[...SCOOBY-NEWBIE...]

Here it is...

I have spent the past 7 years of my life working as a collision repair technician. I have had the unfortunate experience of working side by side with many claims representatives from many different insurance companies. When I began my career as an automotive re finisher the business was very different and I am sad to say it has changed dramatically since then. When I started in this industry customers would bring their car to us because they trusted us and wanted us to fix their car right. We would look over the vehicle and then we would contact the insurance company to tell them how much they need to write us a check for. The insurance company would then send us a check and the repair process would begin.

It is your legal right to get your car fixed at any shop you please. You pay for your insurance every month so that in case an accident happens the insurance company will take care of you and your car...right?

Reality check...Things have changed. The insurance company industry is now a competitive business market and guess what the first order of business is to "make money". They are cut throat and if it will cost pennies less to fix your car incorrectly they will force the body shop to fix it that way.

Today many insurance companies will write their own estimates (by the way... insurance companies will only hire people who have never actually worked in the industry to write estimates, that way they can train these people to write an estimate the wrong way because they never knew how to write one the right way in the first place). They will send their estimator to visit your vehicle and guess what? The estimators pay is directly related to how cheap he can fix your car. The more corners he can cut such as not replacing parts that should be replaced the more money he makes...F#cked up isn't it.

Nationwide is not on your side.

Q.How does an insurance company force a shop to fix the car incorrectly?

A. Your insurance company has something called a service first, or direct repair shop. They recommend that you (the customer) bring your car to their direct repair shop because the shop does good work. It reality it is actually the opposite. This shop has agreed with the insurance company to fix cars the way the insurance company wants them to. They have set up something we in the industry call an account. In turn the insurance company guarantees the body shop a certain number of cars per month. The shop gets more business and the insurance company saves money. Its like a deal with the devil. You could say that the body shop does not have to make that deal? Wrong! They are putting a stranglehold on body shops. It has become extremely difficult for most body shops to survive now days without any insurance accounts. You see more and more insurance companies are catching on to the idea of making millions more in profit by screwing you the unsuspecting customer. After all you always knew your insurance company was on their own side and could really care less about you in the first place.

Progressive was the pioneer...

For years every shop in the country would estimate your repairs using the same software program. One day progressive decided to create their own estimating program called CCC. This program estimates automotive damage substantially less then the previous programs. They told all body shops that they will only send customers to them if they fix the cars the way progressive wants them to. At first progressive was not successful but overtime they keep getting more customers because of their low rates and have now become one of the industry leaders. Progressive offers low rates. Ever wonder how? You get what you pay for. I have gotten into heated arguments with insurance estimators and have even seen fist fights break out in the garage. How do these people sleep at night?

I have seen many cars get filled with bondo when the panel structurally should have been replaced. I have seen panels glued on instead of welded on. I have seen used parts come off of completely totaled cars and installed on cars with less than 500 miles. I have seen frames that are structurally ruined beyond repair that the insurance company wont fix and the customer has no idea. I have seen cars painted with cheap products that will last less than a couple of months because the insurance company requested. I have seen panels not painted because the insurance company thinks the customer wont notice the difference.

It has only just begun! Things are getting worse before they get better. Beware!

Q. What can I do about these crooks?

A. Do your homework. Find a shop with high end cars and a good reputation. If you get into an accident don't bring your car to the shop the insurance company recommended. Bring it to a shop that will work for you the customer and not the insurance company. You get what you pay for! Shop around for rates and go with the expensive ones. There is a reason why the rates are so different. Inspect your car thoroughly. If you get it repaired make sure you look over every inch. If you see any funny business bring it right back to the shop. Allot of times their is hidden un-fixed damage. Take the car apart if you have to yourself. It could mean life or death. The way many shops are repairing cars now days you should pray you don't get hit in the same place twice.

I could go on and on about this subject so I will just leave you with this. Given my first hand experience with so many crooks....

My insurance company of choice is State Farm!

[WaniuszY]

You made me feel a little better now. I'm with State Farm and thought about looking around for some better rates, but I guess I will stay with them now...
I appreciate the honesty.

[MacSTi]

How is Geico?

[Shewillbemine]

Hmm...I hear your message but simple logic begs these questions be asked:

1) Why are you posting this information at this time and place?
2) How can anyone reading this post trust that what you say is true?
3) How do we know you're not just a State Farm agent who is trying to drum up more business?

I'm not trying to start a flame war here; I'm simply thinking logically.

[flytojungho]

how's esurance? they gave me best quote but i haven't filed any claims yet (knock on wood)

[STI Sibb]

This is very subjective but interesting nonetheless.

[...SCOOBY-NEWBIE...]

