Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Sunday, December 29, 2013

In For A Paint Job, Out A Total Wreck

When Debbie and John Hooper took their Camaro ZL1 to a Georgetown car dealer, they were expecting a minor paint job.

What they got is a nightmare.

“Instead of a newly painted car, we ended up looking at it in a lot of pieces,” Debbie Hooper said.

Hooper said she understood her car was ready for pick-up Dec. 13, but she and her husband were busy and planned to get their car after the weekend.

On Dec. 16, she said, the dealership called to tell them an employee had taken the Camaro out for spin Dec. 15 and crashed it on Zoar Road near Georgetown
More

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

The dealership should step up and cover whatever the insurance company doesn't cover.

Scott said...

Since word of mouth rules on the Shore, they should do the right thing and offer total replacement of this vehicle or make up the difference of the insurance adjustment. If not, I will not be seeking business with them when I start looking for my next car or truck.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I think there's a liability there and they need to the plate and take responsibility...

Anonymous said...

For one, the car was not there to be painted, but to have water spots removed from the paint. Evidently the owner didn't take very good care of his prized vehicle. First State has strict rules about entering the building during non business hours. The insurance companies have inspected the car. I think the Hoopers should go after the driver not the dealership. jmo

Anonymous said...

This is NOT acceptable and the dealership already knows this. if they don't take responsibility, get their "bad name" out by as many venues as possible. facebook, youtube video, emails, twitter and more and more.

continue putting pressure on them, they will kneel...

Anonymous said...

I have a VERY small business and am required to carry 2 million dollars insurance, at least a million each occurrence.

I'm in Maryland, mind you, but I imagine that this business carries at least equal or better.

This guy will get a new car, and the idiot will be sued. Whether he owns anything or has his own insurance is the question.

Either way, what a bummer!

Anonymous said...

ILL NEVER TRUST A CAR DEALERSHIP AGAIN!!! THEY ARE ALL DIRTY!!! IF ONE DOES IT, THEY ALL DO IT!!!

Anonymous said...


Um, would that perhaps be an ex-employee?

Sorry to hear of their misfortune, and hope they'll promptly be made whole.

Anonymous said...

The dealership isn't liable it didn't happen on their property. The insurance company won't fix the car and if it's totaled the title will be branded and the worthless. The dealership should do something but the car is rare and hard to find. I am sure it will all work out in the end... The insurance red tape is the problem here.

Anonymous said...

A bad employee doesn't make a bad company. You could sue the moron who took it upon himself to take a joy ride but that's about it. Ever read the fine print on a dealership work order? After you sign it the dealership is nearly exempt for anything that happens.

Anonymous said...

Garage keepers liability. Dealership responsible. End of story.

Anonymous said...



The dealership can then go after any insurance the ex- employee has, his house, cars, poodles, and his underwear drawer.

Anonymous said...

Consult an attorney - it sounds like the dealership has some responsibility in this matter.

Anonymous said...

I know Bob Hansen and he is a very respectable guy.
A business owner may be liable for the damage caused by his employee but I can tell you that Bob is an honest business owner that is as much of a victim as the Hoopers.
The true villan in this case is the ex employee.

Anonymous said...

If they have GAP insurance then it will cover the difference between what the insurance company will pay and what the car is worth. It's one of the few things you should buy every time you purchase a vehicle from a dealer and is only a couple hundred bucks.

Anonymous said...

it was their employee that destroyed the car and the dealership should give them a new car period!!!!!!!!!!!!! not just what the insurance company said it is valued at.

Anonymous said...

this situation is really messed up... but i just can't get over that someone paid SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS for a camaro!!

Anonymous said...

Does anyone here think with half a brain. The accident occurred off the dealership property...it's not their fault. The employee is the issue as it appears he chose a joy ride. The insurance company is well aware of the value of such a car. While it's a shame it happened. The car isn't repairable. The dealership could help them find another car and I'm sure alittle financial assistance would be given. While they overpaid for the car when they bought it the insurance company will give them what it's worth at book value and that's life. It a shame it happened but again it's a now former employee of this company not the companies fault. Can we all try to think alittle before we post silly crap.

Anonymous said...

Somebody got some explaining to do.

Anonymous said...

10:22, how did the theft of the vehicle occur off the dealer's property?

Regardless of whether it was found or what condition it was found in, the "loss" occurred at the dealership.

Anonymous said...

the car was taken from their property by their employee.they should have better security.the dealership should give them a new car. case closed......

Anonymous said...

10:22
Doesn't matter where the accident happened, fact is the car was stolen from the dealership by a dealership employee. Dealership had an obligation to keep others property safe and they did not.
Using a vehicle without authorization is considered car theft.
You couldn't be more wrong.

Anonymous said...

First State or Bob Hansen, was the car stolen by your employee? Then prosecute him and we'll listen to his testimony in court. A joy ride? Sanctioned by who? Theft or allowed by the dealership, both are the full responsibility of the owner of the dealership. If Bob Hansen is so honorable, he would have ALREADY stepped up. Sue him and the dealership because they are one and the same. Crooks looking for an excuse.

Anonymous said...

Having worked for car dealerships for nearly twenty five years I am completely correct. When you sign on the bottom of the repair order as you leave your car for service the dealership isn't responsible for many things that can happen... Read it sometime. The dealership should help them no question but once the insurance company totals a car that's it the car is deemed worthless. I feel sorry for them it's a bad situation but no matter it won't bring the car back.

Anonymous said...

you having only worked there shows you dont know much. A business like this has to carry insurance called garage keepers insurance

Anonymous said...

Garagekeepers Legal Liability Insurance

Garagekeepers Legal Liability coverage is an optional coverage designed for business owners who offer towing services or operate service stations. It protects a customer's vehicle when you are keeping it at a covered location for parking or storing, or to perform service.

Garagekeepers Legal Liability insurance provides protection in case a vehicle is damaged by fire, theft, vandalism or collision.

Anonymous said...

12:57
That is not entirely true.

You can file a claim thru the Attny General Office and the BBB for damages done to your vehicle while in the possession of the dealership repair shop. They will send a mediator to facilitate your case.
Been there, done that.



Anonymous said...

Woopsies!