Bunnings Warehouse is a household name in Australia, known as the go-to destination for all home improvement needs.

With numerous stores nationwide, the retailer sees thousands of customers pass through its aisles and parking lots each day.

One such customer was Carol, who visited a Bunnings location just before Christmas. Little did she know, her quick trip would lead to a month-long saga over a paint-covered car.

Carol and her husband visited their local Bunnings store in Chatswood, on Sydney's north shore.

As they were shopping, another customer accidentally drove over a can of black paint that had been dropped in the car park.

The can exploded, and paint splattered all over one side of Carol's vehicle, causing significant damage.

Carol’s car was vandalised with paint by another car after visiting a Bunnings Warehouse, but the store refused to pay damages for the vehicle. Images: 2GB

The incident has since remained unresolved. Carol claims that Bunnings has refused to take any responsibility or pay for the damage, arguing that the incident happened in a public car park.

Carol, however, believes that Bunnings should cover the bill for the damage, as there were no signs warning motorists to park at their own risk.

Carol's car is 17 years old and only covered by third-party insurance. So Carol contacted 2GB host Ben Fordham on 25 January seeking advice on what to do over the incident.

'It's not a public car park,' Carol told Fordham.

'It (the car) is a mess.’

'My husband was at Bunnings when he approached by a staff member at the time when it happened who said “We've got cleaning fluids upstairs.”'

‘But he told them, “No, you've got to sort it out.”'

Despite contacting Bunnings five times over the past month and speaking to two managers, Carol says the situation hasn’t progressed.

She also claims to have at least three witnesses who can corroborate their story.

'He's also been in twice and spoken to two of the managers but they haven't done anything,' Carol claimed.

'This was over a month ago—this was prior to Christmas.'

The incident has divided public opinion. Some believe Carol should report the incident to the police, while others think she should foot the bill herself.

A lawyer named Rod called into the 2GB radio show to say that Bunnings should be liable in the first instance.

'It's their responsibility to keep their car park safe and to mitigate risk to others,' he told Fordham.

'But and it's a big but, people who suffer loss or damage have an obligation to mitigate their loss.’

'So if Carol's husband was offered cleaning products right there and then by Bunnings and failed to do anything about it and wipe the paint off while it's still wet, then that's a significant problem for her.’

'She or he should have cleaned it off with cleaning products right there and there, and the entire damage could have been mitigated immediately.'

Bunnings confirmed the incident, stating that their team offered the customer cleaning materials for the car.

'As soon as our team became aware, they offered the customer cleaning materials to help them remove the paint,' Bunnings Regional Manager Alan Harvey said.

'While our team did everything they could to assist at the time, unfortunately actions of other customers shopping with us are often beyond our control.'

The incident serves as a reminder to all consumers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities when using car parks.

It also highlights the importance of having comprehensive car insurance, which can provide coverage in situations like this.

Key Takeaways

• A Bunnings customer, Carol, experienced paint damage to her car in the store's car park and demanded that Bunnings cover the repair costs.
• The incident has caused a debate among Australians regarding who should be responsible for the damage.
• Bunnings argues that the responsibility does not lie with them as the incident involved another customer in what they consider a public car park.
• A lawyer suggested on 2GB that while Bunnings should ensure safety in their car park, the refusal to use offered cleaning materials to mitigate the damage may affect Carol's claim.

What do you think, members? Should Bunnings be held responsible for the damage to Carol's car, or should she foot the bill herself? Let us know in the comments below.

 

[Knell]

I have had more than a few flat tyres due to builders materials falling from their truck, eg screws and nails, be in on the roads or car parks. Not Bunnings fault.. ..it happens!

 

[mylittletibbies]

As far as I can see, from a limited search of the internet, there is no national standard for liability for accidents in car parks that do not include vehicle-to-vehicle or vehicle-to-person contact.

So liability may be different from state to state.

But the national carpark safety rules make the managers of a carpark responsible for rubbish removal and accidental injury and damage caused by rubbish in a carpark.

So there may be grounds for Bunnings to be held accountable for not cleaning up the dropped paint can.

Though you would have to prove that there was reasonable opportunity for them to do so.

However, failure to insure your vehicle and failure to mitigate the damage yourself, or except reasonable assistance offered, would heavily reduce any compensation payout.

