PLEASE READ
2022 Subaru Outback interior was set on fire at Caliber Collision as repairs were being done for a hit and run that happened one evening as my car sat in a parking lot. I returned home from my trip and my Insurance company gave me their "Preferred shop" list and Caliber Collision was on the top of their suggested shops to use. I did not want any hassle with the repairs and claims like I have had before with other shops, so I chose to go with them.
As the hit and run damage was being repaired I was called by the shop manager who informed me they had a minor fire during the repairs. I went the next day to look, and, this was not a minor fire. Interior trim has been destroyed from the fire damage, including SMOKE damage and fire extinguisher powder throughout entire vehicle. Wiring harness for SRS system(air bag), seat belt, insulation, headliner, door trim, rear trim paneling, column panel, carpet, floor mats etc... melted!! There was a big bag full of destroyed items. All melted and ruined from fire and smoke.
I did take pictures, thank goodness!
The entire car has now been compromised from smoke, fire extinguisher powder, and extreme heat.
All seats and carpet, smoke filled and ruined, but I was told they were to be cleaned and everything will be fine.
They said they will repair the issue and compensate me with $1000. Yes you read that correct. $1000 big ones!!
Absolutely unacceptable.
Caliber Collision said that is their final offer.
"the ball is your court now," the regional manager said to me.
This is a true story , It really happened. I honestly cant make things like this up.
Caliber Collision 10225 Capital Blvd. Wake Forest, NC told me that this will NOT go on my car fax report, which I thought interesting. (is that legal?)
This is something I could not allow myself to consciously do. Me knowing I will now have a fire damaged car, and, in the future, sell it to someone else without their knowledge that this had happened. I do not believe that is ethical.
I then called my own insurance company, which I should not have had to do, to handle the mess of Caliber Collisions faulty actions. Caliber Collision did not want to report this to their own shop insurance after I insisted to file a new fire claim, and also a diminished value claim with their shop insurance. That did not happen. Instead I was told to "give them a number" for compensation.
I told them they will now have to purchase my car at the value it was brought to them from the initial hit and run accident, before their fire had occurred.
I then received a shop estimate from the manager and a separate estimate from my insurance company. Both estimates were identical. The exact same in house Caliber Collision cost for fire repair was the exact same amount down to the penny my insurance sent me. (Who's in bed with who, I asked myself).
This 2022 Subaru was special ordered from the dealership and I waited 1 year and 3 months to get it.
I now have a fire damaged 2022 Subaru Outback, that has tremendously been de-valued.
I personally have made mistakes at my work and have had to stand up for my mistakes, and pay big out of pocket expenses to get things corrected the right way. I don't believe Caliber Collision is doing there part. They are only trying to hide the fact that this accident happened and save their butt from corporate office. A sneaky cover-up.
Smoke damage to any vehicle causes more than $1000 in diminished value.
It is unacceptable for any business to treat a client the way I have been treated and then forced to deal with the unnecessary outcome when I am not the one at fault. Disgusting and outrageous!!
Caliber Collision response, "I understand your frustration"
My response, "I do not think you really do understand my frustration unless this was your family's car this happened to." read more
