My top was slashed over the holidays and I filed a claim to get it fixed. The local dealership gave an estimate of about $2400. $1300 for parts, $1100 for labor. The adjuster only wrote it up for $1600. $1150 for parts, $450 for labor. The biggest difference is in the labor rate. The dealership is asking for about $70/hour for 15 hrs, Ins is allowing $36/hr for 10 hrs. I know I have a choice as to where I get the work done, but is my ins co suppose to pay for the work to be done at the shop of my choice, or are they only going to give me what the "book" allows for, which is only $1600? Thanks for any help.

 

Have you called your insurance company and compared quotes? Often, you can take your car to a dealer and demand quality work and pay the standard rate, but that doesn't mean they'll give you money without a fight. Good luck

 

who are you insured wiht?

 

insurance pays fair market value, meaning about 35/hr. Dealer rates are always rediculously high, and insurance usually works with the dealer on a negotiated price. If you make a big enough stink with the ins. company, they'll ususally pay dealer price. Also, it's not neccissarily YOUR choice of shop... if you insurance policy has stiputions on aftermarket or lkq, you're legally bound to use such parts if availble.

 

I'm not sure that you will get much help here. You might want to review your coverage packet to see what type of coverage you have. Most of the factors/coverage of the claim is controlled by the insurance company.

 

I thought the service manual said around 5 or 6 hours for the top??

 

Thanks for the replies, they're very much appreciated. I'm insured thru AAA ins. The quote was done thru a local AAA approved repair shop. I called the shop this afternoon and asked for a estimate (under a different name) for just the labor and they are now telling me that its a 15 hr job. I called AAA and they're now going to give the extra 5 hrs of labor. I'm going to try to squeeze a little more out of them and then take what I can get. Thanks again for the help guys!

 

Sounds good. Good luck

 

collect the money and do the work yourself. hardtopguy sells tops for 800 and some change.

 

Thats what I was thinking, I found a blue top for $750 shipped. I just need to find a shop to do it.