Witnessed the Door Dinging - WWND (What Would NAM Do)?
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1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
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Witnessed the Door Dinging - WWND (What Would NAM Do)?
So the family and I are at the community pool yesterday, and I walked out to my Mini to pull out a change of clothes - just in time to see a kid in the car that had just pulled into the left of me fling a door open and whack the side of my Mini! From the "thunk" it was immediately clear that it had dented the rear side panel, and sure enough, it left a clear dent about the size of a quarter. Probably suitable for paintless dent repair.
So I immediately address the driver (not the kid), make clear what has happened (she pretended for about 15 seconds she had no idea what I was talking about), told her it was her responsibility, and demand her driver's license, phone number, etc.
When I came back to the pool area and told my wife what had happened, her reaction was that I should've let it go - s*&t happens to cars in parking lots, especially where there's kids involved (we have two of them) and I was just setting up myself up for a lot of needless anger and stress if I constantly worried about car dings. Plus it was rude to take on a member of our community pool in front of her kids, etc.
I see her point, I really do. If I come out to the car and it's dinged, OK, that sucks, I'll deal with it. But I'm sorry, if I actually SEE it happen, I have to say something and get compensation, in my view. This is a lease, and dings aren't "free." Plus I'm quite sure that the driver would never have taken any responsibility for what happened if I hadn't forced the issue, which pisses me off.
So my question - what would YOU do?
wn
So I immediately address the driver (not the kid), make clear what has happened (she pretended for about 15 seconds she had no idea what I was talking about), told her it was her responsibility, and demand her driver's license, phone number, etc.
When I came back to the pool area and told my wife what had happened, her reaction was that I should've let it go - s*&t happens to cars in parking lots, especially where there's kids involved (we have two of them) and I was just setting up myself up for a lot of needless anger and stress if I constantly worried about car dings. Plus it was rude to take on a member of our community pool in front of her kids, etc.
I see her point, I really do. If I come out to the car and it's dinged, OK, that sucks, I'll deal with it. But I'm sorry, if I actually SEE it happen, I have to say something and get compensation, in my view. This is a lease, and dings aren't "free." Plus I'm quite sure that the driver would never have taken any responsibility for what happened if I hadn't forced the issue, which pisses me off.
So my question - what would YOU do?
wn
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
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I think you did the right thing, especially since you saw it happen. Kid or no, responsibility must be taken for damage to other people's property, regardless of how small the damage is.
Maybe the perpetrator will be a wee bit more careful in the future..doubtful, but one can hope..
Maybe the perpetrator will be a wee bit more careful in the future..doubtful, but one can hope..
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
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I have to agree with confronting this person. If I actually witnessed it, someone is going to take care of their mistake.
As far as kids go. I'm a Mom,
and I took the time to teach my son to respect other's property. He has always watched himself while opening the doors to our cars and trucks. Doesn't matter if they are in our driveway beside each other or in a parking lot around other cars. That being said, if an accident did happen envolving him messing up someone else's car, he knows that we cover that damage without trying to run with our tail between our legs or act like we didn't see what happened. Parents need to stop making excuses for their kids.
Yes, kids are going to be kids. Let's make them GOOD kids!!!
Parents just don't want to spend the time with and on their kids anymore. Everything else in there lives are more important.
So, YES, you did the right thing!
As far as kids go. I'm a Mom,
and I took the time to teach my son to respect other's property. He has always watched himself while opening the doors to our cars and trucks. Doesn't matter if they are in our driveway beside each other or in a parking lot around other cars. That being said, if an accident did happen envolving him messing up someone else's car, he knows that we cover that damage without trying to run with our tail between our legs or act like we didn't see what happened. Parents need to stop making excuses for their kids. Yes, kids are going to be kids. Let's make them GOOD kids!!! Parents just don't want to spend the time with and on their kids anymore. Everything else in there lives are more important. So, YES,
you did the right thing!
That is the problem now days is very few people care what they do to someone elses property. I and I know everyone here too have worked hard to buy my mini and work just as hard to take care if it. I would have done the EXACT same thing as you. I just want to ask a person like that how they would feel if I put a dent in their car? I must be getting old because I have ZERO tolerance for things like that. She dented it so she should pay for it not you.