Just queried this with a legal friend who said his opinion was they would have an extremely small chance of winning this case
They would need to prove that Bunnings were aware of the can of paint being in the carpark, that if they did know had they had enough time to clean it up (how would they prove that). Secondly they did not consider their car worth insuring and then they made no effort to reduce the damage by accepting Bunnings offer and cleaning it while it was still possible to do so.
He said he would not recommend to anyone to take this case to court as if they lost, high chance, then they would be lumbered with the legal costs of both Bunnings and themselves.
The carparks are not locked during the day (if it was a carpark that locked as a very large percentage don't) so that argument is irrelevant.

 

[Jest]

Bunnings Warehouse is a household name in Australia, known as the go-to destination for all home improvement needs.

With numerous stores nationwide, the retailer sees thousands of customers pass through its aisles and parking lots each day.

One such customer was Carol, who visited a Bunnings location just before Christmas. Little did she know, her quick trip would lead to a month-long saga over a paint-covered car.

Carol and her husband visited their local Bunnings store in Chatswood, on Sydney's north shore.

As they were shopping, another customer accidentally drove over a can of black paint that had been dropped in the car park.

The can exploded, and paint splattered all over one side of Carol's vehicle, causing significant damage.

View attachment 39990

Carol’s car was vandalised with paint by another car after visiting a Bunnings Warehouse, but the store refused to pay damages for the vehicle. Images: 2GB

The incident has since remained unresolved. Carol claims that Bunnings has refused to take any responsibility or pay for the damage, arguing that the incident happened in a public car park.

Carol, however, believes that Bunnings should cover the bill for the damage, as there were no signs warning motorists to park at their own risk.

Carol's car is 17 years old and only covered by third-party insurance. So Carol contacted 2GB host Ben Fordham on 25 January seeking advice on what to do over the incident.

'It's not a public car park,' Carol told Fordham.

'It (the car) is a mess.’

'My husband was at Bunnings when he approached by a staff member at the time when it happened who said “We've got cleaning fluids upstairs.”'

‘But he told them, “No, you've got to sort it out.”'

Despite contacting Bunnings five times over the past month and speaking to two managers, Carol says the situation hasn’t progressed.

She also claims to have at least three witnesses who can corroborate their story.

'He's also been in twice and spoken to two of the managers but they haven't done anything,' Carol claimed.

'This was over a month ago—this was prior to Christmas.'

The incident has divided public opinion. Some believe Carol should report the incident to the police, while others think she should foot the bill herself.

A lawyer named Rod called into the 2GB radio show to say that Bunnings should be liable in the first instance.

'It's their responsibility to keep their car park safe and to mitigate risk to others,' he told Fordham.

'But and it's a big but, people who suffer loss or damage have an obligation to mitigate their loss.’

'So if Carol's husband was offered cleaning products right there and then by Bunnings and failed to do anything about it and wipe the paint off while it's still wet, then that's a significant problem for her.’

'She or he should have cleaned it off with cleaning products right there and there, and the entire damage could have been mitigated immediately.'

Bunnings confirmed the incident, stating that their team offered the customer cleaning materials for the car.

'As soon as our team became aware, they offered the customer cleaning materials to help them remove the paint,' Bunnings Regional Manager Alan Harvey said.

'While our team did everything they could to assist at the time, unfortunately actions of other customers shopping with us are often beyond our control.'

The incident serves as a reminder to all consumers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities when using car parks.

It also highlights the importance of having comprehensive car insurance, which can provide coverage in situations like this.

Key Takeaways

• A Bunnings customer, Carol, experienced paint damage to her car in the store's car park and demanded that Bunnings cover the repair costs.
• The incident has caused a debate among Australians regarding who should be responsible for the damage.
• Bunnings argues that the responsibility does not lie with them as the incident involved another customer in what they consider a public car park.
• A lawyer suggested on 2GB that while Bunnings should ensure safety in their car park, the refusal to use offered cleaning materials to mitigate the damage may affect Carol's claim.

What do you think, members? Should Bunnings be held responsible for the damage to Carol's car, or should she foot the bill herself? Let us know in the comments below.

another who expects everyone to look after them. tough luck. wrong place, wrong time. they refused the offer of help. $$$$ signs showing.

 

[Bridgit]

Aaahhh the court of public opinion on social media! What would happen 30yrs ago in a situation like this without 5000 public opinions?

Wondering what the cleaning product offered actually was? If it removes wet paint, how does it not remove dry paint- perhaps that was what the husband was thinking?

