Think twice before letting Chevrolet ship your vehicle back to you using Chevy Reunite!!! Brand new 2023 C8 arrived damaged and they say the carrier is not responsible. I repored the damage a few hours after cleaning the car the same day it was dropped off.
I had the dealership take photos before it left and there was no evidence of damage noted by the driver when it was picked up. Their explanation below.

 

This may be a case where you take them to court. If the dealership did not notice any damage and the driver did not indicate damage on the pick up paperwork, I don’t see how they can say it wasn’t done in transit.

In any case, best of luck if you pursue this further and also in getting the damage repaired.

 

I don't know the particulars of your case, but I see that the letter was signed by someone from Allstate. I read an interesting book on insurance that you might like - "Delay, Deny and Defend".

 

Not enough details here...

Was your C8 delivered from the factory to the dealer and found in this condition? Why was a claim initiated with what appears to be Allstate?

 

I purchased the car New from Morehart Murphy Chevrolet on 4/13. I flew into Durango Co. to pick it up and drive it home to Fort Myers, FL. The car made it to 499 miles when the oil pump seized and blew the engine. The vehicle was towed to Autonation Chevrolet in Amarillo where it underwent an engine swap along with the starter and main fuse bus. They had the car approximately 4 1/2 weeks before it was completed and scheduled to be shipped to me via Chevrolet reunite. I had the dealership take pictures of the car before it was picked up exactly for this reason. The car arrived at my door extremely dirty from the trip in an enclosed trailer that was carrying my vehicle and one other. when he unloaded the car from a standing position the damage wasn't noticeable. Only after he had gone and I started to clean the car did I notice the crack in the paint and a chip at the bottom of the door. I reported the damage to Chevrolet immediately after I noticed it with pictures. I do remember seeing metal wheel covers in the trailer which I believe he must of hit when entering the car at some point. I was sent to Allstate which handles damage claims for Chevy when after three weeks they responded with this email. I'll be talking to Chevrolet on Monday to try once again to work this out before seeking legal council.

 

Hate to say it but it is typical for Allstate to find ways to deny a claim. If you talk with people in the insurance claims industry—especially with homeowner and automotive claims—you will hear that Allstate is the absolute worse in paying claims. I know from personal experience. After being a customer for over 27 years, I had to sue them to get them to cover damage we suffered to our home—damage they knew the should have covered. They expected us to go away but after a two year fight, we got what we should have received plus fees and expenses.

The reason Allstate’s rates are lower than other companies (and the reason they can submit the lowest bid to get corporate accounts) is that they don’t expect to properly pay claim that they should pay. “Our mediation process requires us to be 100% certain that the damage was due to negligence during the service…” What? So even if your car was damaged during the transport, you would have to prove to an absolute certainty that the damage resulted from negligence. That not a little wiggle room, that’s a king size bed of room.

I suggest that you ask them for either their contract with GM for their terms of coverage that limits their coverage to instances in which Allstate is 100% certain that the damage was due to negligence during the service. Hopefully, the contract is with GM and not the transportation company. I would be stunned if they can provide that because no company would enter into an insurance agreement that restricts coverage so severely. After that, you can either raise the issue with GM, hire an attorney to fight them, or file a claim with your own insurance company and ask them to seek subrogation from Allstate.

 

This statement



seems to be inconsistent with the statement that the driver noted no damage. What evidence do they have that the damage was pre-existing, if it was not noted by the driver when the car was loaded? If there is evidence that the damage was pre-existing, that would point back to the shipping dealer. They need to share their evidence with you - if it exists.

 

Sounds like time to pay a lawyer to send them a letter. They'll likely cave when they get that. Far cheaper to pay than to go to court.

Of course, you need to weigh the cost of an hour or 2 of a lawyers time vs. the cost of repair.

 

Ask for the "evidence." If it's not a photograph, just a statement, you have a basis for negotiation. I would first complain to the attorney general of your state, who probably has a special office for insurance claim complaints. Copy all parties, including GM, on all correspondence. Investigate using small claims court too. If all else fails use a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims.
​​​​​​This is only the first shot from the insurance company and it's a weak one, since they are vague about the "evidence." Make them escalate their efforts.

 

You ought to see what State Farm is doing to the Homeowners and Vehicle Owners in Rolling Fork. Disgusting!!! They are denying claims to these People.

 

Shipping cars scares the hell out of me.

Professionally I have to deal with shipping 6 and 7 figure equipment and the amount of BS to avoid paying on insurance and damages is insane. No one will ever take responsibility, its such a roll of the dice to ship anything these days. It's even worse internationally. I can't imagine the stress of getting my cars shipped.

 

That sounds really scary for my european C8 which have to be transported from BG to the West or East coast ship harbour in June. From there to Hamburg Germany (I guess), then by truck to the dealer in Switzerland !

 

How bad is the damage? Can we see a picture?

 

Chip where he hit something is on the lower edge. Crack is about 7” long.

 

That's pretty horrendous. I had a car that was damaged during shipment and the carrier denied it until I filed a dispute through the credit card company. The driver finally came clean and they sent me a $900 check for the estimated damage.That was 10 years ago. Your damage will be a lot more money to repair.

 

I cannot tell from the picture what the damage actually is, but if after talking with your attorney, it appears to be a big hassle (with limited chance of ever getting satisfaction), I'd suggest finding a competent shop, fixing it on your dime, and then drive on.

 

I say Avanti is correct. You've already had the engine go out on you at 499 miles and be replaced. This latest bump in the road is going to take longer and cause a lot of aggravation.

Somewhere in Florida there must be a repair shop which has worked with Corvettes for a long time---find one of them. See what it's going to cost and then decide on the amount of time you will spend to get the car repaired at someone else's cost. And if it's worth your time.

Not saying you're wrong to pursue; just saying your time is worth something. One you can get back---the money, the other you can't---your time spent.

But thanks for the heads up about Reunite. First time I ever heard/read of them. Good luck.

 

Take one on the chin & move on, the attorney's fees will be more than the repair

 

Chevrolet’s program - Chevrolet’s problem! They’re responsible for the car from the time it’s left at the dealership to the time it’s delivered. I didn’t make the arrangements they did. I’ve already gotten two quotes. It’s not the money, The appointment is already set for it to be repaired. It’s worth more to me to make others aware of how the Chevy Reunite program works.

the fact that they swapped out the motor on a brand new C8 isn’t relevant. That’s a given! What choice do they have? That car is under factory warranty. All they had to do was deliver what I paid for.

 

Make sure to get estimates from Top Notch repair shops who are the best in your area...get three estimates. They should be able to note the type of damage ie rock chip, impact by scrape...etc. That repair could be a blend or entire door repaint. Then add-in your diminished value claim and legal fees...at least 6k claim imo, give or take. If you go the legal route, seek representation that's verse in this field and a "bull dog." The attorney may include all parties in the suit in order to get their statements on record so just be prepared. However, in most cases, companies will settle once they know you are serious, as to avoid tying up the court's time when the evidence is clear and convincing via preponderance.