Wreck Check

We don’t make the news we report it!!!!
We often tell in our commercials about inspections we perform on cars repaired at other body shops. The following photos show visual proof of the sloppy work. We call these inspections PRI.  Consumers are steered through referral programs by persuasive insurance companies who often have offered incentives of cash. Don’t be fooled by ads that say “they work well with insurance companies” or “their insurance relationships allow them to properly repair a vehicle”. Some advertise so you will choose them over another DRP program shop!!! . If you’re going to use a DRP, Direct Repair Shop at least ask for the cash! We hear offers of $100-2500 are not unusual. While a visual inspection is free a written report and additional services are fee based. Generally all fees are paid by the insurance company or offending shop.

The following pictures are the result of a long painful exercise. This client contacted us after his 2008 Chevrolet Silverado with 4000 miles, was wrecked and repaired by a new car dealer. That dealer is also an insurance direct repair shop for a large insurance company. Meaning the insurance company regularly refers claimants to this dealer shop for collision repairs.
After his accident, where another driver was 100% at fault, the other drivers insurance company contacted him and told him they needed to look at the truck. The truck at that point in time was at a tow yard where it was taken after the accident. The client had an initial feeling that the damage to the truck was severe enough that it might be totaled but he was not an expert. The insurance company asked him where he bought the truck and it happened to be a dealer the insurance company had a relationship with. They asked him to let them tow the vehicle to the dealer so they could inspect the truck and determine if the damage was severe enough to consider the truck totaled. Once the truck was towed to the shop. A representative of the insurance company and the shop decided between them the truck could be repaired. A preliminary estimate of $13855.00 was written. The estimate included replacing the trucks structural frame. Against the owners gut feelings, and for lack of knowing his rights or having an advocate, repairs were commenced. Further inspections uncovered additional damage that eventually brought the total repair cost to within dollars of $20,000. Damage found included a transfer case, steering gear and damage to the front axle assembly.
Upon delivery of the truck the first time the owner noticed problems with the repair. He noticed some parts that should have been replaced, were not. He brought his concerns to the shop manager and after insisting the items he paid for should have been replaced, they eventually complied. Once he drove the truck the owner immediately noticed handling and ride issues. He noticed wind and air leaks from around the doors and water leaking inside the truck after rain or washing the truck. The truck in the months following the repair returned to the dealer at least 11 times for follow up repair. The vehicle was plagued with drivability issues, it pulled, shook, vibrations, air and water leaks. The truck had squeaks and crunching noises that the owner stated it never had before.
One day in September 2008 the client called us and told us what had taken place. We told him to bring the truck by so we could see it and offered to give him our opinion so that he could go back and review the repair with the other shop. He continued to try and work out the issues until he finally lost it in early March. He told us he felt he had taken enough and really tried to work it out but was now done. He would not go back. On March 17, 2009 some 8 months after the accident he delivered the truck to us. He asked us to inspect the truck and form an opinion on the repairs and offer a solution to this nightmare. To put this in perspective the customer/client was also dealing with serious health issues through this time period and his truck was really not his biggest concern.
Once we inspected the truck it became evident very quickly that the quality of the repairs was well below that of an undamaged example. The repairs showed evidence of paint flaws, overspray, loose and missing hardware, broken and missing parts and parts and procedures the customer paid for that were not completed. The fit and overall panel alignment left the vehicles appearance obvious it had been in a serious wreck. The value of the truck was seriously diminished. Selling or trading the truck was not an option as the owner felt he would be selling someone a problem. Trading the truck was a problem as a CAR FAX report clearly stated the accident dates and pay out. No one wanted the truck.
We then prepared an estimate of the initial re-repair costs and sent a notice to the insurance company on behalf of the owner to arrange to have someone reinspect the vehicle. On or about March 19,2009 a representative from the insurance company and the body shop manager for the dealer came to our shop to inspect the car. They each reviewed the condition of the vehicle, its repair and extent of the needed re-repair. We had the opportunity to ask some questions of the manager as to why certain repairs were made and how they were accomplished. Much of the information that formed our conclusions came from admissions that repairs were attempts to correct problems with the initial repair.
By the time our meeting ended it was agreed the insurance company would consider options and get back to us. On March 20, 2009 we received a call that the truck was going to be considered a total loss. That meant the owner would receive the full value of the truck on the date of the loss, July 12, 2008. The insurance company made arrangements to pay us in full and retrieve the truck in order to take it to a salvage auction. We advised the owner to obtain his payment before releasing the truck but he alone decided it was ok to let the truck go that they would send him a check. He was confident this was over.
