Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but VA state law allows the owner to have repairs done at any shop they choose.

On to the car, pics don't mean squat. Angles, lighting, and the material on which the paint lies can make it look "off" in pictures. That's not to say that it isn't "off." Silverstone is the hardest to match as it came from the factory several different ways- all under the same name.

 

^ And Skip should know.

 

I thought it was a federal law, though...

Anywho... I do know that you are allowed to go to any shop you want, regardless of what the insurance company says. They want you to go to certain places because they have worked out volume pricing with that particular shop. That is almost never in your favor.

I can't comment on whether or not your repair is up to snuff. I suck at that sort of stuff... If you don't like it, though, you should be able to go wherever you want to get it right.

 

While that's true, State Farm (SF) kept writing the lowest possible estimate for the work. When I took it to other shops like Spectrum or Wagon Works, they all had more than double the estimate and could not guarantee that the could get SF to cover the full cost of repairs ...

SF estimate was $415. All the shops i wanted to go to were $800 - $2300 ... I argued with SF for months, but they would not raise their estimate.

 

[QUOTE=The_Chinadian,Apr 15 2007, 11:21 AM] While that's true, State Farm (SF) kept writing the lowest possible estimate for the work.

 

Was the bumper cover replaced? Was a new part used or a recycled one? Obviously there was no allowance for blending into the adjacent panels. Parts, paint, labor should definately be more than $500. List on the bumper cover is $300 by itself.

 

Skip, I really appreciate your advice. I know you've probably been through the ringer a couple times with your insurance company for claims so I definitely value your feedback. Not to mention the respect you garner on this forum.

Here's a little more background: I took it to Wagon Works who gave me a rough estimate of over $2k which seemed excessive even to me. But they said that they couldn't give a true estimate until the bumper was completely off, but then I've committed to the place that takes the bumper off. Because WW virtually guaranteed I would pay out of pocket, I decided to get an SF estimate to see just how much they would cover. The first SF estimator agreed that the bumper needed to be replaced but admitted he needed to write the lowest possible estimate for SF so he wrote up an estimate to heat and repair the existing bumper - ~$415.

I went to my agent to complain and she argued with me until I gave up and agreed to take it to one of their places. I take it to Koons (an SF-approved place) and Koon's says I need a new bumper, but that State Farm requires them to use re-furbished parts. New estimate - ~$640. Only if they cannot find a refurbished part will I get a new part ... I got lucky and got a new part. Final cost ~$740.

When I picked it up it was raining and didn't notice the paint difference until it got sunny. And now I'm really on the fence about whether it's worth the battle. My neighbors and colleagues at work say its barely perceivable and would NEVER have noticed if I hadn't pointed it out. Some of them still don't see any difference even after I've pointed it out.

Bottom line - (1) can I live with it? (2) do I have the energy to fight the battle?

(1) TBD - I think I can live with it, but i dunno ...
(2) I think the answer to this is "no." I'm not sure I have the energy to fight a battle at this point. Working 12-14 hour days has me focused on searching for a new job or figuring out how to change my current work situation.

They caught me at a time when I've been working 11-14 hour days, was physically sick, and just could not bear arguing with them anymore. I'm still burned out on this.

So that's where I'm at. Again, thanks for the empathy and concern. If I end up fighting it, I'll keep everyone updated. And I know I need to make it to more meets, but my work schedule has been R E D O N C U L O U S.

Peace,
Marcus

 

Marcus, I fully understand the cost/benefit argument. Perhaps your experience will better arm you and others in future dealings. In the meantime, here's hoping for and

 

Couldn't agree more. Some sun and twisties should wash away many of these little stresses.

 

Sorry to hear about your sh**y experience with your insurance company. I can certainly relate to not having the energy and time to fight something that ticks you off.

Based on the picutures (and only the pics since I haven't seen it in person), I don't think it's worth fighting. It doesn't look "bad." I'd guess 99.3% of the people who ever see your car will not be able to tell there had been any work done. However, I can't blame you for being anal and wanting things perfect...that's not too much to ask IMO.

If you decide to fight it, I wish you the best. Otherwise, just relax, have fun, and enjoy your car!