Dealer Collision Center General Question

I took my truck to dealer to fix a light hit in front due to hitting a deer. I thought it would be easy and faster. Hahahahaha on me right!?!

Long story short, it took them a long time to get it fixed & when I picked up I paid $3243.53 because USAA sent me the money. Yesterday, a month after picking up my truck, the Dealer called and said there was a mistake and asked for $261 to cover my portion of the rental (it took way longer than it should, they covered a small portion, its a long story I am past it or so I thought I was).
I wasn't happy about that, but paid because I am honest. Now I find out they asked for money from USAA to close out claim (I stupidly signed that form saying they could now wish I didn't.) They had told me it would get my truck done faster if they needed parts which it didn't. Now it's a month after the fact and they are calling me & hitting up USAA?

I called and spoke to Collision Manager who said some BS about probably tax or change in part cost but honestly isn't that all figured out when I pick truck up? Who calls a month after or is that common practice? I also pinged USAA on this and am waiting for Dealer Collision billing office to call me back.

No offense to those who work at dealers hard and honest. I am just frustrated with the particular dealership not giving a $h!t. And nope I am never going back because I learned my lesson. For those that do work in collision or dealership, is this common practice? TIA

 

Was there something else that needed to be fixed that wasn’t on the original estimate? Sometimes, especially with body work, stuff can be hidden and they don’t know until they tear it down

 

^ This is why accepting the check from the insurance company and then paying the body shop, can turn out badly. If the insurance company pays the body shop, you just pay the body shop your deductible when you pick up your truck and it's all done.

 

This ^

 

No what they came after me for was my portion of the rental charge $468 which was $261 that was on my collision invoice when I picked it up. The body shop had to eat some of the rental over cost because it took 15 days over the estimated time to fix of 6 days. I found out from USAA that the other charge was difference in tax rate 6% vs 7%. I would think they would know their tax rate. I have never had a problem paying for collision service and USAA sent me the money. I didn't ask for it, they directly deposited in my bank account the same day it was processed for both the initial and supplemental.
The accounting office must have found their snafu. The claim was completed by USAA over a month ago. Just was wondering why things are complete once you pick truck up like every other body shop I have ever used in past. Thanks guys.

 

I would think that your insurance company would be liable to pay all costs minus the deductible. I’ve had Allstate insurance since I started driving 45 years ago. I’ve had a much less than stellar driving record and also insured 2 sons who have also had their share of claims. Allstate has always been a top notch company to deal with and have always gone above and beyond...Might be time for you to look for new insurance company. As far as the dealership goes, if they were that long overdue on their time estimate then they should have comped all rental costs.

 

I would look at the closing invoice and if it states paid in full then tell them to go to hell. You have an invoice that says paid in full!

 

I agree on the rental for sure. I've been with USAA for 31 years since I got commissioned and really like them. This was my first accident in about 25 years. I figured the dealer could do this easy peasy. It's a big dealer. Oh well lesson learned will not go back there.

 

I think the level of care about you as a customer is the issue. At a big giant dealership, the body shop manager has probably only been there a few years and will be gone in a few more years. He punches the time clock, does his job, and collects his paycheck. The dealership has a huge customer base of people that think they should only have their vehicle fixed at the dealer, because they know more about that brand than anybody else.

A medium sized locally owned body shop has to be concerned about their reputation. Their longevity relies on word of mouth. They will go way over and above to make sure that you, the customer, are taken care of. Most of these shops have guys that have worked there for 10 or more years and they get stuff done right. The owner of the shop knows that taking a $500 loss, could result in a $5,000+ future job and that $5,000 job could result in 3 more $5,000 jobs. They are the kind of guys that will personally deliver your vehicle to your house at 6:00 on a Friday.

 

Oh I agree 100% spot on! The dealer is 5 minutes from where I use to live & where I bought the truck from. I live now 2 hours away in a small town of 600 people with One old school garage. It's really a snapshot in time and very remote. I planned the repair with dealer when I had a short term job in the area. Regardless my truck work now goes local and 100% agree with your statements. I don't plan on going back & if I ever need Toyota specific dealer repair, I'll take it to the small Toyota dealership near my family. I'm definitely never buying a truck there again. I'll go to New Hampshire.

 

there are a lot better companies than usaa. might be time to shop around? i drop tons of pro tips here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ask-an-insurance-expert-the-insurance-non-bs-thread.620973/

 

you didnt mention that island pond is the deer capital of vermont here

 

“I’ll go to New Hampshire.” Now you’re talking!!!!

I’m on the other side of the Connecticut from Lunenburg. Love it up here!

Sorry to hear of your troubles. Hope it clears up soon.

 

The Insurance company rule of 5 business days for every 1000 dollars of damage seems good here....I wonder if the smaller amount was for the 6 days and not the 15 ? Also what's your policy coverage for rentals ? Some only pay a percentage or so many days and what not.....either way it sucks !

 

I'm pretty happy with USAA. I've been a member since I was commissioned as a butter bar in 1988. All my insurance, banking and some investments are with them & never had an issue. Distribution check every year is a nice kick back plus I like how they handle seasonal vehicles & powesports. Thank you for the link though

LOLOL yeah that and those moose! I hit the deer on the way to the emergency vet on I89 outside Bolton. It was a bad day!

You live in Lunenburg? I'm in IP. Have a good friend who just bought a place on Miles Pond and took me on the DC Powerline & VASA trails. Love the snowmobile trails in that area too.

I did have a portion to pay only because of my own doing & not changing coverage when moved. The original estimate by Collision center was 5 days. USAA said 6 but then truck sat because they overbooked & short staffed. I've finally received a paid in full bill so out of weeds now. Can go somewhere else next time though don't want another accident.