avoid GEICO if you can
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 12
From: Nazareth, PA
Just so everyone knows, All Auto insurance providers use LKQ(Like Kind and Quality/QRP(Quality repair parts) on vehicles. That pretty much means that they are used parts from the same year or newer, make and model of your vehicle. Please understand that LKQ/QRP are NOT aftermarket parts.
-Betterment varies by Insurance companies. My former employer applied betterment on parts as to where my current employer only applies betterment to claimants(3rd parties). Betterment is usually charged on wear and tear items that were damaged as a result of an incident (Tires, soft Tops, etc). Best thing to do is read the Policy booklet to understand their take on it.
-You always have the option to use the LKQ/QRP parts or you can opt to pay the difference for the OEM or Aftermarket parts.
-Dealer's Labor rates will always be higher than a normal body shop's labor rates.
I'm a litte more laxed with parts on my vehicles, but would a Robbins Top be much worse than the OEM Top?
-Betterment varies by Insurance companies. My former employer applied betterment on parts as to where my current employer only applies betterment to claimants(3rd parties). Betterment is usually charged on wear and tear items that were damaged as a result of an incident (Tires, soft Tops, etc). Best thing to do is read the Policy booklet to understand their take on it.
-You always have the option to use the LKQ/QRP parts or you can opt to pay the difference for the OEM or Aftermarket parts.
-Dealer's Labor rates will always be higher than a normal body shop's labor rates.
I'm a litte more laxed with parts on my vehicles, but would a Robbins Top be much worse than the OEM Top?
Not all LKQ parts are recycled parts. Some are aftermarket. I deal with this all the time and can asure you they are far from like kind and quality.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Sorry to hear this.
My car got hit while parked by someone with Geico insurance. Biggest nightmare I've had to deal with. My front driver's corner was hit, and at the shop we agreed with the adjuster for a full front-end repaint and all related replacements. They then proceeded to pay only for a fender and hood repaint without blending, which was then done by the shop without my knowledge. I was expecting what we agreed upon, but when I picked up my car, I clearly noticed what had been done (As unblended Rio Yellow panels stick out like a sore thumb). After countless calls to adjusters and supervisors, I was told over and over that they paid what they were legally obligated to pay, and the amount for a front-end repaint was not approved. They refused to comply with the initial agreement or correct the work. They seemed great to work with upfront - then did whatever they wanted. No rental car (My S is my DD), no replacement front wheel, just the absolute bare minimum. I hate the fact that they did it all behind my back after pretending with me that they'd pay for proper repairs.
My car got hit while parked by someone with Geico insurance. Biggest nightmare I've had to deal with. My front driver's corner was hit, and at the shop we agreed with the adjuster for a full front-end repaint and all related replacements. They then proceeded to pay only for a fender and hood repaint without blending, which was then done by the shop without my knowledge. I was expecting what we agreed upon, but when I picked up my car, I clearly noticed what had been done (As unblended Rio Yellow panels stick out like a sore thumb). After countless calls to adjusters and supervisors, I was told over and over that they paid what they were legally obligated to pay, and the amount for a front-end repaint was not approved. They refused to comply with the initial agreement or correct the work. They seemed great to work with upfront - then did whatever they wanted. No rental car (My S is my DD), no replacement front wheel, just the absolute bare minimum. I hate the fact that they did it all behind my back after pretending with me that they'd pay for proper repairs.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,655
Likes: 171
Sorry to hear this.
My car got hit while parked by someone with Geico insurance. Biggest nightmare I've had to deal with. My front driver's corner was hit, and at the shop we agreed with the adjuster for a full front-end repaint and all related replacements. They then proceeded to pay only for a fender and hood repaint without blending, which was then done by the shop without my knowledge. I was expecting what we agreed upon, but when I picked up my car, I clearly noticed what had been done (As unblended Rio Yellow panels stick out like a sore thumb). After countless calls to adjusters and supervisors, I was told over and over that they paid what they were legally obligated to pay, and the amount for a front-end repaint was not approved. They refused to comply with the initial agreement or correct the work. They seemed great to work with upfront - then did whatever they wanted. No rental car (My S is my DD), no replacement front wheel, just the absolute bare minimum. I hate the fact that they did it all behind my back after pretending with me that they'd pay for proper repairs.
