Car written off by garage!

[permafrost]

My Mum's car went into a local garage for a repair however, the mechanic somehow managed to drive it in at speed, smashed into their ramps, bounced it into 2 other cars and have written it off! Her insurance have said she's not covered for this as she wasn't driving & the mechanic was an unauthorised driver - therefore no courtesy car, claim or payout! The garage have been really unhelpful and won't give her a courtesy car & are reluctant to give their insurance details, saying they want to settle privately - however they'll only give her £500 as its over 7yrs old!

Does anyone know where she stands legally? The owner was really rude claiming it was her problem for being upset as she's had the car too long so has become too attached to it and that their insurance 'won't fall for her sob story'!! Is there anyone we can report them too - she's been left without a car, no way of getting to work & her insurance are unwilling to help. Are they obliged to give her use of a temp. car and then replace her car as she's can't buy anything for £500 & she's totally reliant on her car. They said they can't pay anymore as they need to repair the ramp they damaged when crashing her car!!

Thankyou in advance of any advice.

[Barmaid]

Ask your mother's insurers about the possibility of credit hire. They provide hire cars to the victims of non fault accidents. The car is hired on credit and the hirer is backed by an insurance policy in the event that all charges are not recovered from the other side.

[permafrost]

I'll mention it to her, thankyou