My story:

I've got an '04 Mazda RX-8 with ~22,000 miles on it (and I'm a neat-freak, so its VERRRY clean).

A few days ago, I noticed someone had swiped my bumber with their vehicle...

I reported it because I wanted my insurance (Progressive) to fix it.

Well, I take it to the body shop (of course, they REALLLY insisted I take it to one of their "recommended" shops because they'll give me a "life-time" warranty, yadda-yadda..big freakin deal) of my choice. I know they are good, and I trust them.

Well, first, the guy there says..uhh.. Progressive 'eh? You're going to have problems... but I'll work with you.

Hmm.. I'm thinkin-- I've never had a problem with Statefarm; anything that's happened in the past was taken care of perfectly.

But, alas, he was right-- Progressive has the "opinion" that a vehicle thats over 1yr old (mind you, Mine is 2years old, and 'was' spotless)... So its a "USED" (yes, he said USED) vehicle, and that because its "USED" it isn't subject to receiving the same QUALITY of parts.

What does this mean? They want to put a USED bumper on my car. He REFUSED to put a new one on, unless >I< paid the difference.

Now-- in the end, I got this worked out by DECLINING to get a rental car, and in-turn they used that "money" to get me a NEW bumper instead of putting on a used one.

Sure, I will end up with what the vehicle should have had in the FIRST place, but I'm giving up a rental car to do it.

To me, thats TOTALLY unacceptable, and TOTAL crap.

A car thats less than 2 years old, and has 20k miles on it, should NOT get sub-standard parts/equipment.

Once the vehicle is fixed and paid for, I am dropping Progressive-- as I'm SURE if I had a real accident or loss, they are set out to screw me. Luckily I found out how they work on something pretty minor.

I just wanted to pass the word out about how I was treated (or rather, the lack of service and quality) from them.

I hope someone learns from my mistake in choosing them as my insurance company.

 

thanks for the headsup

 

Try Geico, never had any problems and they provided fast and friendly services.

 

well i had wonderful service when i was in my accident with my S. They only used new parts and footed the bill for a complete paint job (i didn't think it was needed). Now i do realize i'll be paying through my nose come time to renew the policy, but 13k in damages and 5k for the road sign i hit, it's expected.....However, I did have slightly better service with USAA back in the day, but they were also a lot more expensive, almost twice as much.

sorry to hear you had issues and best of luck.

 

Actually, Geico and Progressive are the two companies that I have heard the worst service horror stories about. YMMV.

 

I highly recommend Wawanesa. Small company but very fast and reliable service.

 

geico is good. just wear a dress and high heels and makeup when they do your estimate.

 

Amica --- Highest customer service ratings for as many years as I can remember.

 

Yes, Progressive blows. They really try to screw you when they know they can. I had to fight hard to get what my 00 civic si was worth when it was stolen. I still ended up taking 500 under what I should have got from them. I also got screwed on 4,000 worth of aftermarket parts, which I only received 1000 for.

Unfortunately for me however, it's either go with Progressive at 3,600 a year or go with some other company that either turns me down (geico) or random online agencies that quote me 5000 for a year. The only reason I have such a 'good' deal with progressive is taht I've been with them for 2 or 3 years and was paying much less with my last vehicle. I have to wait it out for one more year until I turn 25, then it's good-effing-bye Progressive.

 

Were you paying an extra premium to insure aftermarket parts?