Our two-year-old van has a fault and is off the road - can we claim compensation for loss of business?

My 2016 Vauxhall Vivaro has been having issues not starting - I was told it is an intermittent fault. It has had two parts fitted under warranty but Vauxhall has not given permission for a third part to be fitted. It's obviously not an intermittent fault. This has been going on for weeks and the courtesy van we were given is smaller resulting in extra hours worked each day and a loss of business. Can I claim compensation?

Asked on 29 November 2018 by Kenny Bald

Answered by Dan Powell
The key is to stay calm and keep things civil between you and the dealer. Put your complaint in writing and send it via recorded delivery to the dealer principal. Outline the issues you have experienced and the money you have lost due to the extra fuel bought or work lost due to the courtesy van being too small. Explain that, why you understand that the issue is with Vauxhall UK, you hold the dealer 100% responsible as they are the people who sold you the van.

If you get no joy with a formal complaint, raise your issue with the trade body(s) the dealer is a member of. For example, The Motor Ombudsman will step in to assist with disputes that arise between consumers and code-accredited dealers.

Regards,

Dan
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