On March 27, 2009 the truck was retrieved. We considered the case closed. On or about March 31, 2009 the owner called and stated to us that the insurance company had reneged on the deal. Apparently there was only $50,000 in coverage in the policy and by paying off the truck plus the repair cost, rental and investigation they were over the policy limit of the at fault driver. Obviously the owner was upset and realized he had made a huge mistake AGAIN trusting the insurance company to do the right thing. After a few intense days the owner demanded the insurance company bring his truck back to our shop. He also had to chase down his title he sent off to the insurance company. On or about April 3, 2009 the truck returned. The insurance company had decided that re-repairing the truck was the best course to take. Our estimate to START the re-repair was $16000.00. We expected that the costs would rise after the truck was disassembled as we suspected we would find more problems and damage left unaddressed.
We met with the insurance claims director for the area and he confirmed that the insurance company intended to re-repair the vehicle. They rented a truck for the owner to use and asked us to proceed with the re-repair. As we disassembled the truck we found problem after problem. We found loose bolts, and more damage that was not addressed. We found broken parts and exposed damage that was adding to the cost of re-repair rapidly. In the afternoon of April 4, 2009 two appraisers for the insurance company came in and looked at the truck. They immediately came to the conclusion the truck should be totaled asking us to stop work. We confirmed the request to stop with the owner and stopped work again! A few calls later it was determined the truck would be totaled and the owner paid off. We were then asked to re-assemble the truck so it could be sent to the salvage auction. We reassembled the truck and on April 9, 2009 the insurance company again picked up the truck. This time the owner had his money before the truck was turned over.
The owner has endured a similar experience that we’ve seen before. When the accident happened the owner did know his rights, he did not know his options, and he did not have anyone to advocate for him. He did not have a plan. The best plan is to have one. Know how you will react if a crash happens and how to avoid being caught up in the system of big business called insurance.
Our website tells stories and the pages have information that prepares you for situations and how to avoid them. The “AFTER AN ACCIDENT “ button and “ACTION PLAN” are basic ways to avoid being the subject of a story like this. The vehicle owner approved use of this story in the hopes someone else would be saved the hassle.

2004 Subaru

The photos here are of a “Post Repair Inspection” that we performed. They show the poor workmanship provided in photo-by-photo proof. This well-known insurance Direct Repair Shop (DRP) and particular insurance company were required to re-do the car or be forced to purchase the car from the owner. Names withheld for the usual reasons. However, photos show the sloppy work and effects of that work. After multiple and frustrating visits - and at wits-end - he turned to Nick Orso’s for help. This DRP shop and insurance company were lucky to have a customer who cooperated with them in allowing them to re-repair the car.

A huge amount of money was paid to originally repair this car improperly in a substandard manner. Some items we find are mistakes, but some are blatant negligence. You be the Judge! We can only assume it cost a substantial amount of money, time and aggravation for the consumer to live through the debacle. With our assistance he was able to recover and move on. Check back often for more Post Repair Inspection results.
Panels are supposed to be even and level. Misaligned panels is evidence of rushed and sloppy workmanship. Panels are supposed to be even and level. Misaligned panels is evidence of rushed and sloppy workmanship.
More pinch weld damage where body clamps grip the vehicle. They should have been repaired. More pinch weld damage where body clamps grip the vehicle. They should have been repaired.
Just a little white paint on the steering wheel. Maybe the owner wanted his steering wheel painted? Sloppy work! Just a little white paint on the steering wheel. Maybe the owner wanted his steering wheel painted? Sloppy work!
More painting services offered for free!!! Paint on tires too! Sloppy work! More painting services offered for free!!! Paint on tires too! Sloppy work!
This is the joint where the wheelhouse joins shows body coating was peeled away and left unfinished or sealed. This is the joint where the wheelhouse joins shows body coating was peeled away and left unfinished or sealed.
This panels spot welds were drilled out and never rewelded. This potentially unsafe improper repair is pure negligence and incompetence. This panels spot welds were drilled out and never rewelded. This potentially unsafe improper repair is pure negligence and incompetence.
The molding at the base of the window was damage by removal and left damaged. It should have been replaced. Dirt and fisheyes in the paint. The molding at the base of the window was damage by removal and left damaged. It should have been replaced. Dirt and fisheyes in the paint.
