body shop problems

[Richard]

I guess you will have to do what I had to start doing. I had 2 major hits in a row (STILL have a complete air bag system for a 1999 Prism!!!). This was because the Body Shop, and the Insurance Estimator neither one would take the time to put the car on a lift, and look under it. And yes, they DO have an inspection lift. So, what I now do is go look at EVERY wreck. I have spotted at least 5 major problems, and got Bill to call the adjuster back out, and the car totalled. I have run our body shop before, for 2 periods of about 5-6 weeks each time. I can see both sides of this issue. The insurance companies put such pressure on these guys to turn the car...3 days is NOT enough time to correctly repair a car, especially if ANY paint work has to be done. But that is the goal that all body shops are being pushed to, 3 day turns on 'minor' repairs. My best advice again is to stop building a wall, let your BS manager know that you want to work with him, not against him, and set up a plan to look at each car, especially questionable ones. Good luck!
Richard