GCD1962

I think you'll find the same line with all the companies (some maybe a little more felxible than others). None are going to pay say a $100 hr rate for a top shop, if others in the area average less - simply isn't going to happen.

vp69435

We get $86.50 per hour. What the discount iinsurance companies dont seem to understand is that I have a constant backlog of work, typically three months worth at our regular rate and they want us to "drop" what we are doing and work for 50% less. It perplexes me on a continuing basis.
Jim

vp69435

Not to be argumentative but we get $86.50 from the insurance companies on a daily basis. The only time we will make a concession is if it is a new Corvette within 5 years and parts are readily available. No production shops can or want to work on vintage Corvettes in our area.
Jim

Chuck Gongloff

You should check out the dental and medical insurance biz, Jim.

They want us to work for 50 cents on the dollar, and "make it up on volume". Some insurance companies are so bad that 50 cents on the dollar looks good.

What a crock. I'm retiring in about 2 years. Won't have to put up with insurance crap any more. Chuck

GCD1962

Jim - Let us all know which insurance companies pay you that rate. Are the insur co paying you direct, or paying the consumer? What part of the country are you located?

vp69435

Chuck I hear you and it is a disgrace, good docs are leaving the industry. Incidentally, my dentist takes "cash only".
Jim

vp69435

Parish Heacock and Grundy. THE BEST.

Jim

vp69435

We instruct the customer to bring the car to us then let us evaluate it and coherently present the damage assement to the adjuster. Most adjusters do not have the knowledge to write a comprehensive estimate on their own. On the 54, which prompted me to start this thread, we asked for adjuster credentials prior to the insurance company sending one out. I have my doubts that they can produce someone qualified to have a meaningful conversation.
What they want is to adjust the damage in your driveway, write you a check on the spot and leave you feeling good hoping that you deposit it. They then wash their hands of any necessary supplemental damage reimbursement.

We are in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Jim

GCD1962

Jim - Good approach and good info. Thanks

Yello65

I just went with Grundy ,I am vary happy that I did,after seeing all the problems with other companys.

vp69435

Good choice. Grundy is underwritten by Chubb. While not the cheapest around they will be there for you if you need them.

vp69435

So it is now Friday October 27th and American Collectors has yet to resolve the claim on this 54 Corvette. (Two months sitting in heated indoor storage now). In the meantime I have had a 67 shipped from Virginia that was involved in a front end collision. They glady accepted our appraisal, agreed to our labor rate and are paying for New Old Stock parts for the repair. First class. Grundy that is. American Collectors, absolutely reprehensible. Please spread the word.
Jim Jordan
President
County Corvette
www.countycorvette.com

tdelph

thats weird. about 2 years ago i had a claim on my 67 and they didnt balk at anything. they agreed and paid the amount the body shop wanted without issue. the claim was under 5k...so i am not sure if that had anything to do with it. in fact i asked if i had to use their network of shops and they said i could use who i wanted and i only had to take it to one shop

vp69435

Yes, two years ago things were different. Our problems with them started a year ago.
Jim Jordan