Insurance Hail & Smash Repair - Advice

[Deactivated] on 01/07/2015 - 17:23

The hail storm in Brisbane last November damaged my car. The door was dinged by the driveway gate flapping in the 100kph winds and it was peppered with relatively minor hail.
My insurance company assessed $7k damage, lined up a repairer, told me repairs would take 7-10 days and I'd pay my excess when I picked up my repaired car.

Seven months later my booking has come up and I have doubts about the smash repairer.

They:

  • have 11 google reviews and they are all one star. Seems excessive.
  • expect the excess paid to them when I drop off the car (not when I pick it up).
  • said they would not do the whole job. They would do Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) over 3-4 days and then maybe they'd order the parts and maybe in 3-4 weeks they'd do future work if necessary.

I am of the opinion none of the work is optional. The insurance company has agreed to pay for specific work to be done.

I have no experience with smash repairers, but it seems very risky to me - the repairer will get paid $7k by the insurance company for doing a $500 b-grade job, pocket the difference and I'll be left with a banged up car.

Should I go elsewhere or are this issues normal practices?

Thanks

Automotive

Comments

  • modsec802 on 01/07/2015 - 17:36
    +1

    Which insurer and which company?

    I had mine done by NRMA on the Southside who use a mob called Action Smart Group. Seemed to do a reasonable job but it did take 3 and a half weeks as painting was necessary.

    I didn't pay the excess until collection.

    I would raise all concerns with your insurer and see what they can do?

  • Scorpiogirl on 01/07/2015 - 19:42

    Write in to the their complaints even online and raise your issues. Wait till they reply. Just keep telling them you are not happy. You want an alternative ir whatever it is you want.

    Call, complain. Whatever it takes to be listened to. You pay insurance for a reason. They are meant to help you. Do not just put up with something you do not agree with, feel uneasy about or simply are not happy with. You will regret it. I talk from experience. Mine with Nrma.

    7 months later? Is that the norm with your insurer or is there a reason for such a long time you have waited for repairs?

    • [Deactivated] on 02/07/2015 - 07:56

      There is a long wait for repairs due to the size of the hail storm. Neighbours had their roof replaced just last week and they're still doing roofs, windows and cars around the place.

      • Scorpiogirl on 02/07/2015 - 12:24

        That's what i thought. Oh ok. Have you told RACQ your issues, worries? You should. Be interested to know what they say. Good luck :)

  • Randxyz123 on 01/07/2015 - 20:43

    said they would not do the whole job. They would do Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) over 3-4 days and then maybe they'd order the parts and maybe in 3-4 weeks they'd do future work if necessary.

    To me this is a big alarm bell. As well as the one star ratings and reviews. Call your insurer and say you don't feel comfortable and to suggest somewhere else…

  • Ughhh on 01/07/2015 - 20:55

    Don't insurances guarantee repairs done by their partnered repair shops? So even if this repair shop does an average job and something goes wrong, chat to your insurance and they should get it repaired it again at no extra charge.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/07/2015 - 07:59

      True, but thats a lot of unwanted hassle

  • eatwell365 on 01/07/2015 - 22:23

    From friends' experience, the repaint from hail discolours and shows up every 2 years as patches. Sent car back to fix as work guarantee but very trouble.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/07/2015 - 08:00

    Thanks for the comments, I have emailed my insurance company and will be going elsewhere

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