CUSTOMER BEWARE - COPE COLLISION USES A BLANKET AUTHORIZATION FOR YOUR PRIVATE/PERSONAL INFORMATION: My truck was recently involved in an accident. I called USAA, my insurance, to get a list of approved shops to bring my vehicle into. Cope Collision was on the list, and I made arrangements to have the truck brought to them. All went well, they were attentive and prompt in all communications.
They sent over a Docusign agreement that is "required" prior as an authorization before work can begin. The Docusign makes you sign each paragraph with an initial to indicate you agree/have read it. Nothing new there.
In the document there is a clause that reads (this is word for word): "I agree to allow Cope Collision to use my information, photos, and accident details for, but not limited to education and training purposes, consumer education, internet and social media sites."
I actually stopped and re-read it to make sure it literally just said, "my information" with no explanation of WHAT information they can use. This is a blanket statement that allows them to use whatever information they have anywhere on the internet or social media at anytime, now and in the future. This was a HUGE red flag for me.
I called the company and got directed to a "Chris" to whom I explained my concern. I asked that the clause be removed, or at least downgraded to just using my information to internal purposes.
His response (also word for word). "This is our agreement. If you want your car to be fixed here you have to sign it. We're not changing it for one customer." I reiterated to him, that this gave Cope Collision the ability to use whatever information they had, including social security info, personal information (address, phone, etc), and any details provided by USAA with blanket approval on the internet. He responded that he could see my concern, but again told me, "If you want us to fix it, you have to sign this agreement."
I then explained I would be contacting USAA and filing a formal complaint for potential misuse of my information and that the business could potentially lose customers. He stated again, " you have to sign it. If you want, you can have it towed somewhere else."
Yep, you guessed it. I'm having it towed elsewhere.
Seriously, folks. You can find shops that won't make you sign away all your rights to your PERSONAL INFORMATION to fix your vehicle. Even though he told me "we don't really even post stuff," it doesn't change the fact they absolutely could. Have a bad experience with them? They can post your information. Dox you, whatever, and guess what? You've signed away that right.
There are other shops who have higher integrity. I know I didn't have to sign away my rights at those places.
A basic agreement is a clear indication of how much you can trust the company. I strongly recommend that you see this one star review and go elsewhere. A fixed vehicle isn't worth signing your personal data and information away. And if they REALLY aren't going to use it, why include the clause? Makes you go hmmmm... read more