Nah he wasn't thinking - stupid clown could have solved the problem then and there - and no Bunnings are not liable as far as I am concerned as it wasn't an employee or the store that created the issue.

 

[mylittletibbies]

What area are you in

I don't know about Rosi Gordon but I have frequented all these Bunnings stores and none of them have locked carparks. Midland, Northam, Armadale, Baldivis, Rockingham, Mandurah, Bunbury, Albany, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie all in WA. Victor Harbour, Murray Bridge and Noarlunga in SA. They all have enormous shopping parks and none of them are locked.

 

[Jest]

I have gone to alot of bunnings stores in Sydney and the carparks in all are on their property and most under the building carparks.
Bunnings should take responsibility including looking at their cameras to see who the driver was that ran over the paint can.

It goes back further than that , the person who dropped the paint can in the beginning should have notified bunnings so it could be cleaned up.

no, they do not need to take responsibility. they offered help and it was refused. tough.

 

[Jest]

Bunnings are liable. The situation is similar to damage being caused to a vehicle by another vehicle in a carpark. The carpark may have signs saying they are not responsible but legally they are. The signs are intended to 'put you off' Put your claim in writing.

what has happened to the rules of driving? do they not apply to, road, car park or when ever in a car. stop blaming everyone for stupidity or carelessness.

 

[Jennylolo]

my Bunnings has no gates

 

[mylittletibbies]

Even the outdoor carparks they close the gate . The out door ones after they close you can still walk in just not drive your car

Maybe you have more crime in Sydney than we have here in Perth??

 

[Mrtnst]

what has happened to the rules of driving? do they not apply to, road, car park or when ever in a car. stop blaming everyone for stupidity or carelessness.

No the rules of the road do not apply to carparks. They don't actually apply to any private land.

Yes courts will consider the same basic principles regarding safe driving practices when assessing liability for accidents, but that is all.

If they applied whenever you were in a car you could get booked for reaching out your car window to pay for and collect your order in a McDonald's drive through, or not having your seatbelt on when backing out of your garage and many other such normal behaviour.

 

[Cheviegirl]

Bunnings Warehouse is a household name in Australia, known as the go-to destination for all home improvement needs.

With numerous stores nationwide, the retailer sees thousands of customers pass through its aisles and parking lots each day.

One such customer was Carol, who visited a Bunnings location just before Christmas. Little did she know, her quick trip would lead to a month-long saga over a paint-covered car.

Carol and her husband visited their local Bunnings store in Chatswood, on Sydney's north shore.

As they were shopping, another customer accidentally drove over a can of black paint that had been dropped in the car park.

The can exploded, and paint splattered all over one side of Carol's vehicle, causing significant damage.

View attachment 39990

Carol’s car was vandalised with paint by another car after visiting a Bunnings Warehouse, but the store refused to pay damages for the vehicle. Images: 2GB

The incident has since remained unresolved. Carol claims that Bunnings has refused to take any responsibility or pay for the damage, arguing that the incident happened in a public car park.

Carol, however, believes that Bunnings should cover the bill for the damage, as there were no signs warning motorists to park at their own risk.

Carol's car is 17 years old and only covered by third-party insurance. So Carol contacted 2GB host Ben Fordham on 25 January seeking advice on what to do over the incident.

'It's not a public car park,' Carol told Fordham.

'It (the car) is a mess.’

'My husband was at Bunnings when he approached by a staff member at the time when it happened who said “We've got cleaning fluids upstairs.”'

‘But he told them, “No, you've got to sort it out.”'

Despite contacting Bunnings five times over the past month and speaking to two managers, Carol says the situation hasn’t progressed.

She also claims to have at least three witnesses who can corroborate their story.

'He's also been in twice and spoken to two of the managers but they haven't done anything,' Carol claimed.

'This was over a month ago—this was prior to Christmas.'

The incident has divided public opinion. Some believe Carol should report the incident to the police, while others think she should foot the bill herself.

A lawyer named Rod called into the 2GB radio show to say that Bunnings should be liable in the first instance.

'It's their responsibility to keep their car park safe and to mitigate risk to others,' he told Fordham.

'But and it's a big but, people who suffer loss or damage have an obligation to mitigate their loss.’

'So if Carol's husband was offered cleaning products right there and then by Bunnings and failed to do anything about it and wipe the paint off while it's still wet, then that's a significant problem for her.’

