OK, not in the best of days today, I checked my MR2 over yesterday ready for it's MOT everything was spot on, so late afternoon I put the car away ready for today.
Opened the garage door to find the car covered from top to bottom with cat paw prints, OK sound nothing until you look at the scratches it's done to the flat surfaces of every panel on the car - including the roof (not sure if there are any holes in it). You can see where it has tried to climb up the back of the car putting some pretty deep scratches into the bumper.
I tried to find the cat - no sign, until I saw my tyre inflater plus other items on the floor at the front of the car - they were on a shelf in front of the car, about 3 feet higher than the bonnet, I still had the bra fitted so I could not see the actual damage (about 5 dents) which I discovered afterwards.
The cat was still in the garage and looks like it's spent the whole night in the garage trying to get out.
I managed to catch the cat, and took it too a local vet to see if it was chipped, it wasn't but the owner had reported it missing to the vet earlier that morning - from the previous morning. So we have met we exchanged the cat and details advising I would be in touch with regard to the damaged caused by the animal.
The question is as anyone else had this problem - it's not that the car is parked in the open, is there a legal process that I can follow regarding the damage caused.
I am totally gutted by this, I suspect the cost to repair are not going to be cheap.
So my car is not coming out again this year, I'll have it MOT'd on Monday - that's another story, then I need to find someone who can repair the car to the standard I expect.
Rob. s:cry: :cry: s:cry:
A bit of T-Cut ..... blah s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
The trouble with cats is that they are classed as wild animals and are free to roam.
Whether you can claim financial loss against the human the animal has adopted is doubtful.
It sounds like it's been nosey and you've ended up locking it in the garage when you put the car away.
Gutting considering you take so much care of the car!
My suggestion would be to fit a cat flap that only works in the "out" direction for any future occasions ... but probably unlikely it will happen again any time soon.
Sorry buddy but I think you're going to be funding repairs from your own pocket.
Yep just checked with AF - I'm sfuck fuck sfuck ed, it's gone to the claims department for review, I'll know more on Monday about the repair process.
Rob.
Here's the damage.
Bonnet - Scratched + dents
Front bumper - dents
Rear bumper - deep scratches
Rear spoiler - deep scratches
Possible engine lid - light scratches
How much to you think to have this repaired.
Rob.
question is how big was this cat lol. Can't imagine my cat denting a car bonnet must have done a serious number on it.
Dents! s:shock: :shock: s:shock: Was someone trying to find out how big your garage was? s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Quote from: "Ilogik"question is how big was this cat lol. Can't imagine my cat denting a car bonnet must have done a serious number on it.
Quote from: "FGrob"I tried to find the cat - no sign, until I saw my tyre inflater plus other items on the floor at the front of the car - they were on a shelf in front of the car, about 3 feet higher than the bonnet, I still had the bra fitted so I could not see the actual damage (about 5 dents) which I discovered afterwards.
Obviously with the help of some implements!
Depends if it needs painting Rob, but it's going to be a few hundred.
Absolutely gutted! Of all the people for it to happen to with how meticulous you are with the car!!
You have more patience than me! It'd be a scratched car and a dead cat!!
Through your insurance, can you request which paint shop it goes to for repair?
Quote from: "AmeR"Absolutely gutted! Of all the people for it to happen to with how meticulous you are with the car!!
You have more patience than me! It'd be a scratched car and a dead cat!!
Through your insurance, can you request which paint shop it goes to for repair?
If I had caught the cat when I first went in, then yes - pain would have been applied, although it's not the cat's fault, this one is the youngest of 4 other cats which the owner as - the mess in our back garden is unbelievable becuase of these cats - even with the electronic gismo's we have.
I understand from the insurance company we can selected our own shop - so we will see on Monday.
This is what dropped on the bonnet, luckily the bra was fitted or the dents would have been a lot bigger plus paint removed :
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0737.jpg)
As others have said gutted for you as a fellow owner and even more as you obviously maintain her above standard.
Best to get some legal advice and hope the owner is reasonable enough to contribute.
