OldGeorge1950
Expert
- 24
I got 3 estimate from 3 local bodyshops. $3212, 3437 and $3508. I told them that I wanted to fix the big dent on my fender with my own money, without going through insurance. (slipped on icy road and into a trash can)
Way too much money, so I ended up filing a claim with my insurancecompany. The adjuster gave me an estimate of $1590. My deductible was $500, so I received a check for only $1090.
I went back to the thid shop($3508) because I liked how nice their repaired cars looked. I spoke with the same guy who did the $3500 estimate. Showed him the estimate and check from the insurance company. He said "okay, when can you drop you car off?" I was surprised to say the least. I asked him if they would really do the EXACT SAME repair for the $1590 on the insurance company's estimate. He said yes.
Is this legal and moral? Or is this just like hospitals charging you a lot less if you have health insurance?
I originally figured that the estimate was pretty close, since all three shops came within about $300 of each other.... Had I been offered the $1590 price, I would obviously have chosen to pay it myself... oh well.
Way too much money, so I ended up filing a claim with my insurancecompany. The adjuster gave me an estimate of $1590. My deductible was $500, so I received a check for only $1090.
I went back to the thid shop($3508) because I liked how nice their repaired cars looked. I spoke with the same guy who did the $3500 estimate. Showed him the estimate and check from the insurance company. He said "okay, when can you drop you car off?" I was surprised to say the least. I asked him if they would really do the EXACT SAME repair for the $1590 on the insurance company's estimate. He said yes.
Is this legal and moral? Or is this just like hospitals charging you a lot less if you have health insurance?
I originally figured that the estimate was pretty close, since all three shops came within about $300 of each other.... Had I been offered the $1590 price, I would obviously have chosen to pay it myself... oh well.
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