The Eye-brow stress cracks were from the accident. It's part of the damage and should have been fixed. See the rust forming? It wasn't repaired!!! Why wasn't it? To contain cost, or negligence? The Eye-brow stress cracks were from the accident. It's part of the damage and should have been fixed. See the rust forming? It wasn't repaired!!! Why wasn't it? To contain cost, or negligence?
The application of Rustproofing is for corrosion protection. Rustproofing in the trunk in this manner is sloppy and dangerous, as items in the trunk could come in contact with the oil or wax-based product. The goal is to match the factory appearance. This was a mess!! The application of Rustproofing is for corrosion protection. Rustproofing in the trunk in this manner is sloppy and dangerous, as items in the trunk could come in contact with the oil or wax-based product. The goal is to match the factory appearance. This was a mess!!
During this repair the rear window was removed. The glue, while reinstalling it, must have come in contact with the headliner and trim. More photos of same are present. The headliner is ruined. During this repair the rear window was removed. The glue, while reinstalling it, must have come in contact with the headliner and trim. More photos of same are present. The headliner is ruined.
A closer look at the stress cracks and rust! A closer look at the stress cracks and rust!
When we lifted the spare tire cover we found standing water in the well. The poorly sealed joint in previous photos shows the point where water nntered the trunk and filled the well. Rust was already forming and smelled. When we lifted the spare tire cover we found standing water in the well. The poorly sealed joint in previous photos shows the point where water nntered the trunk and filled the well. Rust was already forming and smelled.
The color match is way off. The car is a creamy color and the bumper is a gray tint. This color mismatch was consistent throughout the repair. The color match is way off. The car is a creamy color and the bumper is a gray tint. This color mismatch was consistent throughout the repair.
The object of repairing the car is to duplicate the factory look. Obviously this joint where the new quarter panel meets the rear body was a new creative design and is sloppy. The object of repairing the car is to duplicate the factory look. Obviously this joint where the new quarter panel meets the rear body was a new creative design and is sloppy.
This is the source of the water leak. A sloppy mess!! This is the source of the water leak. A sloppy mess!!
Dirt and contaminants in the paint are visually un-appealing. It looks bad and can lead to premature paint failure. Again, Sloppy workmanship!! Dirt and contaminants in the paint are visually un-appealing. It looks bad and can lead to premature paint failure. Again, Sloppy workmanship!!
Glue on headliner is inexcusable and very sloppy negligent work. Glue on headliner is inexcusable and very sloppy negligent work.
When we lifted the carpet we found metal filings and grit. Due to the water leak this became rusted very quickly. Not only is the dust part of detailing but evidence of sloppy work. Many insurance companies do not want to pay a sufficient amount to clean-up repair residue. It is part of the cost of a collision loss, we demand payment. Because this shop offers this service to its insurance partner for free or at a reduced amount, you can see what free is worth: NOTHING!!! When we lifted the carpet we found metal filings and grit. Due to the water leak this became rusted very quickly. Not only is the dust part of detailing but evidence of sloppy work. Many insurance companies do not want to pay a sufficient amount to clean-up repair residue. It is part of the cost of a collision loss, we demand payment. Because this shop offers this service to its insurance partner for free or at a reduced amount, you can see what free is worth: NOTHING!!!
Bare metal or poor coverage by paint is unsightly and can lead to paint premature failure. A rush job and poor quality control leads to this type of result. Note the chipped paint on bolts left bare to rust!!! Bare metal or poor coverage by paint is unsightly and can lead to paint premature failure. A rush job and poor quality control leads to this type of result. Note the chipped paint on bolts left bare to rust!!!
These 2 photos comparatively show an assortment of screws were used to assemble the trim. There also is supposed to be a plastic cover over the screws that was either lost or not present. Scratches and digs in trim are obvious. These 2 photos comparatively show an assortment of screws were used to assemble the trim. There also is supposed to be a plastic cover over the screws that was either lost or not present. Scratches and digs in trim are obvious.
These 2 photos comparatively show an assortment of screws were used to assemble the trim. There also is supposed to be a plastic cover over the screws that was either lost or not present. Scratches and digs in trim are obvious.
This damage is from holding the car on the frame machine. The bite clamps that hold the car leave marks and tear away the sealer causing a potential for rust and weakness. There is a reason we repair these as it is part of the repair process. This damage is from holding the car on the frame machine. The bite clamps that hold the car leave marks and tear away the sealer causing a potential for rust and weakness. There is a reason we repair these as it is part of the repair process.
