I was instructed by Esurance to come to Auto Fix Pasadena for my car appraisal, and the TLDR is that they seem frantic for work or frantic to finish up work which makes them sloppy with new customers, especially customers who aren't educated about these things like me. Safe to say, I'm not going with Auto Fix.
The second I walked into the office there were a ton of workers who just looked at me like I was in the wrong place, proceeding to continue their conversations and not even attempt to greet or help me. The woman at the table I spoke to was very nice, but I'm not entirely sure she knew anything beyond her desk job which wasn't a good pairing for me, as someone new to body shops. After waiting an unusual amount of time as there were no customers in the shop, I was finally introduced to Ricardo who went to look at my car. He told me that Esurance didn't notify them of my claim but took photos anyway and said he'd call them. The entire experience felt rushed, and I was out of there (minus the waiting time) in about 2 minutes with no helpful information about what needed fixing beyond the doors, or when I would get an estimate. Ricardo honestly just looked like he had better things to do, and that gave a bad first impression. I wasn't sure how the appraisal worked and wanted to understand from him, but now have observed that the appraisal is just a clever tactic by Esurance to force customers to use the shop they want the appraisal done at, and Auto Fix is part of the game.
On my less than 7 minute drive home, I get a call from Auto Fix. When I return it, the woman who helped me in store picks up. She says that they found my claim, that I was pre-approved by Esurance (whatever that means), and I can bring my car in next week. I was confused why this process was suddenly going so fast. As someone who has never been in a not-at-fault accident before let alone an accident on my own insurance, I knew nothing about the process, and wanted to ask some questions of her. I asked what exactly needed to be fixed and how much it would cost since the first shop recommended by my dealership gave me a thorough itemized list of the parts and cost of labor, and at least took a few minutes to point out parts on my car and answer my questions.
I was mostly concerned that the first quote was too high or too low but either way Esurance requested that I get an inspection done at one of their preferred shops. Anyway, the woman on the phone didn't understand what I was asking and had to look me up in their customer list even though I was literally in store about 10 minutes prior. I was put on hold and when I got taken off, Ricardo was on the line. I asked him the same question and he said about 2-3 weeks for fixing and $3500 to pay. I asked him for a copy of this estimate, because I wanted to see it before an appointment and he said I'd get a copy. I scheduled an appointment anyway though because they were clearly very busy and I need my car/a rental for work. I figured I could cancel later if the estimate seemed off. The weird part was that Ricardo said they would send my estimate shortly to Esurance but I'd have to ask Esurance for the details which didn't make any sense to me. I then called and emailed my claims agent from Esurance who said that I would, of course, get a copy when they sent it. Two days go by and I know something is wrong. I call up Auto Fix and speak with Michael this time. I'm giving this review 2 stars instead of 1 just for Michael. Michael tells me that not only have they not started an estimate, but that because I had an appointment, Auto Fix assumed I didn't need one (even though I asked) and wasn't even going to do the estimate until they broke down my car. I wasted two days without progress on my claim because Auto Fix was trying to ensure that I got my car fixed with them by tearing apart my car when I showed up rather than doing a regular visual inspection like Esurance requested. Perhaps this was a misunderstanding, but I think it's kinda shady as someone who wouldn't have been told anything about the process if I hadn't asked. Seems like they were trying to keep me in the dark, and thought I'd just be fine dumping my 2020 hybrid sport sedan with them. Safe to say they definitely lowballed the estimate by about $5000 and they won't be getting anything from me now.
I ended up going to ALLIANCE AUTO BODY. Because of them, I now know more about the claims process, what needs to be fixed on my car and the cost, and why costs could vary. Transparent, patient, and kind the whole way, not to rush your business with them. Even remembered who I was and where I had initially contacted them from (Yelp) and followed up immediately after my visit. If that isn't customer service, I don't know what is. Don't go with Auto Fix even if your insurance recommends it. read more