Las Vegas, NV–
Having a car accident is painful enough, but when you start the process of negotiating with the insurance company, (the company you’ve been paying premiums to every month since you got your license), those unsettling feelings can get worse.
This truck was involved in an icy road rollover at a moderate speed. The truck is a Dodge Ram POWERWAGON 25004wd.. There wasn’t much left intact on the exterior, but the interior passenger safety cabin did it’s job. A few bumps and bruises, but everyone walked away. Unfortunately, the insurance company wanted to play games with the extent of the damage, parts and loaner car while the truck was down. The owner wanted a second opinion from a shop listed on the insurance company approved list, but not the initial shop they “suggested”he use. The first estimate was slightly less expensive, but did not put into writing that they would use Original MOPAR parts (manufacturer) which disturbed the truck owner. As the truck has low miles and the POWERWAGON style is no longer made, the insurance company “suggested” parts might take longer to get from “the factory”, and the loaner vehicle was only good for a month.
EXCUSE ME,the insurance policy does not state there is a time limit on the loaner car, it says; while the vehicle is under repair. Furthermore, while the policy did give the insurance company the right to “substitute” non-OEM parts when original equipment is not available, that wasn’t the case, as the push to go with the lowest bid hadn’t included a parts check for availability at the time of the estimate. The key here is to READ YOUR AUTO INSURANCE policy carefully, before you have an accident. Other tricks that save the insurance company money, but don’t protect the finish of your car…
MASK ING TAPE instead of proper dismantling. Many shops will masking tape paper over door handles and plastic/metal trim, rather than removing the parts and painting an unobtructed panel. In vehicles with back-up sensors, stray paint can effect the sensors response. Masking takes half the time but you can see the result in lines and edges of paint around these areas. Time costs money, but a bad paint job will lower the value of your truck by half.
Insurance companies try to SCARE clients into going to their “discounted rate” shops by “suggesting” they will get a lifetime warranty on parts. All quality shops give lifetime warranties today. The truth is you can take your damaged vehicle to any and as many body shops as you want until YOU find one that you are comfortable with.
Here’s MY CARLADY’S top TEN Tips for finding a GREAT BODY SHOP that will treat you and your car with respect. (especially women!)
1. Is the place clean and organized with good lighting and signage outside?
2. Is the interior office area clean and well organized, with customer bathroom facilities that are clean and well lit? Men and Women separate?
3. Go in the early morning or late afternoon so you can see the finished work being picked-up. Are the customers happy with the repair?
4. Ask to see some of the finished work or work under repair? Is the paint area separated from the mechanical area? Are the cars covered or protected from dirt and debris?
5. Does the shop have an on-site or nearby rental or loaner program affiliated with a national company? DO they offer pick-up and delivery?
6. Does the shop have an onsite detail area for cleaning the cars after assembly? Is it a hand wash or automated facility? (A fresh paint job should be hand washed in the first 2 weeks.)
7. Does the shop note your odometer and fuel when writing the estimate? DO they discuss replacing fuel that may be lost during repair? Do they tell you upfront they will test drive your car X# miles after repair to verify everything is good to go?
8. Is there security on the premises where your car will be stored during repair? Is your car going to be inside the building or out in the yard?
9. Are the employees in uniforms? Is there smoking or eating in the work area?
10. Are you comfortable with the manner in which the shop manager addresses your concerns? Does he/she give you specific times and anticipated days for final results? Does the staff follow-up with you regarding the approval process, and sequence for repair?
If you follow these tips your car will come back to you looking as good as this one did.
Got questions about shopping for a new or used car and don’t know who to ask. 
I’d really love you to follow me on Twitter (@mycarlady) so I can post the answer to your question so everyone gets the benefit of the information, but I WON’T share your name, I promise. You can also post your question as a comment on this blog and I’ll reply below.
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