Prior to my last experience, I was happy with service and body work at Kceps. I have used them multiple times with no issues. In the past, I have been extremely happy. Not this time.
My last experience went like this:
I took my car in for an estimate. I was told there was no way to get an accurate estimate without taking the bumper off to look for deeper damage. I was told to sign a form so that they could put me on the schedule for an estimate. I should have read the form. Basically, the form said that I would be responsible for costs. Buried in the form, it stated that I would be responsible for daily storage fees as well (Kceps storage fee is $75/day whereas most dealership's storage fee is $25/day). I figured all of it would be covered by insurance anyways since I was not at fault in the accident. Once I signed the form, the receptionist scheduled me for the estimate. A few days later I got the estimate emailed to me. I then called to ask if I could pick up my car since the estimate was ready. I figured I would bring it back in a few days for repair if I decided to go through with repairs (vs taking the insurance payout to buy a different car). I needed to head out of town because I needed to help care for my mom after her surgery. I needed my car to get there. The insurance company at fault would not cover a rental car because my car was drivable. I was sent a copy of my bill for the estimate and told I could pick it up once they put the bumper back on. The bill stated that I would owe $1050.80 for the estimate to pick up my car. At this point I was in shock that I could not pick up my car from getting an estimate without paying $1050.80 for an accident where I wasn't at fault . I had my partner call and talk to them. He was able to get the cost of the estimate down to $487. I paid, picked up my car, and drove out of town to my mom for her surgery.
Later, the insurance stated estimates should be free, and that they would not cover the cost of the estimate. At this point I feel like someone took advantage of me. I have asked several people. They all think it is strange that I was charged for an estimate. Apparently this is not normal and estimates are no-charge at other body shops.
I am not sure if there is anything I can do (other than a charge back that leaves me with extreme guilt). I was not at fault in the accident per the police report. The insurance is willing to pay for repairs but not an estimate because estimates should not cost anything. Well, it did cost $487 and now I feel stuck with these charges that I shouldn't have had to pay.
I do plan to have the car repaired. But now I am confused. I was told that I would have to repay the $487 to have my car repaired at Kceps in addition to the other costs. I really feel wronged. I am not at fault, so why am I paying almost $1000.
In addition to this, both my insurance and the insurance of the person at fault, stated that Kceps estimates include a lot of "unnecessary fluff." Per my insurance, they charge 3x the amount a car dealership would charge for the same repairs and storage. I am not educated on this and cannot comment otherwise. But if I choose not to repair the car, I will only get about half of Kceps estimate. Per my insurance
adjuster: "this bill has a lot of fluff. They are way overcharging for everything." read more