Wow, I honestly never thought about that.

Watch out guys I'm about to cop me a top. lol jk

 

Interesting thought on the hard top, but I would still think of it as a deterent for short parking lot stays. It's much easier to slash a top than bust a window.

If anyone has anymore expierence working with State Farm in a situation like this please let me know. Thanks for all the responses you guys are great.

 

You have the right to have your car repaired at any shop you want. It doesn't have to be your dealer (or any dealer, for that matter). If you brought your car there, because you didn't know what else to do, then State Farm probably assumes that is your preferred shop. If not, they have no reason to push you using that place.

The dealer might not be a bad thing in this case, though. They are likely to quote you the highest price for a new top (soft or hard). My dad just made a claim through State Farm (in CA) and got a check for $3200. He got the damage fixed (half assed) for $300 for his beater pickup truck and pocketed the rest. They sent him the check, not the body shop.

Find out EXACTLY why they won't give you the check. Argue with them if their answer doesn't make sense. It sounds like BS to me.

Then, after the dealer quotes them $4000 for the hard top (or whatever) plus install, spend $2700 shipped on a new hardtop, install it yourself, and pocket the rest.

Now, if they have some policy that says you don't get the check if the car is financed, then you just have to make sure you take the car to a reputable shop. They can- and should- actually HELP with that, if you could believe it. They often have a list of good shops in your area, all of which should warranty their work for the life of the car. I wouldn't leave it up to a dealer to install a soft top. I would find a body shop with extensive experience and a great reputation. Remember, the expense doesn't matter, because all you're covering is your deductible.

Hope this helps.