If you’re been in an auto accident, one of the hurdles you’ll have to jump is getting your vehicle repaired to your satisfaction. Not only will you have to deal with the insurance company and the injuries you suffered in the accident, but you’ll also have to find a body shop that you trust to perform the work. Most mechanics and body shops are honest and dependable, however there are enough scam artists out there that you need to be aware of potential problems.

Keeping on top of scammers

The first step to avoid becoming the victim of a body shop scam is to pick a quality shop with a great reputation. In addition, there are other steps you can take to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a body shop scam.

• Personal relationships matter: If at all possible, develop a good relationship with a trusted mechanic – before you need him or her for a major repair. Being able to take your vehicle to a body shop that you know and trust is the best way to avoid being taken advantage of.
• Get recommendations: If you need a body shop, ask around and get a personal recommendation. Talk to your friends and neighbors, ask around in your community, and even ask other mechanics for advice.
• Do your homework: Before you take your car in for work, check out the body shop’s information at the Better Business Bureau website. You can find out if the shop is a member in good standing, and whether or not they have unresolved complaints lodged against them.
• Get a written estimate: Always get a written estimate that includes parts and labor before you get any work done. You should also be sure that the shop agrees – in writing – to contact you before the work is performed if the actual cost will exceed the estimate.
• Be wary of fraud: If the body shop offers to help you recover your insurance deductible, be wary. This is insurance fraud, and often involves installing used or cheap parts, and charging the insurer for expensive, name brand parts – then splitting the difference with you. While this may seem appealing to you, it is illegal, and you could be prosecuted for fraud if caught. This is also a sign that the body shop should not be trusted.
• Check out repairs yourself: Ask the mechanic to show you the repairs that were repaired, so you can see the work and the new parts. You should also ask to see the old parts, to make sure they were removed.

Scams to watch out for

• Airbag switch-a-roo: Disreputable auto body shops have been found replacing airbags that were deployed in an accident with cheap, knock-off bags that often fail to deploy in a subsequent accident. Body shops have even been found lying to insurance agencies and reporting that the airbag deployed when it did not, and selling the good airbag and then replacing it with a cheaper one. Cases have even been found where repair shops stuffed rags or old clothes into the airbag compartment, without even making an effort to replace the old bag.
• Padding the invoice: Some body shops may offer a reasonable verbal estimate on the work needed, but when you get the final invoice – after the work has been done – the amount is far higher than what you expected. Alternately, the shop leaves the dollar amount field blank on the estimate paperwork they present to you – and you sign. Later on they fill in an exorbitant amount. Make sure you review all paperwork closely, and insist on a comprehensive, written estimate.
• Unnecessary repairs: The mechanic may add items to the estimate that don’t need to be fixed, and you or your insurance company end up paying for unnecessary repairs. If an estimate sounds suspicious, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.
• Skimping on parts: In order to save money, some body shops will substitute used or knock-off parts for the original manufacturer parts you might be expecting. You might be able to save money by using used or cheap parts for some repairs, but it should be your decision – not the shops. And, you shouldn’t be charged for a new, original part when a used part is installed instead.
• Charging for… nothing: You or your insurance company might pay for repair work to your vehicle, but the body shop does absolutely no work at all. Or, they charge you full price, but perform quick, shoddy work. Either way, you or your insurer could be out a lot of money, and you could potentially be driving away in an unsafe vehicle.
• Bait & switch: Body shops will often advertise great prices on very specific repairs. However, when you come into the shop looking for that repair, they’ll find some reason that you need a different and – surprise! – more expensive repair. Don’t be hoodwinked by these tactics – take your car elsewhere if you suspect that the shop is taking advantage of you.
• Used or salvaged vehicles: If you need to buy another vehicle after your accident, be wary of used vehicles that seem too good to be true. They could have been rebuilt by a body shop after the insurance company declared them totaled. In this case, you can’t be sure if the repair job and new parts are adequate for the vehicle’s safety – after all, the car was supposed to be junked. Also be on the lookout for vehicles that were flood damaged, as they may not function as expected, either. Airbag deployment especially can be affected by flood damage.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, then you’ll want an attorney on your side to fight for your rights. Don’t let yourself be bullied by insurance companies or hospital claims departments – contact The Serpe Firm today and let us work with you for the compensation that you deserve. Let us help you recover from the devastating effects of a serious auto accident and get your life back on track.

Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, P.C.
580 East Main Street, Suite 310
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: 757-233-0009
Fax: 757-233-0455