Tbird damage repair

[mpn737]

Hi, We had the unfortunate event of a big Ford van backing into our parked Bird. It's a 2003, black. Van creased RT Front fender, and RT door....door no work. The person that hit us has GIECO Insurance, they did claim full responsability. I took the car to a GIECO repair station because my Ford Dealer does not have a body shop. I called the body shop today and the manager told me the fender (fiberglass) was cracked, so he was ordering a new fender. A few hours later I got a call from the body shop and was told GIECO told the manager they will not purchase a new fender and for him to fix the original one. I have full coverage of my own on the car. Any ideas where I go from here. I can just imagine how they are repairing our baby........I'm sick. Thanks in advance for input. Mike

[RQTBIRD]

Re: Tbird damage repair

Mike, I believe you can insist on genuine Ford parts. If it was their fault you have the choice (upper hand). It's your car so make sure it is fixed to your standards.

[Rosebud]

Re: Tbird damage repair

In Washington St. a car is to be repaired to the like condition before the accident. So if in new condition it should be repaired to new. Check your state laws.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Tbird damage repair

A few hours later I got a call from the body shop and was told GIECO told the manager they will not purchase a new fender and for him to fix the original one. Thanks in advance for input. Mike

Call you attorney right away, you cannot reason with claims adjusters. They bully and intimidate as a career. They feel they have all the power and they will only negotiate when you get an attorney!

[crmpuf]

Re: Tbird damage repair

and make them pay for your attorney because the work they are approving does not meet your standards

[Swalker]

Re: Tbird damage repair

I was a claim adjuster and I didn't act like that. Some companies do right and some don't. Attorney will just get 1/3 of your money. They won't hardly fool with a property damage issue unless they got their hands in your pocket on the injury part.

[Borla Babe]

Re: Tbird damage repair

I think I would start with talking to my own insurance company, you are paying them to represent you. Plus there are plenty of Ford dealerships with body repair shops in Phoenix and the surrounding cities, take your car into one of them for an estimate and chat about body work. Remember it is your car, Geico can't force you to do anything you don't want to do that unacceptable. Good luck!

[edzh2]

Re: Tbird damage repair

I would call your own insurance company and have their adjuster come out to appraise damage. a small crack can be successfully fixed and may in part be better for refinishing part of repair as base coat can be blended to match color without having to go up to adjacent panel. Many of these insurance companies are equivalent to HMO's in health care. Keep costs to minimum. If your insurance company gives you a repair you feel better with you'll just have to wait to be reimbursed for your deductible. Most insurance companies have direct repair shops with some strings attached as to repairs but most also offer lifetime guarantee on the work. I'm going through this with a company now on my everyday driver a 2000 sable. Because car is 6 years old they want to put a used quarter panel on it. I could understand a bolted on used part but a quarter panel is welded and glued to assemble car. By the time you get part cut offed, drilled and chiseled it's a mess.

[Sweet T]

Re: Tbird damage repair

You could always put a claim in through your insurance company and let them fight with the little reptile.

Make sure they re-skin your door.

[MATBird]

Re: Tbird damage repair

I agree, take it to a Ford or Lincoln dealer that has body shop capabilities. Have them deal with Geico or your insurance agent.
As previously mentioned, your agent is just that, have them pursue any issues for you.

[Swalker]

Re: Tbird damage repair

I would rather have a door full of filler than a new skin. It will never sound the same agaian closeing. There are very few people who can do a skin proper and acheiving the same level of sound deadning is almost impossible. I got this from personal experience. Age has its advantages sometimes. LOL

[mpn737]

Re: Tbird damage repair

Thanks for all your input. I'll find out this afternoon. Also, Swalker, I've been told the same thing about the door when I first started searching for a repair facility; actually told a replacement door would be a mistake if it the original can be repaired. Thanks Again Mike

[FritsB]

Re: Tbird damage repair

Reading all this I can imagine you feel sick Mike. I sure hope you get it right again. Good luck!

[VicRattlehead]

Re: Tbird damage repair

take a rock and toss it through the window of the GIECO office, and then take some scotch tape and 'fix' it then ask them if that works for them since thats what they are doing to your car. then call your ins co and file a claim send the bill to that stupid lizard.

[n7bbj]

Re: Tbird damage repair

I am rebuilding a T Bird right now and I would never reskin the door. Replace it if there is very much damage (can not open). Because the door is steel, it can stand a lot of work, and not need much filler. Good Luck with GIECO. Better to deal with your insurance company.