scratched bosses car - who's fault?

[pagey3]

Here's a dilemma�on friday I got back from lunch and there was one space left next to my boss's/line manager's car, but it was a really tight space as other cars had parked awkwardly.  I was trying to get into the space and as my boss had only just got back too, after laughing at me a little, he started calling me forwards and backwards to help me in.  I was concentrating on going very slowly, and getting in the space when I looked in my rear view mirror and my boss was standing there waving his hands around!  Turns out I had just scraped the side of my car along the front of his car.  I was v embarrassed at having done this � it had taken paint of the front of his car and side of mine (about the length and width of a finger).  I apologised profusely and said 'I will sort out the cost of getting it repaired for you).  My boss wasn't mad mad but obviously a little peed off.  I then went home and told my boyf the story who was angry as he pointed out that in 6 yrs driving I have never hit another car when parking or driving, and that my boss was directing me and should have stopped me long before the cars touched let alone waiting until they had scraped, and that he was as much to blame as me � my friends and mum agree.  I admit I was a little surprised at the time that he hadn't hit the car or similar to stop me before the cars scraped.
Anyway, this morning my boss appears to be ignoring me, and has told someone he will give me the bill after its fixed.  I feel that really I shouldn't be liable to pay the whole lot, but that having already said I would I'm going to have to now.  Plus he IS my boss and how should I approach the subject, if at all? What's your thoughts on this ABers? Thanks

[woofgang]

sorry pagey, but you were driving, you were the one in control and its your responsibility, boss or not, which I why I NEVER let people help me manoevre my car. I would suggest a sincere apology together with an assurance that you will pay for the damage.

.....You probably didn't want to hear that did you?

[pagey3]

No that's fine - that's what I thought!  But with other people telling me that its not my fault I just wondered if I was being a bit of a doormat and should talk to him about it and be more assertive!

I apologised and offered to pay at the time so I can do no more at the minute without making a bigger deal of it than is necessary.  Still, ignoring me is a little petty.

[dothawkes]

But I would try to get your own estimate for the job rather than just accept and pay the bill after he has had the work done.

[pagey3]

anyone know how much something like this would normally cost - roughly? its not special paint or anything just normal racing green colour mini.

[Octavius]

No but a finisher will need to match the existing colour exactly and that is not just an easy 'touch up' job.

[purpose]

I agree with woofgang... do the apology bit etc. as that is the 'right' thing to do, but i would imagine him sitting on the loo, boxers round his ankles and no loo roll while i was doing it... it would make me feel much better!

[lindapinda]

I agree with the others that unfortunately,the onus is on you to pay,but it seems that your boss is not being very fair in ignor ing you,and discussing the situation with others.It,after all,was an accident!

[Dark Angel]

Yes, I would pay if I was driving, though your boss is not very honorable to discuss this matter with other people, and also to ignore you - he's being petty.