MB Body Shop Question
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
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MB Body Shop Question
I'm asking this for someone else whose mom was recently involved in an accident. Any help is greatly appreciated.
my mom got into an accident with our 06 benz and the body shop gave an estimate of 9k. we were ok with it because we have full coverage but then they called back saying it will be 17k. again, we were ok with that. then the body shop called a third time saying we need to rent a machine for the body shop that isn't covered by our insurance because this machine is needed to realign the frame.
Is it normal for an MB owned body shop to "rent" a machine to fix their cars? Shouldn't they already own such a machine?
my mom got into an accident with our 06 benz and the body shop gave an estimate of 9k. we were ok with it because we have full coverage but then they called back saying it will be 17k. again, we were ok with that. then the body shop called a third time saying we need to rent a machine for the body shop that isn't covered by our insurance because this machine is needed to realign the frame.
Is it normal for an MB owned body shop to "rent" a machine to fix their cars? Shouldn't they already own such a machine?
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 165
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From: KS
08 E-550 4-matic Sport; '15 RAM, '15 X3, '15 Charger SRT
Damage assessment
I would be worried. Can you get another opinion somewhere? If they were that far off from original estimate and keep changing it I would be concerned about their talent for this. I might ask my insurance company for another recommendation. I would think they would be concerned.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Nuevo México
2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
Alarm bells would definitely be ringing in my head.
My advice? Do NOT take the insurance company's recommendation for a body shop; they are looking to save money. Instead, go to the Mercedes CERTIFIED body shop of your choice. You can find a list under the dealers section at the mbusa website. Here is a link:
http://www.mbusa.com/care/service/collision-centers.do
I am assuming the car is not driveable, so you may want to visit the certified shop and talk to them in person (or by phone) to explore your options.
Good luck.
My advice? Do NOT take the insurance company's recommendation for a body shop; they are looking to save money. Instead, go to the Mercedes CERTIFIED body shop of your choice. You can find a list under the dealers section at the mbusa website. Here is a link:
http://www.mbusa.com/care/service/collision-centers.do
I am assuming the car is not driveable, so you may want to visit the certified shop and talk to them in person (or by phone) to explore your options.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Thanks for the advice everyone.
See, the problem is, the shop where their car was towed to IS a MB certified shop. It happens to be owned by the parent company of MB Of San Diego. That certainly complicates matters when an MB owned body shop is giving off an incompetent impression.
See, the problem is, the shop where their car was towed to IS a MB certified shop. It happens to be owned by the parent company of MB Of San Diego. That certainly complicates matters when an MB owned body shop is giving off an incompetent impression.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 511
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From: Nuevo México
2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
Thanks for the advice everyone.
See, the problem is, the shop where their car was towed to IS a MB certified shop. It happens to be owned by the parent company of MB Of San Diego. That certainly complicates matters when an MB owned body shop is giving off an incompetent impression.
See, the problem is, the shop where their car was towed to IS a MB certified shop. It happens to be owned by the parent company of MB Of San Diego. That certainly complicates matters when an MB owned body shop is giving off an incompetent impression.
I thought an MB certified shop was supposed to be among the best.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,851
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Either you have insurance coverage or you don't. Let the insurance company deal with them. If the main frame is bent then the car probably should be totaled. If that's the case, be prepared to argue the value of the car with your insurance company. Remember, just because the insurance company makes you a settlement offer doesn't mean you have to accept it.