I have to agree with confronting this person. If I actually witnessed it, someone is going to take care of their mistake.
As far as kids go. I'm a Mom, and I took the time to teach my son to respect other's property. He has always watched himself while opening the doors to our cars and trucks. Doesn't matter if they are in our driveway beside each other or in a parking lot around other cars. That being said, if an accident did happen envolving him messing up someone else's car, he knows that we cover that damage without trying to run with our tail between our legs or act like we didn't see what happened. Parents need to stop making excuses for their kids. Yes, kids are going to be kids. Let's make them GOOD kids!!! Parents just don't want to spend the time with and on their kids anymore. Everything else in there lives are more important.
So, YES, you did the right thing!
As far as kids go. I'm a Mom,
and I took the time to teach my son to respect other's property. He has always watched himself while opening the doors to our cars and trucks. Doesn't matter if they are in our driveway beside each other or in a parking lot around other cars. That being said, if an accident did happen envolving him messing up someone else's car, he knows that we cover that damage without trying to run with our tail between our legs or act like we didn't see what happened. Parents need to stop making excuses for their kids. Yes, kids are going to be kids. Let's make them GOOD kids!!! Parents just don't want to spend the time with and on their kids anymore. Everything else in there lives are more important. So, YES,
you did the right thing!
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 31
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From: Maricopa,AZ
You showed remarkable restraint in my opinion. Hold their feet to the fire. Some people have to be made to act responsily. If you had not been there you would be in the same place as iam. Have had my other car 5 years and got my first door ding. Dentless should fix. Amazing how you can park away from all cars in a lot and some people will still park next to you.
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13
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Completely Agree !!
Very rare that one actually witnesses the event. It isn't any differnt than seeing someone hit a car and they leave the scene. That might be considered a hit and run.
Hope your issue is easily resolved, and park in the back forty if possible.
Kramster
Hope your issue is easily resolved, and park in the back forty if possible.
Kramster
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 3
From: Washington. No, the other one.
Definetly the right thing to do. My kids (both grown) were raised to respect other's property and rights. If they were guilty of that kind of thoughtless behaviour, I would certainly want to be informed. Taking responsibility for their actions began at a young age. I am so proud of the way they turned out.It is not any harder to raise your children to do the right thing than it is to allow them to do the wrong thing. And far more rewarding.
Just turning it over to insurance (hers or yours) fixes the dent, but does nothing to teach the youngster what he did wrong. It needs to cost him in some way that makes him think about what he did that was wrong. IMHO.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 499
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From: Catawba, VA
I would have done exactly what you did. In fact, I'm not sure I would have been able to remain civil. This door banging business is one of my pet peeves. my MINI is about 3 months old and so far no dings. I go to great lengths to evade door bangers by "smart parking". Even so, it seems like the mindles ones seek me out. Last week I parked in a public lot choosing the end spot (only one car on my left). I parked right up against the curb on my right so the car's door in the space next to me couldn't possibly reach my car even if swung full open. Well don't you know, when I returned th car that had been there was gone and the car that replaced it parked ON THE LINE completely eliminating the "buffer zone". Luckily no harm was done but sometimes I just have to wonder.....WTF is wrong with people. Man, I get hot just talking about it.
You did the right thing. It's about time people are called out when they do selfish, mindless things.
You did the right thing. It's about time people are called out when they do selfish, mindless things.
).
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 915
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From: bay area
I have to agree with confronting this person. If I actually witnessed it, someone is going to take care of their mistake.
As far as kids go. I'm a Mom, and I took the time to teach my son to respect other's property. He has always watched himself while opening the doors to our cars and trucks. Doesn't matter if they are in our driveway beside each other or in a parking lot around other cars. That being said, if an accident did happen envolving him messing up someone else's car, he knows that we cover that damage without trying to run with our tail between our legs or act like we didn't see what happened. Parents need to stop making excuses for their kids. Yes, kids are going to be kids. Let's make them GOOD kids!!! Parents just don't want to spend the time with and on their kids anymore. Everything else in there lives are more important.
So, YES, you did the right thing!
