on drop a mention in of taking them to a court (depending on how much you want but prob the small claims?). If they still don't cough up get a claims form (available online from .gov) and pay for the court.
I had written maybe 15 letters to the company who attemped to install the car alarm (£700+ worth). First they offered me nothing, then £35 cheque that I sent back refusing. I had to pay for the court hire (you can do this online) and they wished to settle out of. They sent me full compensation I was claiming (£350) but forgot the court fee that had now been added. The court blacklisted them until they had settled this fee. I only claimed £350 as I had been supplied the goods that were half working so a full claim wouldn't have been justified. All in all this went on for 3 months but I got there and I enjoyed every word of sarcasm in my letters (without prejudice of course!).
Further more I involved trading standards who visited me at home one night after work. They had copies of the documentation I had, offered advice and were to set up a meeting with the company. One problem is that the company wasn't obligated to attend the meeting.
Before taking this action I did phone 3 or 4 times for the MD of the company. He never did take any of my calls. I passed messages on that I was to take legal action but they thought I'd give up.
Maybe if you paid on Visa card you have protection and can get a claim form. They may offer to take the case up for you?
What I have put is pretty basic but best of luck. The AA may want to settle with you sooner rather than later.
This sounds like excellent advise, from JRSE
I would also say that you could try and claim against both the garage and the AA, they could possible agree to pay 50% each for any damages.
Additionally threaten to go public, Top gear or 5th gear, what car etc love a story like this and could act on your behalf
Finally have you asked if PCGB can offer and any help
Good luck
I would also say that you could try and claim against both the garage and the AA, they could possible agree to pay 50% each for any damages.
Additionally threaten to go public, Top gear or 5th gear, what car etc love a story like this and could act on your behalf
Finally have you asked if PCGB can offer and any help
Good luck
Guest
New member
Just to add that I did contact Top gear too who said that they would not get involved in such legal matters. Watchdog is someone who may be worth a try but they never answered my letters and emails. http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/ and http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/guides_to/buyingacar/
Thinking about it I think some of the others are right. You may have a better chance of claiming the inspection fee back (either part or full payment but I'd think as a gesture of goodwill the AA will refund 100% with a little pressure) and getting the garage to contribute to repairs.
Edited post as this may be worth reading too http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/asktheexperts/cars/
Thinking about it I think some of the others are right. You may have a better chance of claiming the inspection fee back (either part or full payment but I'd think as a gesture of goodwill the AA will refund 100% with a little pressure) and getting the garage to contribute to repairs.
Edited post as this may be worth reading too http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/asktheexperts/cars/
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