Reaching out for advice

[GoodCamper]

I'm reaching out for some help/advice. Have a 2012 Cougar 5th wheel and a 2005 GMC 2500 HD with Duramax/Allison. We're in Charleston, SC (far away from our New Hampshire home) and were in a collision with our tow vehicle. We thought sure it would be totaled by the insurance co., but they say it's repairable. Now we've got to find a good repair shop for body and mechanical work. You wouldn't think a guy of almost 72 would be struggling with what to do and how to do it right, but neither my DW or I has been in an accident in the almost 50 years we've been married. Any advice or recommendations about finding a reputable repair shop in the Charleston area would be greatly appreciated. Guess we're feeling a bit lost right now!
Thanks all...
Pete
goodcamper@gmail.com

[Grit_dog]

Well the OP hasn't said who was at fault, and idk what a lawyer will do about a body shop Reccomendation, but the lawyer idea isn't bad if there appears to be any issue with insurance or the other party. However, bear in mind there's small chance recovering the lawyers fees unless something goes bad and goes to court...but since the op is having his truck repaired out of town/state, best to find a shop that is a chain and has a location near the ops home, or go through a dealer. That way if there are any warranty issues after the repair, and it's likely, it will be easy to get warranty work at home.

[jerem0621]

I am sorry for your troubles...

Glad everyone is okay!!

My wife was rear ended and was not at fault...we are not sue happy people at all...never have been...

But, if we are ever in an accident again...something I hope we never have to go through again...

After we make sure everyone is okay....

My first phone call is to an Attorney... this process that drug out for nearly 18 months for us...and the Other insurance company tried to use the Law against us...

I will call an attorney and pay accordingly...just to make sure that I am aware of all the laws and regulations that are at play.

I recommend that you call a lawyer in the state of the accident just for guidance (like I said, I'm not sue happy,) but knowledge is power and they can give you insight that can save you time and protect your finances. (And your sanity)

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Need-A-Vacation]

Pete,

Sounds like everyone was ok, that's the important thing!!! Hang in there and hope things go smoothly for you!!!

[GoodCamper]

Wow! You all are great. Thanks so much for all your thoughts and advice. Our insurance co. only does business in NH, ME, VT, & MA - no offices in other parts of the country. They contract with adjusters in other states to deal with situations like this. Ins. co. told me they don't recommend any repair shops or warantee any repair work. The contract adjuster (nice lady from Specialty Group), from here in SC, recommended a couple of shops here in Charleston. We sent the adjuster's damage estimate to one of them and are waiting for them to call back so we can talk about/decide on next steps. The shop has an A+ BBB rating, 40+ years in business, and good online reviews. Guess we should consider moving to an insurer like Nationwide (according to Dale Jr. ;)) or Geico, Progressive, etc. Meanwhile, we hope for the best and hope we can get home soon.

Thanks again, and wish us luck.
Pete

[ACZL]

X2 as your ins co should provide names of shops or at the very least a GM dealer.

As for the post about ins co covering cost (yours or other party). We got hit in LR tire, wheel well, fender of our car. Other driver crossed into our lane (same direction--NYS T-way) and was ticketed for unsafe lane change. Called our ins and his, gave same story to both. Got the police report which states he was cited and NOT me. Thinking other ins was going to cover repairs, tried not turning into ours. Ends up other driver says "I moved into his lane". Now other ins won't pay for repairs, so ended up turning it into ours. As of this writing this case is in arbitration (ins companies now duking it out). So bottom line is, don't always assume other ins will cover repairs even if other person is at fault.

[fitznj]

x2 and insist on OEM repair parts being used. A lot of times insurance companies will try to use jobber parts which are inferior in quality.

This should be stated in your policy. My policy states that the Ins Company reserves the right to install "used" parts. In my case this was no big deal - although I was surprised initially.

I have a Van and I damaged the rear door. The repair shop installed and painted a used (OEM) door. It was so well repaired that I could not tell the difference.

So, "insisting" to use new/oem parts may not be an option - depends on the policy.

Work with your Ins Comp., they deal with this every day, don't get too emotional, think of the end result. And at the end of the day "it's just a hunk of steel" - be glad there were no serious injuries or fatalities.

[mtofell1]

Sorry to hear of your troubles and best of luck getting things sorted out. I have a close friend who's been in the auto body business his whole life and have learned a lot from him about the process.

Unfortunately, a lot of shops do poor work. The trick is (as many have eluded to) is to go with a shop recommended by your insurance company. Most big insurers offer a warranty as long as you do this. Basically, even if the work is poor, you will have your insurance company on your side. The alternative is to go with a shop of your choosing (within your legal rights) but you are essentially on your own if there are problems.

[blofgren]

BB_TX wrote:
I would have a Chevy/GMC dealer do it. Our insurance company (State Farm) has a list of approved repair facilities. Call and ask.

x2 and insist on OEM repair parts being used. A lot of times insurance companies will try to use jobber parts which are inferior in quality.

I was broadsided by a woman running a red light 4 years ago so I can relate to the stress and anxiety you are feeling. Please just try to relax and take the time that you need to recover physically and emotionally. Getting your truck repaired is important but not nearly as much as looking after your wife and yourself. Hopefully you will find a good reputable shop to at least help you out with that part of an extremely stressful situation.

Good luck. 🙂

[samhain7]

I live in Canada so thus may not apply to you but worth asking.
If I use a shop recommended by my insurance company, my insurance company will warranty the repairs.

[R__Walter]

EV2 wrote:
Who was at fault? If your insurance there are currently considerations that may be different then if another party is responsible.

Can you elaborate on what those considerations are?

[riven1950]

I got a Lifetime warranty by using the place my insurance company recommended.I'd check with my insurance company if I were you.

[EV2]

Who was at fault? If your insurance there are currently considerations that may be different then if another party is responsible.

[BigSky_Guy]

Caliber Collision has a shop there. They did good work for me. They are a national chain. Work with most insurance companies.

[BB_TX]

I would have a Chevy/GMC dealer do it. Our insurance company (State Farm) has a list of approved repair facilities. Call and ask.