Originally Posted by Shewillbemine

Hmm...I hear your message but simple logic begs these questions be asked:

1) Why are you posting this information at this time and place?
2) How can anyone reading this post trust that what you say is true?
3) How do we know you're not just a State Farm agent who is trying to drum up more business?

I'm not trying to start a flame war here; I'm simply thinking logically.

I have nothing to gain from this thread... I am simply trying to educate.

[...SCOOBY-NEWBIE...]

I got a real big response on Nasioc!

The Truth About Your Insurance Company! - General Community - NASIOC

[speedstyle]

I am insured trough Progressive (very good rate), and about a year ago my car received $2400+ in hail damage. The claims adjuster was extremely helpful and honest with the estimate. When I took my car to the body shop (not the one progressive suggested that I go to) the cost to fix came out to be more than the check they cut me because the shop had to replace my hood instead of using PDR. They contacted Progressive directly and were paid the difference no questions asked. If what you are saying is true, than it must vary state by state.

[...SCOOBY-NEWBIE...]

Originally Posted by speedstyle

I am insured trough Progressive (very good rate), and about a year ago my car received $2400+ in hail damage. The claims adjuster was extremely helpful and honest with the estimate. When I took my car to the body shop (not the one progressive suggested that I go to) the cost to fix came out to be more than the check they cut me because the shop had to replace my hood instead of using PDR. They contacted Progressive directly and were paid the difference no questions asked. If what you are saying is true, than it must vary state by state.

Nope. This is a nationwide thing. I suggest you drop them before you regret it. Dont believe me? Try clicking on this link.

http://www.oregoniansforsafeautorepa...gon_survey.pdf

[Shewillbemine]

I can appreciate input but I have a difficult time generalizing entire companies, shops and individuals. For every person who might have something negative to say about the company I work for (NOT insurance), I can find 10 more who will vouch for my work.

These exposes are always hot and people love to feel as if they've gamed the system, knowing more than the average joe. If I led my life believing every little piece of anecdotal or local evidence that came my way, I'd be paranoid and live in a cave.

Anecdotally, I've had Farmers and needed work 3 times in 14 years. The work has been done in officially-sanctioned shops and I have had zero problems. Furthermore, the shops I've gone to that offer "insider tips" are almost always the most crooked venues that ask if I want to forget my airbags so they can paint my car a candy apple.

Additionally, to suggest that consumers "take their own cars apart" after the vehicles have been worked on is highly unrealistic. Most drivers can't change their own oil, let alone peruse their automobiles with a fine tooth comb.

Sir, I don't disagree with most of what you've said. But I also believe that people and the people who work and run companies are inherently good. Businesses cut corners everyday to increase profit margins and outshine the competition but I find it hard to believe the majority of shops are "out to get you".

One last question: as someone who worked firsthand as a technician in these shops and someone who saw firsthand the dangerous shortcuts taken by said shops, what actions and words did you take to save the poor consumers' lives? Your warning is well-received but it seems as if you've got responsibilities to bear as well.

[damstr]

I can tell you one thing..if I ever get into an accident god forbid and found out the repair shop used bondo or whatever to "fix" my car...I guarantee you I will be taking their a$$ straight to court.

Nice post man, but I'm honestly not that suprised....soo many companies out there trying to make every last penny they can and don't give a rats a$$ about their customers...pisses me off just thinking about it.

[subbiesti07]

I really don't understand how they will not take care of a customer correctly in ensuring that they receive 100% well done service after paying a **** load every month. It should be a job, not a business perspective. ah!

[wrbsti05]

There is some truth to what the OP has to say when it comes to repairing cars. In truth though, it basically comes down to the shop wanting to make money, and the insurance company wanting to save money. I've had many situations where the shop would ask for outrageous repair times on a vehicle, and I would actually counter and say that I will watch and time their repair process and see if it actually takes the amount of time that they say it does. I've also had many situations where the should would like to repair an item rather than replace it so that their technicians can make more money on the job.

I think the automotive repair business runs both ways, were it's basically the luck of the draw if you get a good adjuster and a good shop. I've always paid what's due, and I always think, what would I want done to my car if I was in the same situation. Granted, my own personal insurance company for my Subaru is different than the company I work for. When I got into a minor fender bender, I had to ask the body shop that my insurance company endorsed (DRP) to not repair the upper tie bar, but to replace it. The only thing that I have to deal with now is for them to blend my hood scoop molding, and to install my underhood stickers.

Oh yes, I've seen the times on both Mitchell and CCC Pathways, and there are times when Mitchell offers less time on labor, and vice versa. In regards to parts prices, they are whatever the dealership says they are. Also, the rates that the insurance company pays for labor, paint, and paint materials have been approved by the Department of Insurance.

[jermdeez]

My direct shop or approved one is expensive as hell and does great work. LOL guess i'm lucky. For example I got my 3 thousand dollar 97 L backed into and they want over 4 to fix it.