Originally Posted by
MilanoCivic97
Update on my car: I got a check from my insurance company for $3,313 made out to both me and my lien holder, who wants a written estimate for the full repair before they make a check out to me and the body shop. I went around town today to get estimates and most of them said "Just bring the insurance check and we'll waive the deductible, without really looking at my car." After getting fed up with not getting real estimates I started just telling them it was coming out of pocket and wouldn't you know, I got estimates for around $2800 with them actually looking at the damage.
Now that I have a written quote for $2800, I am going to send it to the bank along with the check signed by me. They will then turn around and cut a check to me and the body shop for the damage, and the rest to me. Is there any way the body shop could change their estimate when the check arrives?
Of course.. once youve got your money.. go to the estimate... start out at $2,000 give a little, take a little, and any body shop will give you a good amount off to keep that kind of job. And you get yourself a little cash on top. Just remember to NOT mention that check. AT ALL. Once youve got the money, deposit and pay the shop "customer pay"