Body shop/Insurance problem with Cheapskates- Help!

have her own insurance company do a full estimate and tell the other company they will be sued by your insurance for the damages. depending on the situation , you may be able to sue the driver if the car is not properly fixed, but thats going a bit far given the minor damage and lack of personal injury. my .02

 

Well, that sucks. I'm in a similar situation, albeit with not as nice a car: http://www.jb330gt.com/miata/84N84954Damage04.jpg

The ins company body shop also quoted 'blending' for the rear panel - I guess I need an education on what this really is before I commit. Can anyone help. Yes this is also a metalic color, and I want it done right.

Cheers,
Jon

 

Then they'll have to blend the other undamaged fender if they paint the entire hood. It's a fact of life.

A competent body shop will do a perfect job. Blending is for all paint types......."especially" metallics. I am a dealer.....I know what I am talking about. Let them partially blend the hood, then clearcoat the entire hood.....it'll look great if they know what they are doing.

Blending is where they partially spray the undamaged panel beside the affected one and then clearcoat both panels so that the way the new paint (metallic or otherwise) lays down correctly and does not become obvious to the naked eye.

Don't worry. if they did not say they were going to blend it you'd have reason for concern and would see where they repainted the car.

 

Thanks KDS,

I thought metalic paints needed a particular part orientation while spraying or the light would be reflected differently as the metallic grain orientation is different during drying. Same 'color' in the panels, but not the same metallic reflection under some sunlight angles. If true, putting clearcoat over it won't change things.

So blending is painting half the panel to transition between the old and new paint? If your taping a panel off, how is this better (or necessary) vs just shooting the whole panel?

Not giving you a hard time, I'm just trying to understand.

Thanks,
jon

 

Under most insurance laws (sorry, I don't know what California's insurance code is, I’m only familiar with Texas) you should have the right to choose whoever you wish to repair your mom's Porsche. If you want to take it to the same place Jay Leno has his cars done, so be it. California has the most expensive body shop labor rates of any state so keep in mind that many insurance companies will choose a discounted shop to perform the work. They may also choose to use salvaged replacement parts or aftermarket on your mom's car but they have to let her know that they are going to do this, otherwise ask for all the purchase receipts. Stuff like this I can't stand so be sure to get NEW REPLACEMENT PORSCHE PARTS ONLY!

Try to find a shop that uses PPG computerized photo color matching paint system, it one of the best systems & widely used on the market. Also if memory serves me correct, three stage paint cannot be blended. It doesn't come out looking correct when attempting this technique but keep in mind 90% of the job is up to the skill of the painter.


If you have any other Porsche question I highly recommend contacting Wayne at Pelican Parts. Good luck, I hope this info can help you & let me know how it goes.

http://www.pelicanparts.com

 

Walnut Creek may be a bit far from Sunnyvale, but I would highly recommend Real Mean Garage (RMG). I am not sure if they do colllision repair, but they are an independent Porsche-only garage and I have them do all the basic maintenance (replacing parts, alternator, etc.) If they don't, I'm sure they will point you to an excellent shop as Bob Grigsby the owner over there is a great, no B.S. kind of guy who always goes the extra mile for me, and I completely trust him. Hope this helps, and good luck with everything!

-Jon

 

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/docs/FS-ConsumerHotline.htm

Guide to Insurance Related Auto Body Repairs


(Revised April 2004)

Related Link
• Insurance Fraud Is a Felony

Table of Contents

Choice of Auto Repair Shops
Quality of Repairs
Repair Costs
After-Market Parts
Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights
Where to File Complaints
Other Information Sources
Choice of Auto Repair Shops

When an automobile is damaged by collision, vandalism, theft, or fire, a consumer must decide where to take the automobile for repairs. Some insurance companies maintain lists of "preferred" auto body repair shops, which the insurance company might recommend the consumer use. Remember, the consumer has the choice of whether or not to use an insurance company’s preferred shop.

California insurance regulations contain specific requirements that insurance companies must follow when they direct a consumer to a company recommended repair shop. These requirements are contained in section 2695.8(e) of the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations:
"(e) No insurer shall:
1) require that an automobile be repaired at a specific repair shop;or,
2) direct,suggest,or recommend that an automobile be repaired at a specific repair shop,unless,

1. such referral is expressly requested by the claimant;or
2. the claimant has been informed in writing of the right to select the repair facility;and,
3. the insurer that elects to repair a vehicle or directs,suggests, or recommends that a specific repair shop be used,shall cause the damaged vehicle to be restored to its condition prior to the loss at no additional cost to the claimant other than as stated in the policy or as otherwise allowed by these regulations.

3) require a claimant to travel an unreasonable distance either to inspect a replacement automobile,to conduct an inspection of the vehicle,to obtain a repair estimate or to have the automobile repaired at a specific repair shop."

