Fender Bender and Gieco (Edison, Plainfield: rental car, rental, insurance)

[Venky]

Guys, My friend just had an accident in NJ and front bumper/radiator seem to be damaged. Luckily no body injuries. Does anyone know a good auto body repair shop in Middlesex county? Gieco gave him one month rental car. I heard that these Auto body shops delay the repairs. So I would really appreciate if anyone can give a reliable auto body shop information. Also, any tips in dealing with Gieco?

[Venky]

Anyone?

[Venky]

Did anyone use this repair shop before? Bob Nagys Auto body shop in Edison? They seem to be have good rating in google reviews.

[todd72173]

Normally the insurance company will tell you where to go for body work. Talk to your insurance company and ask about it.

[Jrz77]

I would ask Geico who their prefeerred auto body shops are. Just don't go to South Plainfield Auto Body. I had my work done there, and they did a horrible job.

[G.Costanza]

Originally Posted by todd72173

Normally the insurance company will tell you where to go for body work. Talk to your insurance company and ask about it.

They cannot tell you where to go, only suggest or recommend. Legally you can go to any licensed facility and your insurance company cannot make you do otherwise.

I would check out this thread, it's a little more north NJ-focused but some of the names like Douglas in Summit might not be too far from you.

Also read the comments here about how to handle the claim. For example, your insurance co may tell you to bring your car to their shop for 'an inspection' first. You are not legally obligated to do that either. If you take your car to any licensed facility, all you have to do is tell your ins co where the car is - it is up to them to send their inspector out there.

Lastly, do not use up your rental allowance unnecessarily. Unless you've had some frame damage, you should be in and out in a week. Maybe 10 days depending on how many panels need to replaced and repainted.

[RobRiguez]

Edison collision on Rt1 did some work for me a couple years ago. Everything went smooth even tho I had many reservations based on initial impressions of the people working there. Im glad my gut feeling was wrong.

[carlo2009]

I had GEICO when I first started driving back in the 60's, they decided to leave the state of NJ and left all their auto policy holders in limbo. I would never deal with them again. Was shocked the state of NJ let them back in to do business again..somebody got a kickback!

[Venky]

Thanks everyone for all the great tips. He is also speaking with some Hyundai dealers.