So you THOUGHT your insurance Co would take care of you..

[crashtech]

Just because a body shop is associated with a dealership doesn't necessarily make it special. In fact, most of the time the "dealer shop" in an independent or quasi-independent entity; in most cases the actual dealership will accept no liability for the actions of the so-called "dealer shop," which is statistically even more likely than an independent shop to have agreements with insurance companies to stay within certain parameters when performing repairs.

 

[MongGrel]

Take it to a dealership that had a body shop in house that is associated with the name.

Have them use their real parts, but of course they will if you go to a real one.

 

[crashtech]

I'd suggest rather that the OP consult any and all experienced professionals, like a veteran mechanic's garage, detail shop, or even local insurance agents for a referral to a known good repair facility. Hearing the same name more than once is a good sign. Association with a dealer name, as mentioned, does not guarantee results.

 

[MongGrel]

Hey. it's just my two cents.

Have at it.

 

[BoomerD]

I'd suggest rather that the OP consult any and all experienced professionals, like a veteran mechanic's garage, detail shop, or even local insurance agents for a referral to a known good repair facility. Hearing the same name more than once is a good sign. Association with a dealer name, as mentioned, does not guarantee results.

On that, we agree 100%. Just because a body shop is part of a dealership, that does NOT guarantee quality work. One of the worst body shops I ever dealt with was part of the local Chevrolet dealership. (my wife worked there, so we got a decent discount for work paid out-of-pocket...but their work was so bad, we only let them do one repair for us.) Screw me once, shame on you.

There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, "Screw me twice...we won't get screwed again.

 

[MongGrel]

On that, we agree 100%. Just because a body shop is part of a dealership, that does NOT guarantee quality work. One of the worst body shops I ever dealt with was part of the local Chevrolet dealership. (my wife worked there, so we got a decent discount for work paid out-of-pocket...but their work was so bad, we only let them do one repair for us.) Screw me once, shame on you.

There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, "Screw me twice...we won't get screwed again.

Might depend on the dealership I guess.

I've had better luck going that route personally, if it is a large reputable one.

 

[BoomerD]

Might depend on the dealership I guess.

I've had better luck going that route personally, if it is a large reputable one.

Undoubtedly. one of the BEST body shops I ever had do work for me was part of the local Ford dealership. I was merely making the point that just because the body shop is part of a dealership, that doesn't guarantee good quality work. (and also doesn't guarantee that they'll use OEM parts if the insurance company mandates it...and the law allows it.)

 

[OverVolt]

He is an insurance adjuster. He takes first stab at quoting the damage. They always take off panels and find more damage once its actually in the shop. I don't think there is a price difference between different colors of bumpers. AFAIK they are required to paint the car the same color. So they will match the colors anyway. For any body work I've had they always matched the paint.

 

[CPA]

Liberty Mutual is the bomb. If you're not using them, you have the wrong insurance company. My examples the last year:

Auto Accident - Wife got into an accident. Other driver cited. Other driver's insurance, Geico, wanted us to pay 25%, claiming my wife should have seen the other car. Other car claimed they couldn't see my wife because of a bush in the median. Geico couldn't understand how if their client couldn't see my wife because of the bush, my wife couldn't see their client. Liberty Mutual laughed at them and fought it. Went to arbitration. We won. Geico 100% responsible. Between that time, Liberty Mutual took care of everything, including cutting us checks for loss of vehicle. Gave us more than we paid, average turn around time for checks - 1 week. Always were on our side.

Water Damage in Kitchen - LM came out, took pics of damaged cabinets. Included replacement of granite, and repainting of kitchen AND family room (rooms were adjacent and contiguous). Cut a check for 90% on the spot. Cut the rest after we sent pics of finished work. We got to decide who to use.

Daughter Auto Accident - This just happened, but within a couple days, adjuster reviewed damage, cited Total Loss (which I expected), Loss Adjuster gave us payout which was slightly higher than the used vehicle is going for at dealers. Will overnight check once we submit paperwork to salvage yard.

They are always friendly, adjusters speak with you to tell you how they do things, how they come out to their prices, give you the option of using your own repair shop AND I have never had my rate raised. I asked one of the adjusters how that was so, and they stated that unless there are multiple similar claims (auto and home claims are segregated) they don't raise rates. I also asked why the quick turnaround times on cutting checks - Adjusters are scored on customer satisfaction. The longer a case goes, generally the lower their scores.

BTW, I moved from Allstate (after being with them for years) to LM when Allstate gave me a debunked answer to why my Home Owner's Insurance went up $1200 in one year. LM came in under what I was paying BEFORE Allstate raised my rates.

As far as I'm concerned, I will never leave LM.

 

[SearchMaster]

Good to know - we switched from being an Allstate customer of 20+ years to LM a couple of years ago but haven't had any claims yet.

 

[BUTCH1]

Undoubtedly. one of the BEST body shops I ever had do work for me was part of the local Ford dealership. I was merely making the point that just because the body shop is part of a dealership, that doesn't guarantee good quality work. (and also doesn't guarantee that they'll use OEM parts if the insurance company mandates it...and the law allows it.)