'She or he should have cleaned it off with cleaning products right there and there, and the entire damage could have been mitigated immediately.'

Bunnings confirmed the incident, stating that their team offered the customer cleaning materials for the car.

'As soon as our team became aware, they offered the customer cleaning materials to help them remove the paint,' Bunnings Regional Manager Alan Harvey said.

'While our team did everything they could to assist at the time, unfortunately actions of other customers shopping with us are often beyond our control.'

The incident serves as a reminder to all consumers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities when using car parks.

It also highlights the importance of having comprehensive car insurance, which can provide coverage in situations like this.

Key Takeaways

• A Bunnings customer, Carol, experienced paint damage to her car in the store's car park and demanded that Bunnings cover the repair costs.
• The incident has caused a debate among Australians regarding who should be responsible for the damage.
• Bunnings argues that the responsibility does not lie with them as the incident involved another customer in what they consider a public car park.
• A lawyer suggested on 2GB that while Bunnings should ensure safety in their car park, the refusal to use offered cleaning materials to mitigate the damage may affect Carol's claim.

What do you think, members? Should Bunnings be held responsible for the damage to Carol's car, or should she foot the bill herself? Let us know in the comments below.

This is NOT Bunningsv fault! If the chap had of accepted the offer of cleaning products the car would have been ok. So it is their expense NOT Bunnings.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Carol and her husband made the choice not to have comprehensive insurance for their car so they carry the risk. If this unfortunate accident had occured while they were driving down the road would they expect the Council or the Government to pay up?
Saying the car was "vandalised" is a bit over the top but sadly typical of SDC reporting where hyperbole is the order of the day.

At least SDC didn't call it "X-Rated"....

 

[Gsr]

Firstly it was an accident, a customer dropped a can of spray paint, did not realise and left it there, another car ran over it and it sprayed over Carol‘S car. Accident. Not Bunnings responsibility, they can’t be expected to know what is happening in the car park, they don’t have car park attendants. Carol was offered cleaning materials to clean it off, she declined the offer. Other scenario, some yahoos deliberately put the spray paint on the ground and ran over it as an act of vandalism. Same result, Carol could have taken up the offer of cleaning products at the time and maybe the paint would have come off. She declined, now she thinks Bunnings should fix her car. My suggestion would be to get a Trojan safety scraper as per previous story where someone said it took paint splashes of their car and try that. Other than that buy a can of spray paint that matches the car and spray over it yourself. Cheap fix. The car is 17 years old so I’m sure it doesn’t need to be a perfect repair job. I can’t say if Bunnings car parks under their buildings are private or public, but their open car parks are all classed as public car parks.

 

[Singomate]

Bunnings Warehouse is a household name in Australia, known as the go-to destination for all home improvement needs.

With numerous stores nationwide, the retailer sees thousands of customers pass through its aisles and parking lots each day.

One such customer was Carol, who visited a Bunnings location just before Christmas. Little did she know, her quick trip would lead to a month-long saga over a paint-covered car.

Carol and her husband visited their local Bunnings store in Chatswood, on Sydney's north shore.

As they were shopping, another customer accidentally drove over a can of black paint that had been dropped in the car park.

The can exploded, and paint splattered all over one side of Carol's vehicle, causing significant damage.

View attachment 39990

Carol’s car was vandalised with paint by another car after visiting a Bunnings Warehouse, but the store refused to pay damages for the vehicle. Images: 2GB

The incident has since remained unresolved. Carol claims that Bunnings has refused to take any responsibility or pay for the damage, arguing that the incident happened in a public car park.

Carol, however, believes that Bunnings should cover the bill for the damage, as there were no signs warning motorists to park at their own risk.

Carol's car is 17 years old and only covered by third-party insurance. So Carol contacted 2GB host Ben Fordham on 25 January seeking advice on what to do over the incident.

'It's not a public car park,' Carol told Fordham.

'It (the car) is a mess.’

'My husband was at Bunnings when he approached by a staff member at the time when it happened who said “We've got cleaning fluids upstairs.”'

‘But he told them, “No, you've got to sort it out.”'

Despite contacting Bunnings five times over the past month and speaking to two managers, Carol says the situation hasn’t progressed.

She also claims to have at least three witnesses who can corroborate their story.

'He's also been in twice and spoken to two of the managers but they haven't done anything,' Carol claimed.

