Pay to Play Scenario Busted
Friday October 16, 2009
This happens to repair shops more often than any of us would like to imagine. It's hard enough being a small, independent shop, but insurance adjusters often find a way to make it even worse. Some (but not all, of course!) adjusters take kickbacks in the form of cash or gift cards in trade for sending business in one shop's direction. We don't do insurance work, but my friends who do have spoken of this "pay to play" game often. It's a horrible practice that takes the emphasis away from important things like quality of work. If this type of scenario is in play, the most honest shop in the area is the one that loses. In the end, the real loser is you, the customer. Bummer. For an example, check out the story of good samaritan Ralph Galluzzi from Bison Plate Glass in Buffalo, New York. He was fed up and blew the whistle to the state. If you ever need glass in Buffalo, I think you should reward Ralph Galluzzi for risking his business and get Bison Plate Glass to repair your vehicle, even if the insurance adjuster tries to send you someplace else.
I think the big problem is the insurance companies. We were in a collision (NOT our fault) where only the front passenger side was damaged and total damages came out to $4500 (the car didn’t look that bad, but the shop came up with that price). The insurance TOTALED the car and offered to pay $4800. Their reasoning was that they could then sell the car and get about $600 back. So basically I am out a car for $300 difference when I followed the speed limit, wore my seat belt, and did not make any difficulties for anyone. I don’t know if I’m more mad at the shop for coming up with such a ridiculous amount (I mean, $5000 for front end body work by the one headlight and not even including engine parts), the insurance company for suggesting him, the adjuster for saying that they didn’t have to pay so much because it was MY fault I over paid for the car, or the 87 year old lady who pulled out in front of us.
BOO!! It does not pay to be nice anymore.
These practices are detestable, but how to avoid them?
Unfortunately, Insurance companies are all powerful.
i am wating my new page rank and its very longue
Unfortunately the insurance companies control way more than we like to think. It’s just sad when the reputable shops AND the customers end up getting screwed as a result of under-the-table and other less-than-honest deals made between shady shops and even shadier insurance adjusters.