I guess Progressive's thinking is "it's a 10yr old car, it doesn't need new parts" and I can understand that but they evidently have a system that allows them to check salvage yard inventories for part availability and I have no problem with that IF the part is in very good condition. Tail assemblies can be cloudy and hazed at 10, mine were not. Then he sources a bumper from a different model Malibu that did not come with my car, I don't even know if it would fit and it has the cheesy "Malibu" embossed in the bumper itself, that's just F-ing ridiculous to think anyone would find that acceptable.

 

[BUTCH1]

Might depend on the dealership I guess.

I've had better luck going that route personally, if it is a large reputable one.

When I suggested we meet at the dealer where I bought the car new he acted like he knew nothing about them existing, " I don't see them on my list, do they have a body shop?". WTF, dude it's a HUGE dealership and they sell more Chevy's than anyone in the SE, yea, they have a body shop numbnuts. Then he again tried to steer me to Toyota with "you'll get a lifetime warranty!"..dude, I don't really need a "warranty" on body parts, it's not a fucking transmission. Obviously the estimate from the Chevy dealer would be way higher than one of his "preferred" shops so that's why he tried to steer me away. The more I read about Progressive on the web the more my gut wants to hurl.

 

[crashtech]

Vote with your feet once this claim is done. Do research and choose an insurance company based on how well they will take car of you and your property. Your body shop of choice is a great place to get information on how well claims are paid by various insurers (as long as they aren't one of those shops who have forgotten who they work for).

 

[BUTCH1]

Vote with your feet once this claim is done. Do research and choose an insurance company based on how well they will take car of you and your property. Your body shop of choice is a great place to get information on how well claims are paid by various insurers (as long as they aren't one of those shops who have forgotten who they work for).

Amen bro, great advise right there. Anyway our local "Pick-a-part" has an '04 Malibu LT in seemingly good condition, I'm heading over there right now to see what kind of prices they have and what's left on the car. The shots are from when the car arrives there so no way of knowing what's already been sold, this one seems to have probably blown an engine as I don't see collision damage (unless it's on the other side).
EDIT: I do see the front fender with a sizeable dent but not anywhere bad enough to consider it totalle'd.

 

[DaTT]

Then you paid the premium for "factory parts", there is no way they are going to install parts that cost 50-100% more without YOU ponying up the extra cost. If I recall glass is one of the items they have to install OEM since it's so important to safety.

How did I pay a premium when no money ever changed hands at the repair shop?

 

[BUTCH1]

How did I pay a premium when no money ever changed hands at the repair shop?

I meant when you bought the policy, any insurance Co has the right to use non-OEM or in my case used OEM parts. If your talking about a 1-3yr old car different story as there will be very limited supply at salvage yards and they might have no other option but to go OEM. There is no way anyone can "demand" all-original OEM parts be used unless it's in your policy. They are obligated to restore your car to pre-collision/damage condition, that's it.

 

[BrokenVisage]

Gieco never fails me and their rates are cheap as shit, like no one else even comes close of the ones I got quotes from. Liberty Mutual has lame commercials and that one stupid girl annoys the fuck out of me, the one that goes "Hey insurance companies news flash, nobody's perfect" except um yeah some people ARE perfect when it comes to needing to file a claim so shut the hell up.

 

[DaTT]

I meant when you bought the policy, any insurance Co has the right to use non-OEM or in my case used OEM parts. If your talking about a 1-3yr old car different story as there will be very limited supply at salvage yards and they might have no other option but to go OEM. There is no way anyone can "demand" all-original OEM parts be used unless it's in your policy. They are obligated to restore your car to pre-collision/damage condition, that's it.

I guess you were there?

 

[BUTCH1]

I guess you were there?

No, I guess I'm saying your story lacks credibility. Anyway I scored a lens in perfect condition, $23, a bumper that needs to be painted black, $40 and a rim in decent condition, (I'll clean it up and polish it up and it will be fine), $30.

 

[DaTT]

No, I guess I'm saying your story lacks credibility. Anyway I scored a lens in perfect condition, $23, a bumper that needs to be painted black, $40 and a rim in decent condition, (I'll clean it up and polish it up and it will be fine), $30.

You know best what happened.

Also, I have so much to gain from lying.

 

[crashtech]

No, I guess I'm saying your story lacks credibility. Anyway I scored a lens in perfect condition, $23, a bumper that needs to be painted black, $40 and a rim in decent condition, (I'll clean it up and polish it up and it will be fine), $30.

So you going to fix the car yourself?

 

[BUTCH1]

You know best what happened.

Also, I have so much to gain from lying.

Great, I'll call Progressive tomorrow and demand all new OEM parts. :biggrin:

 

[Engineer]

Insurance isn't there to take care of you or help you in any way.

They are there to make money. Be damn sure they will do anything possible to give you the least amount back, or nothing at all if they can.

110% true in all forms of insurance.

 

[BUTCH1]

So you going to fix the car yourself?

Not all of it, the quarter-panel is way to crumpled for me to attempt to repair, I will leave that for a pro. The bumper I bought is in close to perfect condition so I plan on getting it painted at a body shop as long as it's reasonable or do like this guy did with Dupli-color product.

 

[crashtech]

It's always fun when a customer takes all the easy money for himself and leaves the hard money for some poor saps at a willing, probably hungry shop. I wonder if you are looking to make money on this deal, or avoid paying your deductible?