Bailiff Damaged Your Car After Removing It

When a bailiff takes your car, they are responsible for its condition. If your car gets damaged, you can claim the cost of repairs and any missing items. However, you must act quickly because any delay might lead to the council blaming you for the damage. You must promptly report the damage and missing items promptly to ensure your claim is secure.

Before going to a bailiff's vehicle compound, ensure you understand this article to properly document your vehicle's condition before leaving the pound.

If you have followed the instructions for reclaiming a vehicle from a bailiff's vehicle pound, you can start a claim for damages. First, you must quickly notify the council (the creditor) and the bailiff company with a detailed list of the vehicle's damages and any missing items.

Once you have recovered your vehicle, whether you drove it away safely or had it delivered by a transport company, you must promptly inform the council and the bailiff company in writing. This letter should invite them to inspect the vehicle, make repairs, and return any missing items. Not providing this opportunity promptly can weaken your claim.

Include a request for the bailiff's vehicle condition report and the bodyworn video camera recordings to show the court the vehicle's condition before the bailiff removed it.

If the council does not take the opportunity to repair, you can obtain repair quotes and ask the council to cover the cost. Alternatively, you can bring a claim for a breach of Paragraph 35 of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

For further guidance on recovering an impounded vehicle and claiming damages, contact me for a low-cost telephone consultation. I can prepare the notice for you to give to the council and copy it to the bailiff.