'This was over a month ago—this was prior to Christmas.'

The incident has divided public opinion. Some believe Carol should report the incident to the police, while others think she should foot the bill herself.

A lawyer named Rod called into the 2GB radio show to say that Bunnings should be liable in the first instance.

'It's their responsibility to keep their car park safe and to mitigate risk to others,' he told Fordham.

'But and it's a big but, people who suffer loss or damage have an obligation to mitigate their loss.’

'So if Carol's husband was offered cleaning products right there and then by Bunnings and failed to do anything about it and wipe the paint off while it's still wet, then that's a significant problem for her.’

'She or he should have cleaned it off with cleaning products right there and there, and the entire damage could have been mitigated immediately.'

Bunnings confirmed the incident, stating that their team offered the customer cleaning materials for the car.

'As soon as our team became aware, they offered the customer cleaning materials to help them remove the paint,' Bunnings Regional Manager Alan Harvey said.

'While our team did everything they could to assist at the time, unfortunately actions of other customers shopping with us are often beyond our control.'

The incident serves as a reminder to all consumers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities when using car parks.

It also highlights the importance of having comprehensive car insurance, which can provide coverage in situations like this.

Key Takeaways

• A Bunnings customer, Carol, experienced paint damage to her car in the store's car park and demanded that Bunnings cover the repair costs.
• The incident has caused a debate among Australians regarding who should be responsible for the damage.
• Bunnings argues that the responsibility does not lie with them as the incident involved another customer in what they consider a public car park.
• A lawyer suggested on 2GB that while Bunnings should ensure safety in their car park, the refusal to use offered cleaning materials to mitigate the damage may affect Carol's claim.

What do you think, members? Should Bunnings be held responsible for the damage to Carol's car, or should she foot the bill herself? Let us know in the comments below.

Yes I think he should have tried to clean it off and then proceed to a panel shop and asked his opinion and quote, having said that paint cleaner is very toxic, so very few people have the knowledge of using, it's like a accident you must do everything in accordance with the laws.

 

[maherdj]

I have lived in quite a lot of different places and visited many different Bunnings stores, none of their carparks are locked at night.
The car is 17 years old, for heaven's sake, and they didn't think it worth insuring, but they expect Bunnings to do what exactly???Perhaps give the car a new paint job!! Get real.
They could have accepted Bunnings offer, cleaned the car and gone on their way. I don't see any reason why Bunnings should have had to clean it for them. As far as goodwill is concerned, that would not be a good move. In a court of law that could be construed as accepting responsibility.
If somebody backs into you or scratches your car in any carpark it is not the shopping centres responsibility. If the culprit has disappeared then you have to claim it on your own insurance.
If you haven't bothered to insure your car that's your problem.
Not Bunnings circus,not their monkeys.
I think these people are a pair of grifters, perhaps they think Bunnings should buy them a new car.

I went to a Bunning store before Christmas parked in their car park, did my shopping came out to put my shopping in the back and there's a dint across the back of my Kluger. So now I have to fork out for busted tail lights and a new rear door. I took it to the smash repair shop and they said it was likely to be a truck that reversed into me. Over $5,000 damage, Thank God for Insurance.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Maybe you have more crime in Sydney than we have here in Perth??

I think that's a known fact , but not as much as Melbourne and Brisbane is catching up

 

[AlanQ]

Yes they do

the vast majority of Bunnings I've ever been to are not locked.

 

[Annna]

Can you imagine how many millions of dollars it would cost Bunnings every year if they were responsible for every accident that happened in all their carparks all over Australia.
Do people ever put their brains into gear before they make such ridiculous statements.
I remember so many years ago my mother telling me to always make sure I put my brain into gear before opening my mouth. I must admit I haven't always done that lol.

But you have done it. Good on ya!

 

[AlanQ]

It a case of enter at your own risk, they don't have public liability for the carpark, the driver car owner is responsible. If it happened within the store, then public liability would apply. No different to any carpark you choose to leave your car in, supermarkets, shopping ctr. etc. If they declined the cleaning rags etc, then more fool them to think it's the responsibility of the retailer.

 

[freedy50]

Who on earth phones a radio station to ask for advice about something like this unless it was some sort of legal advice programme? Obviously didnt want to pay a solicitor.
So someone dropped some paint then someone else drove over it and mucked up her old car that doesnt have full insurance cover, but its Bunning's fault?