As far as kids go. I'm a Mom,
and I took the time to teach my son to respect other's property. He has always watched himself while opening the doors to our cars and trucks. Doesn't matter if they are in our driveway beside each other or in a parking lot around other cars. That being said, if an accident did happen envolving him messing up someone else's car, he knows that we cover that damage without trying to run with our tail between our legs or act like we didn't see what happened. Parents need to stop making excuses for their kids. Yes, kids are going to be kids. Let's make them GOOD kids!!! Parents just don't want to spend the time with and on their kids anymore. Everything else in there lives are more important. So, YES,
you did the right thing!i parked my car in our carport for a while and i ended up getting 3 dings. pretty sure it was my neighbor's kids w/ their back doors. since it's my neighbor and i have to live with 'em, i was too chicken to say something and make them fixe it
i know this may sound a bit materialistic, but being careful w/ ours and other people's cars (and things) is definitely something i'm gonna teach my kids
4th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 375
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From: Birmingham, AL
You know... I park WAY out of the way where nobody else is and huff it extra distance to get to the store.
Now the irony here is that no matter how far out I park, when I come back out of the store SOMEONE has parked next to me. Do people just gravitate towards parking next to someone?
Now the irony here is that no matter how far out I park, when I come back out of the store SOMEONE has parked next to me. Do people just gravitate towards parking next to someone?
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,326
Likes: 6
From: PA
No question about it. If people refuse to take responsibility for their actions, you do it for them.
Call her insurance company and report the claim. They'll take care of it for you. And yeah, PDR sounds like the answer... the insurance company will thank you for that, too, it's much cheaper than conventional repair.
Call her insurance company and report the claim. They'll take care of it for you. And yeah, PDR sounds like the answer... the insurance company will thank you for that, too, it's much cheaper than conventional repair.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 550
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From: Dallas and Santa Fe
I would have done exactly what you did. In fact, I'm not sure I would have been able to remain civil. This door banging business is one of my pet peeves. my MINI is about 3 months old and so far no dings. I go to great lengths to evade door bangers by "smart parking". Even so, it seems like the mindles ones seek me out. Last week I parked in a public lot choosing the end spot (only one car on my left). I parked right up against the curb on my right so the car's door in the space next to me couldn't possibly reach my car even if swung full open. Well don't you know, when I returned th car that had been there was gone and the car that replaced it parked ON THE LINE completely eliminating the "buffer zone". Luckily no harm was done but sometimes I just have to wonder.....WTF is wrong with people. Man, I get hot just talking about it.
You did the right thing. It's about time people are called out when they do selfish, mindless things.
You did the right thing. It's about time people are called out when they do selfish, mindless things.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 164
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From: Orlando, FL
I parked right up against the curb on my right so the car's door in the space next to me couldn't possibly reach my car even if swung full open. Well don't you know, when I returned th car that had been there was gone and the car that replaced it parked ON THE LINE completely eliminating the "buffer zone". Luckily no harm was done but sometimes I just have to wonder.....WTF is wrong with people. Man, I get hot just talking about it.
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1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
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Wow - thanks to everyone for the support and confirmation! I do worry that I get too worked up about "little things" in general, but I sure felt like it'd be harder (and more stressful actually) to watch that go down and just swallow it and say nothing.
Thanks !!
Thanks
!!
You definitely did the right thing. That is your car and noone has the right to whack it and put dents in it. I strategically park, even if it means I have to walk more (and here some complaints from the gf), but its needed because not many people care/worry about their actions anymore. If I saw that happen to my car, I would have been super pissed (tho I wouldn't throw a tantrum at them...unless they really tried to deny it and walk off). But I probably would be pretty stern with anyone that did that.
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You did the thing IMO. However one thing that would benefit all MINI owners is knowing what can be repaired with PDR and what can't. A dent near the fuel filler door can be impossible to remove as would a ding near an edge. An "ideal" ding would be in the center of the door. Course you would hope the ding isn't a crease or sharp edged one either. A ding on the rear quarter panel on the compound curved edge near the tail light can also be impossible to repair.
Out here in SoCal, a ding is about $80-$100 to repair and can get expensive if you're repairing them a lot, lol. Course a lot of PDR companies have maintenance plans where they will fix as many dings as you need if you pay XX amount of dollars in advance, lol.
The point of this post is that if you're parking in a less than desirable area, positioning your MINI such that a potential ding in an easily repairable area might be to your advantage if you do get one.
