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Felt like I got cheated by Car Collision Repair Shop.

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by GTon9, Sep 17, 2014.

  1. GTon9

    GTon9 New Member

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    So, previously I have started a thread if there a way to identify if all the replacement parts the repair gave to my car is OEM/Original.

    Ref: Is there a way to know if all the replacement parts was genuine? | Page 2 | PriusChat

    So, I went to the shop picked up my car this past Saturday. Then, on Sunday when I drive out to lunch and park outside sunny. I see there is already scratches on the parts. Now I really do suspect the parts is not original or it is from secondary market. I did went to confront the car repair shop on Monday. It trying to says that I have already hit something. I explain that I have bumper shot in front. I would have know if I do hit something. Also, what could I hit to get scratches on both side. Then, he says maybe someone scratch my car. But, I park in garage. At the end he offer paint touch up.

    I rarely driving at night. Yesterday here rains whole day. So, I turn on my headlights. Then, I realize it is not working.

    My car is really new. I make my insurance paid almost 5k for the repair. I really like to get what I paid for. Everyday or two I found more problem. What can I do to resolve this issue in a efficient matter? Can someone please advice?

    Any help is appreciated!

    FYI: I live in NY, Queen area.
     

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    #1 GTon9, Sep 17, 2014
  2. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    First thing I would do is contact the insurance Co.. If they told you to use this collision repair center, the insurance Co will make sure the vehicle is repaired accordingly.
    If you took the vehicle for a repairs to a place you choose, thing will be more problematic.
    I will return to the collision repair place and ask nicely for an itemized parts list and break down labor time,;if it doesn't work that way, demand for your consumer's right; later take the matter to Dept of Consumer Affairs if the manager will not comply with your request.
     
    #2 mrbigh, Sep 17, 2014
  3. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    I would follow
    I would follow the suggestions of mrbigh in the order he listed.
     
    #3 Okinawa, Sep 17, 2014
  4. GTon9

    GTon9 New Member

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    Unfortunate, I chosen the shop for the reason it near where I work. The insurance company have sent people there to do second appraisal. When you said an itemized parts list. Is the one from insurance appraisal good enough? (it does have all the parts and labor hours listed) Or the itemized parts list must get written by the shop?
     
    #4 GTon9, Sep 17, 2014
  5. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    I think you should contact your insurance company and discuss your problem with them. Ask for their guidance.
     
    #5 Okinawa, Sep 17, 2014
  6. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    A good reputable shop will provide the Insurance Co a good faith estimate including the itemized parts list and Itemized labor; i parts to be used ( mostly of the time these are recycled parts to lower repair cost), removal and installation, surface prep, paint, detailing... They could provide you a copy. Also you could request a copy to the paying Insurance Co.
    My knowledge about this matter is because I was involved in similar situation about a year ago as a consumer.
     
    #6 mrbigh, Sep 17, 2014
  7. GTon9

    GTon9 New Member

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    I did get a copy from insurance. All the parts listed was OEM/Original. I only have the car for few days. I find so many issue. I felt like I got cheated. So, you should call my insurance discuss this issue first or went ahead to file a FTC complain?
     
    #7 GTon9, Sep 17, 2014
  8. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    Contact your insurance company first and discuss your issues with them.
     
    #8 Okinawa, Sep 17, 2014
  9. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    My next approach would be to get a satisfactory resolution with the Collision repair center.
    I f not, start a claim with the Dept.Consumer Affairs and another claim for fraud with the Insurance Co against the repair shop.
     
    #9 mrbigh, Sep 17, 2014
  10. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    First, contact the insurance company. You want it documented ASAP. If you wait longer and longer, the harder it is to prove that the repair was shoddy. The insurance company and you will need to give the car back to the same bad insurance shop to give them an opportunity to fix their problem.
    Fir
     
    #10 2k1Toaster, Sep 17, 2014
  11. GTon9

    GTon9 New Member

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    In this case the insurance really can't do much. It is my chosen repair shop.
     
    #11 GTon9, Sep 17, 2014
  12. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Even though YOU chose the body shop and it evidently was not a Insurance Company preferred or affiliated shop, I would still contact your insurance company.

    They are the ones that paid out 5k on your behalf, for work that you are rightly not satisfied with.

    And unfortunately, a situation like yours probably isn't all that unique. People unhappy with their body shops quality of repair has to be something the insurance company probably deals with often.

    I would start with documentation and then contact your Insurance Company and explain your situation.
     
    #12 The Electric Me, Sep 17, 2014
  13. GTon9

    GTon9 New Member

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    I did. They told me unfortunately the shop is not partner or affiliate. So, they can't offer me any assistant.
     
    #13 GTon9, Sep 17, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2014
  14. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Since they paid this shop 5k for shoddy work, and you are their client, I'm surprised they don't care.

    In most states, I don't know if it is nation wide, but in most states you have the right to choose whatever repair facility you want. The insurance companies cannot demand you go to one or the other.

    In this case THEY paid 5k for work that was done improperly or below standards. They have a vested interest. They are insuring the vehicle as if it was restored. Since it is not, they have reason to care.

    Very surprised they are not willing to help you. It was their money that was improperly used.
     
    #14 The Electric Me, Sep 17, 2014
  15. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    I have a feeling that the Insurance Co. that paid the $5K , is the other party Insurance Co. involved in the collision.
    Only the OP can answer this question.
     
    #15 mrbigh, Sep 17, 2014
  16. GTon9

    GTon9 New Member

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    The insurance that paid 5k is my own insurance. My insurance have just recently forward my claim to their Subrogation Team to recover the money.
     
    #16 GTon9, Sep 17, 2014
  17. Pasaman

    Pasaman Active Member

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    File a better business bureau complaint against the shop. It's worth a shot.
     
    #17 Pasaman, Sep 17, 2014
  18. rxlawdude

    rxlawdude Active Member

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    I'd start with this document. http://dmv.ny.gov/forms/cr82.pdf
     
    #18 rxlawdude, Sep 17, 2014
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