Hi All,
This post really has nothing to do with the SN65 project, but…..
My brother just got word that State Farm is revising their authorized shop programs. They are consolidating all their programs into one and eliminating all shops that do not complete a specific number of repairs per month.
According to them, we are under the number required. From what I understand, the only shops that can qualify are those with multiple facilities.
Their decision has nothing to do with the quality of the work performed. Their decision has nothing to do with customer satisfaction. And while they will not come out and say it, their decision is based on cost and cost alone.
Also, they are “steering” business to the shops that will perform the repairs in the fastest, least expensive manner possible.
For those who don’t know “steering” is when you (as the customer) tell them that you want your car repaired by a specific shop but they tell you that your repair will not be covered unless you take it to an “authorized” facility. This of course is a load of crap.
I am sorry, but this is really pissing me off. We have worked long and hard to provide our customers with timely, quality repairs. And just because we don’t meet a specific quota, we are kicked out of the program.
So, how is the little guy supposed to get any collision work when the insurance companies are steering business away from small local shops? It is really hard enough to keep a business running without large insurance companies controlling what shop gets the work.
So…. Next time you need your car repaired, think long and hard about the shop you take it to. DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY TAKE IT TO ONE ON THEIR LIST. While I am sure some of the shops do a quality job, you have to remember why they are on the list in the first place. Also, do not be scared off if they tell you that your repair will not be covered. If there is something wrong with your repair all the insurance company does is direct you back to the shop that did the repair.
Bob
PS: So come, one and all, to Julian’s Collision Center. If you live in the Chicagoland area, and are covered by a major carrier, and have your car towed to Julian’s Collision Center for repair, we will cover all charges. We will also offer one and all easy payment terms on your deductible. I am sorry of this post violates any forum bylaws, but I am sick and tired of big business constantly crushing the little guy.