Out here in SoCal, a ding is about $80-$100 to repair and can get expensive if you're repairing them a lot, lol. Course a lot of PDR companies have maintenance plans where they will fix as many dings as you need if you pay XX amount of dollars in advance, lol.
The point of this post is that if you're parking in a less than desirable area, positioning your MINI such that a potential ding in an easily repairable area might be to your advantage if you do get one.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
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So the family and I are at the community pool yesterday, and I walked out to my Mini to pull out a change of clothes - just in time to see a kid in the car that had just pulled into the left of me fling a door open and whack the side of my Mini! From the "thunk" it was immediately clear that it had dented the rear side panel, and sure enough, it left a clear dent about the size of a quarter. Probably suitable for paintless dent repair.
So I immediately address the driver (not the kid), make clear what has happened (she pretended for about 15 seconds she had no idea what I was talking about), told her it was her responsibility, and demand her driver's license, phone number, etc.
When I came back to the pool area and told my wife what had happened, her reaction was that I should've let it go - s*&t happens to cars in parking lots, especially where there's kids involved (we have two of them) and I was just setting up myself up for a lot of needless anger and stress if I constantly worried about car dings. Plus it was rude to take on a member of our community pool in front of her kids, etc. I feel for you, besides my wife, and my cool meow (cat) my car is my most prized object associated with me. I wash the car every 2 days, pamper and drive her with passion. I feel that gross negligence on someones elses part WILL NEVER CHANGE MY MORALS OF RESPECT FOR OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY! I cannot imagine what I would do if someone told me not to sweat the dent....DUDE thats resale value and money out your pocket, are you rich or something?
I see her point, I really do. If I come out to the car and it's dinged, OK, that sucks, I'll deal with it. But I'm sorry, if I actually SEE it happen, I have to say something and get compensation, in my view. This is a lease, and dings aren't "free." Plus I'm quite sure that the driver would never have taken any responsibility for what happened if I hadn't forced the issue, which pisses me off.
So my question - what would YOU do?
wn
So I immediately address the driver (not the kid), make clear what has happened (she pretended for about 15 seconds she had no idea what I was talking about), told her it was her responsibility, and demand her driver's license, phone number, etc.
When I came back to the pool area and told my wife what had happened, her reaction was that I should've let it go - s*&t happens to cars in parking lots, especially where there's kids involved (we have two of them) and I was just setting up myself up for a lot of needless anger and stress if I constantly worried about car dings. Plus it was rude to take on a member of our community pool in front of her kids, etc. I feel for you, besides my wife, and my cool meow (cat) my car is my most prized object associated with me. I wash the car every 2 days, pamper and drive her with passion. I feel that gross negligence on someones elses part WILL NEVER CHANGE MY MORALS OF RESPECT FOR OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY! I cannot imagine what I would do if someone told me not to sweat the dent....DUDE thats resale value and money out your pocket, are you rich or something?
I see her point, I really do. If I come out to the car and it's dinged, OK, that sucks, I'll deal with it. But I'm sorry, if I actually SEE it happen, I have to say something and get compensation, in my view. This is a lease, and dings aren't "free." Plus I'm quite sure that the driver would never have taken any responsibility for what happened if I hadn't forced the issue, which pisses me off.
So my question - what would YOU do?
wn
I have a dent and I have to pay my deductible to fix it. In your case I would tell the driver " the careless act of your child has left damage to my car, Now prepare to die," No I mean pay.
No sooner than I finished pronouncing the last "ay" I would call the police. If she wanted to settle without the Police great, theyd better have the 500 dollar deductible in cash on hand (not likely) and then Id STILL call the Police. I deal with A$$'s everyday here in Europe. These people are notorious for banging car doors, I do not tolerate that and they should teach their kids to be careful around other peoples property, My dad taught me whats up with these people nowadays?, A costly reminder to this lady will be great and DESERVED. Put a dent in your wifes beloved car, I dont think she'll "just forget it"Dents affect resale value, and they cost money to fix, Are you simply that rich? If you are then I understand her saying "dont worry about it"
Here is my dent, 1200 dollars, its the sze of a quarter...below gas cap at fender. I DID NOT JUST LET IT GO
Last edited by matty125; Jul 27, 2008 at 11:12 AM.