Quote:
Originally Posted by jparnes1
Whenever I've brought a car in to fix damage, the repair shop always works with the insurance company so that they are both in agreement about the repair cost. If your dealer is unwilling to do that, look elsewhere. Anyone can do this repair.
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Yeah, that definitely would have been a better plan (and a plan, period). Unfortunately, the dealer was unwilling to communicate with my insurance company and the work has already started. My reluctance comes from State Farm's glass shop being a third-rate windshield shop that installed and didn't perfectly align the new window--a Chinese one of poorer construction--on the daily beater. Thanks for the advice and I'll be using it next time (though hopefully there isn't one).
Quote:
Originally Posted by rking117
And also what you Insurance company has quoted is not always the bench price. Since you have taken this to a dealer then they are the experts on the matter so if you had to litigate this this one would not be in the favor of the insurance company from the start. I never go into an argument with the mention of lawyer but i always sneak it in convos like this.
"Both you and I know that the dealer I took this vehicle to are the experts in the vehicle so their estimate to repair the windows seems more inline with the actual costs. And from a logic stand point it is hard to believe that someone can take the door panels apart and reassemble them in just the 1 hour you have allowed for this job. You guys need to write me a check for the entire job not just a small portion of it. Neither you nor me needs to have lawyers get involved wouldn't you agree? So do i need to get one now for this conversation to continue?"
But just be careful if you play that card you have to willing to back it up. I would say that if you have a conversation with your adjuster and they are unwilling to budge then getting a consult may be in order. Insurance companies are always going to nickel and dime you when ever they can. Their job is to make profits not necessarily repair your car.
But keep in mind that you paid them for a service, which was to repair your vehicle in the event that something like this happens to it. If they do not do so then they are on the hook legally for breach in contract.
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Very helpful advice, thank you. I ended up getting the insurance co. to pay for all but one hour of labor based on their premise of only covering labor rates for a body shop under these circumstances whereas the dealership is charging its mechanical labor rate. They just weren't going to budge more and were more stubborn than even I thought they'd be, and I called it over and done with then. The dealer additionally took off $50, and while it's tempting to reciprocate insurance ball busting after paying my way with them, it's just not financially justifiable to bring in legal counsel at that point
I mirrored what you mentioned here and it was effective, the pointers are appreciated!