Las Vegas Collision Auto Body Repair Shop

MyCarlady) do not know they can elect to take their car to any Las Vegas Auto Body Shop for repair. Most of my women drivers follow the path of least resistance, not realizing that road may lead to a bad result and no recourse once the paint is on the car and the “new” parts are hiding under the hood. When i doubt ask your insurance agent or MyCarlady.  There is no guarantee the dealership body shop is “better” at the body work, and most MECHANICAL items will be sent to the dealership anyway, once the paint and finish is complete. When the auto insurance company representative tells you to take it to XYZ shop, YOU are being “steered” to that XYZ shop for reasons YOU may not know, especially in Las Vegas, but in most major cities around the country. I think it’s collusion for the auto insurance company to have a financial interest in the very business they are sending you to, without disclosing the fact. While some might believe the marketplace controls this situation, the client paying the premium is often a woman feeling inadequate, frustrated, embarrassed or unknowing in the ways of the automobile repair industry, especially the body shop world. The pitch the insurance company uses is 1) we will give you $100.00 off your deductible, 2) this company is an approved vendor guarateeing their work or 3) we will process your claim faster if you go to XYZ shop. The truth is almost all body shows are “approved” vendors who guarantee their work and put their reputation on the line to make the client happy. However, if a particular shop is not listed as an approved vendor ask why, it could be because the INSURANCE COMPANY OWNS a local shop in the area or won’t approve any more providers to keep control of the market pricing.  A great auto body tech is like a great dental hygienist, the talent is in the touch, eye and feel of the experienced hand on the patient. Not all body shops are created equal, so drive in and look at the finished cars waiting to go home. Does the paint match? Are there ripples in the metal? Is there wax dust in the crevices or gas cap area? Ask to see under the hood, do you see where the tape line is? Insurance companies “steer” clients to their own affiliated shops where they exercise cost controls that challenge the results of the finished product. The quality of auto body workmanship here in Las Vegas is often sub-par as the rule, as talented auto body techs are leaving the state for higher paying jobs elsewhere. The insurance company is supposed to send an appraiser out to see your car within 72 hours (not weekends) if they insist an appraiser is necessary, HOWEVER, most insurance companies will approve a claim after tear-down without a physical appraisal, providing the estimate is within reason to the severity of the crash and the value of the vehicle They sometimes “threaten by implying” that the appraiser and approval could take twice as long if you go somewhere else, but remember your rights and YOU are the customer. They will love your money until you have a claim, but once you have a claim, see what kind of love they show you… Get two estimates, why sell yourself out for $100.00 bucks, even if it is a hassle to insist the car be towed, the repair facility will usually cover the tow cost and you want to be sure you are getting the BEST for your auto investment. If you get a surly attitude when you mention pulling the car for a second opinion, you KNOW this is not a place deserving of your business. AND TRUST ME, I have pulled cars out of dealerships and body shops much to the chagrin and anger of the shop owner, but to the delight of the client when I knew the final result would be timely and superior. The turn around on getting the parts and repair is going to be the same regardless of the shop, especially if the parts required are NEW OEM, but if your insurance company has their wayand it’s in the fine print of your auto insurance policy, they can put put grey market or used or after market cheapo replacement pieces on your car and YOU WONT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE until… the part fails, fades or doesn’t fit, at which point you have a car worth less at trade-in time.  Don’t believe me? Before you take your car anywhere get some referrals from friends (not the insurance co.) or call me; 702-521-7546 I’ll tell you (cant put it in print) who I’d stay away from in Vegas. Remember I’ve been here 20+ years in the car business and I’ve seen it all when it comes to cars, repair shops, body work and used car scams, especially those perpetrated on women!  SO don’t get “STEERED”…  the next time a fender bender or crash puts your car in need of some “better than new” auto body work. SARAH LEE Marks aka: MyCarlady If you need any other car buying, selling, trading or financing assistance on any new or used vehicle,  please do not hesitate to email me at sarahlee@mycarlady.com,mvides422@gmail.com,carlady@cox.net  or give me a call; 702-521-7546  I’m here to help you with any of your automotive needs and advice is free.  Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at CAR DEALS ]]>