Under California Insurance Code §758.5 an insurance company cannot require that an automobile be repaired at a specific repair shop. However, an insurance company can recommend that an automobile be repaired at a specific repair shop under the following conditions outlined by law:

* The consumer specifically requests a recommendation from the insurance company to a repair shop.
* The consumer has been informed in writing of the right to select a repair shop of his or her choice.
* If the consumer agrees to use the recommended repair shop, the insurance company must restore the damaged vehicle to its condition prior to the accident or loss with no additional cost other than as stated in the policy or as otherwise allowed by law.
* If the company makes an oral recommendation to a repair shop, and it is accepted by the consumer, then the company must follow the oral recommendation with the prescribed written notice within five calendar days as specified by law.

If the vehicle is repaired at a shop chosen by the consumer, the the insurance company must pay the reasonable costs to repair the vehicle in a workmanlike manner. The insurance company is prohibited from limiting or discounting reasonable repair costs based on charges that would have occurred if the vehicle had been repaired at the company's recommended repair shop. Also, the insurance company must stand behind the repairs of the recommended shop if the vehicle is not repaired properly.

Quality of Repairs

Most disputes which involve poor quality or improper repairs by a repair shop cannot be resolved by the California Department of Insurance. These types of complaints would fall under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Just like any other type of business, all repair shops do not perform the same quality of work. A repair shop is not required by law to guarantee its repair work, but many shops do guarantee some of the repairs. Please check with the repair shop to determine exactly what the shop will and will not guarantee. If a repair shop does guarantee the repairs, it must be in writing. However, as advised earlier, if a consumer has an auto repaired in a shop recommended by the insurance company, the insurance company must warrant that the repairs are done in a workmanlike manner. Therefore, if the recommended repair shop refuses to correct a repair problem, please contact the insurance company for assistance. If the insurance company does not resolve the repair problem, a consumer can contact the California Department of Insurance for assistance.

Repair Costs

A dispute may arise as to how much money the repair work should reasonably cost. California insurance regulations contain specific requirements of insurance companies when disputes arise regarding the cost of repairing a damaged vehicle. These requirements are contained in section 2695.8(f ) of the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations:
"(f) If partial losses are settled on the basis of a written estimate prepared by or for the insurer,the insurer shall supply the claimant with a copy of the estimate upon which the settlement is based.

The estimate prepared by or for the insurer shall be in accordance with applicable policy provisions,and of an amount which will allow repairs to be made in a workmanlike manner.

If the claimant subsequently claims,based upon a written estimate which he or she obtains,that necessary repairs will exceed the written estimate prepared by or for the insurer,the insurer shall:

1. pay the difference between the written estimate and higher estimate obtained by the claimant;or,
2. promptly provide the claimant with the name of at least one repair shop,if requested by the claimant pursuant to subsection 2695.8(e)(2),that will make the repairs for the amount of the written estimate.If the insurer designates fewer than three repair shops,the insurer shall assure that the repairs are performed in a workmanlike manner.The insurer shall maintain documentation of all such communications;or,
3. reasonably adjust any written estimates prepared by the repair shop of the insured ’s choice."

Under these regulations an insurance company must provide a claimant with a copy of an estimate to repair the automobile. In cases where the body shop estimate or the actual repair costs exceed the amount the insurance company is willing to pay, the consumer may be required to pay the difference.

If a consumer believes this difference is the responsibility of the insurance company, he or she should seek to resolve this dispute with the insurance company.

If the insurance company does not resolve this problem, the consumer may contact the California Department of Insurance for assistance.

After-Market Parts

An auto repair may include replacement of damaged parts with after-market parts. After-market parts are not made by the original manufacturer. They may be equal, better, or worse in quality than original equipment manufacturer parts. California insurance regulations place specific requirements on insurance companies when recommending that a consumer have the damaged vehicle repaired using after-market parts.

These requirements are contained in section 2695.8(g) of the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations:

"(g) No insurer shall require the use of non-original equipment manufacture replacement crash parts in the repair of an automobile unless:

1. the parts are at least equal to the original equipment manufacturer parts in terms of kind,quality,safety,fit,and performance;
2. insurers specifying the use of non-original equipment manufacturer replacement crash parts shall pay the cost of any modifications to the parts which may become necessary to effect the repair;and
3. insurers specifying the use of non-original equipment manufacture replacement crash parts warrant that such parts are of like kind, quality,safety,fit,and performance as original equipment manufacturer replacement crash parts;and,
4. all original and non-original manufacture replacement crash parts, manufactured after the effective date of this subchapter,when supplied by repair shops shall carry sufficient permanent,non-removable identification so as to identify the manufacturer. Such identification shall be accessible to the greatest extent possible after installation.