This is evidence of poor or sloppy welds. This improper repair is another example of pure negligence and incompetence. This is evidence of poor or sloppy welds. This improper repair is another example of pure negligence and incompetence.
Light paint coverage on fender edge. Light paint coverage on fender edge.
Another photo of similar negligent work. Another photo of similar negligent work.
Glue on the headliner from the rear window removal and install. Glue on the headliner from the rear window removal and install.
Some extra glue on the seat belt, SLOPPY!!!! Some extra glue on the seat belt, SLOPPY!!!!
All of these photos relate to panel fit and alignment. Quality control is lacking when this is allow to go out of the shop like this. All of these photos relate to panel fit and alignment. Quality control is lacking when this is allow to go out of the shop like this.
All of these photos relate to panel fit and alignment. Quality control is lacking when this is allow to go out of the shop like this.
All of these photos relate to panel fit and alignment. Quality control is lacking when this is allow to go out of the shop like this.
All of these photos relate to panel fit and alignment. Quality control is lacking when this is allow to go out of the shop like this.
These photos are paint-finish related. Evidence of poor quality control and sloppy work. These photos are paint-finish related. Evidence of poor quality control and sloppy work.
These photos are paint-finish related. Evidence of poor quality control and sloppy work.
These photos are paint-finish related. Evidence of poor quality control and sloppy work.
These photos are paint-finish related. Evidence of poor quality control and sloppy work.
These are chips from removing the window trim. These chips will rust if left and sure look bad. It happens but should have been fixed. Rush Rush Rush and sloppy work!!! These are chips from removing the window trim. These chips will rust if left and sure look bad. It happens but should have been fixed. Rush Rush Rush and sloppy work!!!
This crack is either from the accident or the holding process. It should have been repaired but was left to the owner to discover and deal with. This crack is either from the accident or the holding process. It should have been repaired but was left to the owner to discover and deal with.
More dirt and contaminant in the paint!!!! Sloppy work and quality control issues. More dirt and contaminant in the paint!!!! Sloppy work and quality control issues.
A bumper that doesn’t fit. Could be an aftermarket but upon closer look you see that clips are missing and the bumper was not attached to the car at this point. Negligent rushed work and poor quality controls. A bumper that doesn’t fit. Could be an aftermarket but upon closer look you see that clips are missing and the bumper was not attached to the car at this point. Negligent rushed work and poor quality controls.
Note bolts left to rust!!! Note bolts left to rust!!!
More bare, unprotected metal. More bare, unprotected metal.
Body filler dust left behind. Body shops create dust because of the nature of the repair. Clean-up of dust is required as it clogs vents in electrical components. It is unsightly and is and allergent. Body shops need to clean up this mess and be paid for the service, not leave it for the customer to deal with or hope no one notices!!!. We advocate for labor payment to clean up the residue which is not part of any individual labor operation. It's considered an extra procedure, and is covered as part of the loss. Many shops give this away, however you can see what free is worth. Body filler dust left behind. Body shops create dust because of the nature of the repair. Clean-up of dust is required as it clogs vents in electrical components. It is unsightly and is and allergent. Body shops need to clean up this mess and be paid for the service, not leave it for the customer to deal with or hope no one notices!!!. We advocate for labor payment to clean up the residue which is not part of any individual labor operation. It's considered an extra procedure, and is covered as part of the loss. Many shops give this away, however you can see what free is worth.
This 2004 Subaru has been inspected and has been marked in watercolor marker to show flaws in a recent repair done by an Insurance Direct Repair Shop. They tried to 'blow off' the customer until we got involved. He made various trips back and was stalled and had to hear many excuses. We were able to convince the insurance company they faced big trouble if they did not honor the work guaranty. When a warranty is offered it's only as good as those honoring it. Length of time is a contract issue and varies. This repair was weeks old. This 2004 Subaru has been inspected and has been marked in watercolor marker to show flaws in a recent repair done by an Insurance Direct Repair Shop. They tried to 'blow off' the customer until we got involved. He made various trips back and was stalled and had to hear many excuses. We were able to convince the insurance company they faced big trouble if they did not honor the work guaranty. When a warranty is offered it's only as good as those honoring it. Length of time is a contract issue and varies. This repair was weeks old.