My car got hit while parked by someone with Geico insurance. Biggest nightmare I've had to deal with. My front driver's corner was hit, and at the shop we agreed with the adjuster for a full front-end repaint and all related replacements. They then proceeded to pay only for a fender and hood repaint without blending, which was then done by the shop without my knowledge. I was expecting what we agreed upon, but when I picked up my car, I clearly noticed what had been done (As unblended Rio Yellow panels stick out like a sore thumb). After countless calls to adjusters and supervisors, I was told over and over that they paid what they were legally obligated to pay, and the amount for a front-end repaint was not approved. They refused to comply with the initial agreement or correct the work. They seemed great to work with upfront - then did whatever they wanted. No rental car (My S is my DD), no replacement front wheel, just the absolute bare minimum. I hate the fact that they did it all behind my back after pretending with me that they'd pay for proper repairs.
IMHO the best way to avoid crap like this is have your insurance company do all the work for you. Every company wants to pay the least amount possible and they only care about their policy holders.
I've also found dealing with a shop you have a relationship and the insurance company does not gives best results. They view you as the customer not the ins company.
Had you done both of the above I imagine you'd have had a rental car, proper work and headache free repairs.
Site Moderator
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 13,625
Likes: 372
From: Seattle WA
Are they asking for 75% of the total bill or 75% of just the new top? That is an important difference. There is no way that they can say the dents and damage to the frame of the top is a betterment to the car since there was no issue in the first place. If they are asking for 75% of just the top that not such a huge issue. The robbins tops are about $450. They should pay for the install since that is part of the labor. You need to clarify this and then decide what to do.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Spindash' timestamp='1383687085' post='22863212
Sorry to hear this.
My car got hit while parked by someone with Geico insurance. Biggest nightmare I've had to deal with. My front driver's corner was hit, and at the shop we agreed with the adjuster for a full front-end repaint and all related replacements. They then proceeded to pay only for a fender and hood repaint without blending, which was then done by the shop without my knowledge. I was expecting what we agreed upon, but when I picked up my car, I clearly noticed what had been done (As unblended Rio Yellow panels stick out like a sore thumb). After countless calls to adjusters and supervisors, I was told over and over that they paid what they were legally obligated to pay, and the amount for a front-end repaint was not approved. They refused to comply with the initial agreement or correct the work. They seemed great to work with upfront - then did whatever they wanted. No rental car (My S is my DD), no replacement front wheel, just the absolute bare minimum. I hate the fact that they did it all behind my back after pretending with me that they'd pay for proper repairs.
My car got hit while parked by someone with Geico insurance. Biggest nightmare I've had to deal with. My front driver's corner was hit, and at the shop we agreed with the adjuster for a full front-end repaint and all related replacements. They then proceeded to pay only for a fender and hood repaint without blending, which was then done by the shop without my knowledge. I was expecting what we agreed upon, but when I picked up my car, I clearly noticed what had been done (As unblended Rio Yellow panels stick out like a sore thumb). After countless calls to adjusters and supervisors, I was told over and over that they paid what they were legally obligated to pay, and the amount for a front-end repaint was not approved. They refused to comply with the initial agreement or correct the work. They seemed great to work with upfront - then did whatever they wanted. No rental car (My S is my DD), no replacement front wheel, just the absolute bare minimum. I hate the fact that they did it all behind my back after pretending with me that they'd pay for proper repairs.
IMHO the best way to avoid crap like this is have your insurance company do all the work for you. Every company wants to pay the least amount possible and they only care about their policy holders.
I've also found dealing with a shop you have a relationship and the insurance company does not gives best results. They view you as the customer not the ins company.
Had you done both of the above I imagine you'd have had a rental car, proper work and headache free repairs.
Agreed. I learned a lot in the process. You're exactly right about the approach that should have been taken. The offending party got Geico involved really quickly, I should have told them I'd be talking to my insurance agent. Live and learn I guess. Geico did put up a really pleasant and cooperative front, which did make me feel like working with them. They played their game well.
I'd never been to a body shop (my car was pristine) but got some recommendations from the regional forum (I refused to take it to a Geico shop). I was surprised I didn't get advised by the shop of the change of plan.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
I would NEVER buy Geico insurance,they used to (and maybe still do) give radar detectors to police, here is one article of many on it:
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/199...ha-laser-units
They also will deny claims involving a detector:
http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...-detector.html
So buying their insurance is increasing the chances of everyone getting tickets
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/199...ha-laser-units
They also will deny claims involving a detector:
http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...-detector.html
So buying their insurance is increasing the chances of everyone getting tickets