old Phart

iTrader: (1)

My 89 IROC had a 3x3 inch crack on top on the front left headlight cover when I got it back recently from a well known shop (A.A.) in Chandler, Az. I know it wasn't there when I drove it there for a hood alignment/adjustment and front end work. The manager said he noticed the damage before he started working on it, and he thought I knew about it. That's why he didn't call me about it, he says. My car was left in the front parking lot, right in front of the shop, for about 2 hours before the service tech drove it around to the back and inside the shop. Therefore, it's possible that the damage was done sometime in that time frame. It looks like something with a sharp edge went down on my bumper pretty hard, with enough force to make a deep, caved in crack. I got a body/paint shop estimate of $867.00 to fix it.

Any thoughts on this? Should I take detailed pictrures before I take my car anywhere for repairs from now on? What a hassle.

jay92,85,79

iTrader: (1)

did u sign any kind of release before they worked on your car. If so it most likely has something in there saying that they are not responsible for damage to your car. The only reason i know this is a car was broken in at a shop i worked at. And the owners had to pay for everything.

old Phart

iTrader: (1)

You are right, Jay. I did sign the shop repair order before they started the work. They assured me if they did the damage inside their shop, they would pay for it. They also said they never had a insurance claim in the last 10 years. They admitted their insurance premiums would definitely go up if they had a claim. I think I'm screwed. I'll have to pay for the damage.

ezysk

Yep, sounds like you are hosed for sure.

It truly sucks.

Sometimes I miss owning a complete **** of crap car, at least then you don't even notice when damage is done to it.

REDTAIL

iTrader: (1)

I'd bypass the shop and put a claim into their insurance anyways might be some waste of time but hay you never. also that estimate seems a little high,but not sure with out seeing it though. good luck with it

old Phart

iTrader: (1)

GOOD NEWS! I talked to my insurance guy at Rally Insurance about what happened. After sending in my photos of the damage and my vin #, I got a check for the full amount to fix my car. My insurance premiums do not go up. By the way, I have a zero deductable and the yearly rate is about $180.
Rally Insurance will go after the repair shop (Az.A.) insurance company now.