does anyone have an opinion on Emerald and/or Millen bodyshop - recommended by Progressive

if not another bodyshop in the between Bellevue and Redmond area? plus pros and cons of going with one not recco-ed by the insurance company?

Cheers

A

 

Millen did my sideskirts,good job and professional service. A++ rating...

 

bel-red auto rebuild. painting sideskirts v. doing body work like comparing the game of b-ball to cricket

 

FYI~ Bel-Red Auto Rebuild is a preferred provider for Progressive. Here's the number (Rich is the owner) 425-453-5552.

 

Actually that's not true. Bel-Red Auto is not a "preferred" body shop for Progressive. They don't mind if you take your car there, but they will not warrant the repair. Trust me.

Bel-Red warrants their own work so it shouldn't be a problem.

 

My experience with umpteen insurance claims is that Washington residents have the right to have their repairs performed by any body shop for repairs. Caveat: I assume the law hasn't changed in the last five years but I cannot find the specific section of the RCW.

The way I look at it: The question is not be whether they are <insert insurance company here> "preferred", it is whether they do good work.

 

Yes, you have the right to take the car to any shop you choose. I'm not sure the insurance company is required to pay any more than what is "customary and reasonable" though. And I think the insurance company can stipulate non-OEM replacement parts.

You may also find that if the insurance company does not like your body shop, they may not pay them directly. Instead, you would have to fork over the cash and then get reimbursed from the insurance company. This can be a cash flow problem.

 

The insurance company can request non-OEM or used parts. The insured also has the right to insist upon OEM parts. It is normal for the repair shops to charge insurance companys a different labor rate and give them discounts on parts. I don't know if there is a "customary and reasonable" definition though.

The really shady insurance companies (Geico and Progressive come to mind immediately) will do anything to reduce their finacial responsiblity. They try to cash out the claim after receiving the quote so they are not legally required to cover any surprise expenses or repair cost overruns. Never, ever, take this option unless you will be performing the repairs at home in your garage. The customer has no legal obligation to settle with the insurance company before the repairs are completed.

 

this is a simple job, bumper cover and new hood due to a crease + painting (a less than 5mph fender bender) - the hood cannot be straightened per the body shop.

Progressive at first estimated a re-manu bumper but now have gone for full OEM, however their first estimate is now that the hood can be repaired??

They say it needs to go to the bodyshop to be torn down so they can fully adjust the claim and make a supplemental payment and say they will head over to do this.

Their website already says final payment - yet they insist they will make supplementals - at no point have i accepted a "final" payment and the claim remains in "open" status - should i be concerned?

A

 

Do they know the hood is aluminum? Not many body shops are really prepared to do much metalwork on aluminum panels.