Speaking from experience, when we hit a stray dog who was left to roam the streets by its owner and wrote off my girlfriends Mini, we got nothing, the dog owner was not held responsible for any damage and it was an act of dog.
Sorry to hear your news Rob
Nice big box there! Hope there wasn't anything particularly heavy in it, although I guess it wouldn't help either way, it still bounced off the car!
I hope you can find a paint shop up to your standards!!!
A lot of animals have insurance nowadays,when I insured a dog the policy included 3rd party damages which I would think this would come under otherwise I would take it to the small claims court maybe as at the end of the day the cat is her responsibility.
Oh crappety Rob s:( :( s:(
Hope you get sorted soon with a quality finish.
Yeah, it would have to be a civil action really but for what, I'm not sure. Trouble with civil actions is that costs can go either way. Yes the owner is responsible for the cat but you locked it in the garage sort of argument.
The position, as usual, is much clearer in some other European countries where the owner would be liable for damage caused by pets and children for that matter.
I think i'd stand squarely behind it in the hope of kicking it straight over the neighbour's fence.
You can stop cats from straying simply by chopping their tails off.............................from the back of the neck
I actually like cats (normally) though they certainly aren't popular with SWMBO at the moment - they keep crapping all over her vegetables in the garden.
Our proposed solution - er, we're thinking of getting a Cat s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Sorry to hear about this Rob, you must be gutted s:-( :-( s:-(
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That's absolutely gutting s:-( :-( s:-(
I hope you manage to sort something out and get her back in order asap.
Poor you and poor 2 s:( :( s:( . Have you checked whether the owner has cat insurance ? Ours includes £2million public liability, so if he/she does you might be able to claim under that. Unlike dog policies, not all include this though. I chose one with it on purpose, for scenarios such as yours.
Hope you get your car looking at her best again soon !
makes interesting reading:
m http://www.animalfriends.org.uk/ultimat ... liability/ (http://www.animalfriends.org.uk/ultimate-pet-care/pets-and-public-liability/) m
specifically:
Curiously, because of a legal quirk, cats escape the law - as do their owners, which is why you rarely find public liability cover in Cat insurance.
s:( :( s:(
Well just a quick up-date. I've had the car checked and have now recieved the estimate, the repair will be front and rear bumper plus the bonnet (by far the most damage - dents and scatches) total cost £800 + vat and badges, that's based on the older paint system - none water based and a guarantee of colour match. Just waiting for the go ahead from the insurance company, not sure if they want to view the car hence I can't use it this weekend s:cry: :cry: s:cry:
The interesting comment from the insurance company is they are going to contact the owner of the cat with a view of trying to claim the money back - that should be interesting. s:scared: :scared: s:scared:
Rob.
I really dont understand the whole of this story.
Whilst I symathise with the damage caused etc. I cannot really see the logic of claiming through the courts.
Take an ultimate view. If you had inadvertently shut the cat in your garage, whilst you went away, and it died from starvation, whether or not it did any damage, would you expect to be sued by the owner? Who was to blame that the cat was locked in your garage, you or the cat? Who would the owner hold to account for their loss of a loved pet?
What would Lord Denning have said?
Oh Rob, were totally gutted for you mate, missed this somehow as we were at the caravan last weekend, £800 sounds very reasonable to me, provided the repairs are up to your very high standards, how much is your excess as that plus any hike in premiums may make claiming a waste of time. Hope you get it sorted soon mate.
Quote from: "Steve Green"I really dont understand the whole of this story.
Whilst I symathise with the damage caused etc. I cannot really see the logic of claiming through the courts.
Hey that's the insurance companies decision, I'm just glad it can be sorted, although I would have prefered not to have the repair done in the first place. Don't worry about understanding the story - the bill is enough to put you off cat's for life - little sbastard bastard sbastard s.
E - yes there is an excess it's £300 including protected no claims so I'm not too worried, it's just £300 I could do without spending at the moment but I'll have all winter for the paint to harden off.
Rob.
Quote from: "FGrob"The interesting comment from the insurance company is they are going to contact the owner of the cat with a view of trying to claim the money back - that should be interesting. s:scared: :scared: s:scared:
Rob.
