Dented spider, "approved" body shops.Beware

[Milanogold@domain.elided]

Greetings Alfisti!
      This is for the gentleman who had the unfortunate meeting of Spider and 
4x4.First, thank GOD almighty you weren't involved with an Allsta-e policy 
holder.	The best thing to do is to get BOTH estimates;estimates can vary 
widely among adjusters.Some will base the estimate on using new parts and 
some will use "quality replacement parts" which generally means either "used" 
or aftermarket parts,not OEM parts.If you are the claimant (4x4 hit you) go 
with the highest estimate.The higher the estimate, generally the better 
quality of  work performed because more labor/new parts have been factored 
in.Beware a "lowballed"estimate.
       Be sure to stay involved in the entire process;people who "let the 
insurance company handle everything" get ripped off, to be blunt.Stay away 
from their "approved shops",shops that meet insurance companies'approval 
basically perform work according to the insurance company's directions, not 
the customer's wishes.Insurance estimates contain labor estimations that 
"approved " shops adhere to rigidly (or at the end of their contract lose the 
approved status;with a corresponding loss of steady work...........)  Find a 
local shop recommended from fellow Alfisti;take it there.If a shop is good, 
people will talk about it.
       If your'e authorised a rental car;as a claimant you should request a 
"premium" car since Alfa is a Premium brand;putting a Spider owner in a Chevy 
Cavalier is WRONG and if the adjuster recommends this inform him he is 
"trying to pull a fast one on you" Remember that ALL insurance companies will 
accept direct billing on a rental,although all of them will say "pay for it 
and we'll reimburse you...Uh Uh, cupcake.......If they say this ask to speak 
with a supervisor,sound suitably upset  and you won't pay a penny in out of 
pocket expenses. If your'e the insured and going against your own insurance 
you will have a maximum (anywhere from $500 to $900 depending on your policy 
) if you have rental coverage.By rights, you are allowed to drive ANY rental 
car you wish up to the maximum of rental coverage money is used.(If your 
rental coverage is an 80% 20% co-pay, force the insurance company to pay for 
the sales tax on the rental (rental cars are taxed in some states at a higher 
than normal tax rate;in VA it's 8%...........).
     Sorry for the long winded post folks,but hope this helps everybody.I've 
done battle with insurance companies today;the hail storm last week here 
generated over 4200 claims from one company in one day.Been a loooongg 
week.....   
Terry akins
Alexandria,VA
1987 Milano Gold (Alfie,127k, dimpled and running great!)
1979 Alfetta Velocissima (Lazarus, excited with the fender flares and 
transaxle adorning our living room. God bless APE!) 

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