(h) No insurer shall require an insured or claimant to supply parts for replacement."

An auto repair shop is required to provide a written repair estimate of the cost of repairs prior to initiating repairs to the vehicle. Once the work is completed, the shop must then provide a written repair invoice. State law requires that the type of auto parts used in repairs must be identified on the repair invoice. Consumers should carefully check their invoices to ensure that the auto body shop has identified each auto part replaced as being used, reconditioned, rebuilt, an original equipment manufacturer part, or an after-market part. If the repair estimate or invoice does not identify the type of part used, a consumer may wish to contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair.

Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights

A Consumer Is Entitled To:

Select the auto body repair shop to repair auto body damage covered by the insurance company.

An insurance company may not require the repairs to be done at a specific auto body repair shop. An itemized written estimate for auto body repairs and, upon completion of repairs, a detailed invoice. The estimate and the invoice must include an itemized list of parts and labor along with the total price for the work performed.

The estimate and invoice must also identify all parts as new, used, after-market, reconditioned, or rebuilt. Be informed about coverage for towing services. Unless the insurance company has provided an insured with the name of a specific towing company prior to the insured’s use of another towing company, the insurance company must pay all reasonable towing charges of the towing company used by the insured.

Be informed about the extent of coverage, if any, for a replacement rental vehicle while a damaged vehicle is being repaired. Be informed of where to report suspected fraud or other complaints and concerns about auto body repairs.


Where to File Complaints

Complaints involving insurance companies should be directed to the California Department of Insurance. Complaints involving a repair shop do not fall within the regulatory jurisdiction of the California Department of Insurance and should be directed to the Bureau of Automotive Repair.

Complaints Within the Jurisdiction of the California Insurance Commissioner
The type of issues involving auto repairs which the Department of Insurance will examine are as follows:


* An insurance company requiring a claimant to have the automobile repaired at a specific shop. An insurance company recommending a certain repair shop, but not advising a consumer in writing of the right to select the repair shop.
* An insurance company recommended shop not performing adequate repairs to the damaged vehicle.
* An insurance company not resolving repair disputes between a recommended shop and a consumer.
* An insurance company not providing a claimant with a written estimate of repairs.
* An insurance company not paying enough to have the auto repaired properly.
* An insurance company requiring the use of after-market parts that are not at least equal to the original equipment manufacturer parts in terms of kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance.
* All other issues which directly involve the actions of the insurance company.

Any concerns regarding how an auto insurance claim is being handled should be submitted to the California Department of Insurance at:

(800) 927-4357 or (213) 879-8921
California Department of Insurance
Consumer Services Division
300 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
The California Department of Insurance can also accept complaints over its Web site at: www.insurance.ca.gov

Complaints Within the Jurisdiction of the Bureau of Automotive Repair
The type of issues involving auto repairs which the Bureau of Automotive Repair will examine are as follows:

* Improper or poor quality repairs by a repair shop.
* The repair shop’s failure to provide a written repair estimate or invoice.
* The repair shop’s failure to identify the part used as being reconditioned, rebuilt, an original equipment manufacturer part, or an after-market part.
* The repair shop charging excessive amounts to repair an automobile or charging a rate in excess of its posted rate.
* Other issues which directly involve the actions of the auto repair shop. Please check with the Bureau of Automotive Repair if there is a question as to what types of complaints it will examine.

Complaints concerning the repair of a vehicle by an auto body repair shop should be directed to:
Toll Free (800) 952-5210
California Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau of Automotive Repair
10220 Systems Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95827
916-255-4200
The Bureau of Automotive Repair can also accept complaints over its Web site: www.autorepair.ca.gov


Local
California Autobody Association
555 University Avenue, Suite 236
Sacramento, CA 95825
916-646-8111
Web site: www.calautobody.com

National
Society of Collision Repair Specialist (SCRS)
P. O. Box 4519
West Richland, WA 99353
877-841-0660
509-943-8919

 

The hood would be wiped down with degreaser and wet sanded down before application of the clear coat. Those chips and wax would be removed.

If you demand OEM parts they must give them to you. That's the law here in California. They must make the car true to it's condition prior to the accident. If it had all of it's original body parts on it they can ask you to use other parts. But, if you refuse they must go with the OEM equipment.

It's time to contact your insurance company and let them know you're getting screwed. If your company is good they'll put some pressure on the other insurance company.

Get in touch with Pelicanparts.com and the Porsche Club of America (PCA) in that region and find out where to take that car to.

 

Thanks for posting that William.

I had waded through it when my car was hit, and noted that while you can demand the work be done at a shop of your choosing, all other things being equal you have the ins company on your side if you take it to their recommended shop, should a problem arise. Whether this is an actual advantage in the real world is debateable though.

Cheers,
JB

PS Still interested in why 'blending' is OK