I dropped my truck off at the dealership for some repairs last week, and they called me today... not to tell me that it was done (was supposed to be), but rather that that it had been broken into overnight.

I went and looked at it, side window was broken, stereo (aftermarket nav system) was stolen, dash gouged up, wires cut, and some small items stolen. Police came out, took a report etc.

The real problem is the dealer says they have no responsibility for anything. I told them that the vehicle was is their care, and they should at least repair the window, and that's part of why they carry insurance. I didn't even ask them to cover the cost of the stereo.

They said my insurance would have to cover it, and didn't even offer to pay the deductible, discount my (already excessive) repair bill, or help in any way.

Any advice on how to proceed? Is it wrong of me to expect the dealer to act in an ethical manner? Time to call my attorney?

 

I would surely get some legal advice...!!!! Get LOTS of pictures of it AT the dealership, you`ll need them in court.

 

I worked at a dealer for 13 years, a car came in and had to spend the night, i personally saw the owner and his friends messing around in the car that afternoon, the very next day, his radio was stolen, I tiod the owner and service manager, it was our word against his, they bought him a new stereo, he claimed it was high end, but i saw it before , when he brought the car in, the dealer had to pay for it, because it was in there care, as long as there is a work order wrote on it, you should be ok, talk to the owner not the service manager, if that doesnt work go higher, good luck and let us know.

 

Best way to resolve, keep the conversation within a professional level regarding the situation. Yes, they are responsible for "Care of your vehicle." As a partner once of a small business, thus was my prime reason for carrying insurance, (among others obviously).

You can request they're insurance information, and it must be provided upon your request. At the time of my partnership, we doubt with the same issue of a vehicle on or property. Our insurance covered all damages, customer was very level headed, and satisfied with our prompt actions, which lead to continued future business.

As mentioned, document everything, take lots of pictures.

 

You've got insurance - let them deal with it, that is what you pay them for. They will go after the dealers insurance if they think they can recover anything.

 

I agree. They know about the damage. They are the ones that called you. Right? So call your insurance company. They will probably get more from the dealer than they are going to give you any ways. oldjeep is correct. It is why you have insurance. Don't get involved, it only means stress and heart ache for you. Why bother?

That said....The Dealership only needs to provide reasonable care for your vehicle. Unless you can prove they were negligent, let's say they did not lock up the vehicle, and allowed the damage, they are not responsible for third party damages. The third party, the person that stole your stuff, is presumably not an employee unless proven otherwise.

So technically speaking, depending on your States laws, they may actually not be responsible. Whether the vehicle was on their property or not.

However just by the way they claimed they were not responsible like that, without offering anything in return....I'd be looking for a new place to get my truck worked on. I would also call the regional rep to file a complaint.

Oh and I might have accidentally put my truck in reverse and smashed into their showroom window on my way out of the parking lot...But that's just me.......

 

Your insurance company will pay after a deductible. They would likely try to make the dealer pay for the damage after settling your claim. If they can recover the full amount you would then be reimbursed. Obviously better of you don't file a claim and just make the dealer pay. This could work out better or worse. Ins would likely replace all the scratched plastic, the dealer may not.

 

Last thing i would do is turn it in to my own insurance company. Have a lawyer send a letter to the dealership stating the issue(s) and this will usually take care of itself. No dealership wants to get dragged into court. Also copy the letter and send it to chrysler. If your own personal insurance company pays the tab, dont complain if your rates get jacked up... you make a claim against your insurance company, you are a risk to them. Your own insurance company should only be a last resort. Your vehicle gets damaged at a dealership, they ARE responsable for it no matter what their little paper signs say. Sue them, you will win. Seen it many times around here where i live.

 

Your rates do not get jacked up from filing a theft/vandalism claim - unless maybe you have some fly by night insurance co. The insurance company has lawyers that you are already paying for - why you would pay your own lawyer to deal with it is beyond me.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone. I did speak with my insurance agent, they are going to talk to the dealer and hopefully will have a little more sway. Also, they confirmed that my rates would not go up if I filed a claim.

The bigger issue here is my time. If I have to take a day off to go to court, or spend hours meeting with (and paying) lawyers, I'd be better off paying the deductible for my insurance and moving on.

I agree with Atomic Dog -- if the dealer fixes it on their dime, they may not replace the damaged plastic. Nobody wants to change a whole dash assembly, and I imagine it's not a cheap part.