Just been reading my sainsbury's pet insurance policy. Deep breath...
'We will pay up to the following amount...£2,000,000....including legal costs and expenses against any amount that you become legally liable to pay as compensation for any claim or series of claims arising from any one event or source or original cause in respect or an incicent involving your pet causing...loss of or damage to property that does not belong to you and is neither in the charge of under the control of you, anyone in your employment or any member of your family or household'
So some pet insurance policies do cover personal liability, but that may be because its for general pet (dog or cat). Dog's I think are 'liable' for their behaviour (or their owners), as they are trainable, but cats not as they are deemed 'free spirits'.
If the owner has insurance, and you get on well, he might be willing to claim on that liability if you offer pay his excess... s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Trouble is you're not forced to insure your pet.
Indeed my cat was of such a vintage that the companies refused to cover him.
It's a grey area really, if we tie down everyone in procedaures, clauses, and "must have insurance" then the world becomes a very dull place.
Quote from: "Ilogik"question is how big was this cat lol. Can't imagine my cat denting a car bonnet must have done a serious number on it.
(http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/3334/imag0228f.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/204/imag0228f.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Did you iron him/her before you took that pic s:D :D s:D ? No wonder s/he looks so grumpy !
No, he's just humongus! He's on the steroids as well as being very old and lazy. A bit like his master I suppose, apart from the steroids bit. I'm not on them
Rob what happened with hhe roof?
Was there any damage or was that one part you actually had some luck with s:? :? s:?
Quote from: "Treboeth"Rob what happened with hhe roof?
Was there any damage or was that one part you actually had some luck with s:? :? s:?
Thankfully is OK, gave it a good soaking. plus Toyota checked it for me while it was in for it's MOT - yep a bit of good news it passed s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce: s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:
It did take some cleaning though, mainly foot prints made from concrete dust where it had been jumping up and down off the floor onto the car, fortunately it looked like it went to sleep in the garage roof space.
Rob.
Good news then, won't be long before normality is resumed s:mrgreen: :mrgreen: s:mrgreen:
Well I thought I would up-date this thread, the car is 50% completed - basically the front (all parts have been sprayed including the back) and is now back on axle stands to start the back, I've decided not to re-badge the back (although I have got them) and I'm not sure about the front, do I go for the original Toyota Cowboy hat or the earlier design in black, it keeps the theme I'm now running with the wheels, here's a couple of the front:
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0779.jpg)
Here's the side view - it's now running Rota GT3's standard 15 front & 16 back.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0780.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0778.jpg)
Here's the back - debadged s:lol: :lol: s:lol: s:lol: :lol: s:lol: s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0781.jpg)
I'm doing some mods to the standard in-take which I'll post up later.
I'll post a complete picture when it's completed in the spring.
Rob. s:D :D s:D
Loving those wheels Rob, that was one of the styles I was looking at when I got my new wheels recently and they suit your car, can I say down to the ground, beautiful, glad to see the car is coming on.
Yep, I am liking those wheels too, very classy I think. s:) :) s:)
Liking the smooth euro look front! The wheels look ace!
I love how beautifully clean the rear is without a bumper on!! Its cleaner than mine with the bumper on s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Quote from: "manchestermatt1986"I love how beautifully clean the rear is without a bumper on!! Its cleaner than mine with the bumper on s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Hey Matt.
I like to think the rear bumper is more like a pair of underpants. s:lol: :lol: s:lol: s:lol: :lol: s:lol: s:lol: :lol: s:lol: s:lol: :lol: s:lol: s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Here you go, a quick snap with the bumper / wheels back on and my new handbrake fitted. s:D :D s:D s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0782.jpg)
Quote from: "FGrob"(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0782.jpg)
When it rains do you park it in the back of the other car? s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Wow s:shock: :shock: s:shock: , you've got the wheels I've been thinking about! They look stunning. Can you tell me the sizes and how much the car is lowered? It's really sitting pretty without being OTT.
Also, I love the mesh in the front bumper, it's just a shame a number plate has to spoil it s:( :( s:(
Quote from: "dcod"Wow s:shock: :shock: s:shock: , you've got the wheels I've been thinking about! They look stunning. Can you tell me the sizes and how much the car is lowered? It's really sitting pretty without being OTT.
Also, I love the mesh in the front bumper, it's just a shame a number plate has to spoil it s:( :( s:(
Hi Dave.
The wheel sizes are:
Front 15" x 7" ET 40 with a Goodyear F1 195 x 45 x 15
Rear 16" x 7" ET 40 with a Goodyear F1 215 x 40 x 16
The tyres are low profile giving me a problem with the overall height, so I've increased the height by 5mm all round from the standard drop given by Tein, which is approx 25mm front and back (30mm is the standard for Tein) It makes the spacing look OK but it will go a little lower as the car has been jacked up so it takes a little time for them to settle back to the correct ride height. I'm running Monoflex which are rock hard and you don't get any body roll even with the increased height, not to everyones taste but I like it s:D :D s:D s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Weight wise the wheel and tyre combination are approx 2.00 kg (per wheel) lighter than stock / MAK's I had fitted, plus with the inverted shock I'm saving a bit on the unsprung weight. s:D :D s:D
Yep I know what you mean about the number plate, but you've got those two big holes to cover up. s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
Rob.
Not generally a fan of most modifications, I am rarely convinced that they look better than stock.
Have to admit though, your car looks stunning in this pic:
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0780.jpg)
Just LOVE the way the windscreen surround complements the deep dish polished rim.
Possibly the classiest looking MR2 ever s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:
Just as well I have no money otherwise I might be tempted to slavishly copy it s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Quote from: "FGrob"Front 15" x 7" ET 40 with a Goodyear F1 195 x 45 x 15
Rear 16" x 7" ET 40 with a Goodyear F1 215 x 40 x 16
Exactly what I was planning except 16's at the front. I may refine my decision.
Quote from: "KTM_RIDER"Possibly the classiest looking MR2 ever s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:
+1
I originally decided on these wheels because it reminded me of my old black 1979 911 that had black carrera wheels with major polished rims. It's a great look.
Well finally I've managed to put everything back together, the only thing left to do is a buff and wax the repainted parts, so this is the new look for 2012:
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0859.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0861.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0860.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0866.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h70/FGRob/IMG_0865.jpg)
It was going a little dark so not the best of shots, s:oops: :oops: s:oops: it's debadged at the back and I've changed the front badge as well, it still needs to settle yet as the suspension takes a bit of time to get to the correct ride height - it's about 5 mm out. I'm just so pleased to have it back in one piece. s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce: s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce: s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:
Rob.
Looking very nice, Rob! Glad to see it back together!! Feeling the love for it again?
It's a shame you'll have to put the number plate back on the front s:-( :-( s:-(
Ah Rob she's looking really very sexy ... those wheels are far better than the previous ones, they really suit the car s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:
+1 on the wheels, really like those. s:D :D s:D
Wouldn't mind a set myself. s;) ;) s;)
Looking super Rob.... s:) :) s:)
Looking nice rob s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:
Damn that's looking fine. I want those wheels so much s:( :( s:(
Looking awesome again Rob, now go and get it dirty. s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Simply stunning looking. s:D :D s:D s:D :D s:D s:D :D s:D
Wheels are an emotive subject - what some like others don't. My personal preference on a black car are silver wheels such as the SP wheels originally fitted by SP Performance. I would also love to see a set of Oz Ultraleggera Crystal Titanium fitted to a black MR2 (preferably mine), but I think the price would put most people off. Looking forward to seeing the car in the flesh at the Ding Day.
Not a fan of black 2`s normally but that car is stunning Rob s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:
You definitely excel in the maintenance department, now find that cat and make him pay s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:
s:mrgreen: :mrgreen: s:mrgreen: always looks topnotch Rob, even under the bonnets!!
If 'mr.muscle' drove a car, it would be your 2 s:lol: :lol: s:lol: