Hello, was involved in an at fault accident. Have geico full coverage. Do I use the geico recommended shop or go to MB dealer? My lease is due for return in weeks.
I’m trying to repair it in a way that is acceptable for MB when returning lease without any extra fees but also doesn’t make my insurance rates extra high because I didn’t use geico’s cheaper recommended shop.
Appreciate any info, thanks.
Entirely up to you, as long as the repairs are done to spec. How much damage are we talking about?
Have you had the return pre-inspection done?
You’ll probably need to extend the lease. But really depends on how much damage there is
As mentioned you won’t be on the hook for it as long as it’s repaired properly.
I would reach out to your local MB dealer, see if they have a recommended (preferably MB certified) auto body shop they work with. Perhaps you could arrange for the work to be done, and the car be grounded at the dealer right after?
You would still be liable for other damages not related to the accident. So if possible take photos etc between completion of the work and turning the lease in officially.
Rear ended someone, no airbags all the damage is towards front driver corner. Headlight, hood, bumper, fender damaged. Drove the car back home. Doubt it is totalled but probably over 10k damage
Have not done the inspection was going to next week. Lease is due back in 20 days actually. I did not know extending was even an option.
Geico authorized repair center = repair done to spec?
Last time I used their repair center was about 7 years ago and it was a huge body shop attached to a chevy dealer and they were working on all makes and models
Preferably not… it’s not your job to save the insurers money and get nothing back in return. Maybe they’ll even cut some corners to stay in the preferred shop pay plan, who knows
Was only considering it if it would help out any way in my upcoming rate increase due to this accident.
Just figured if I don’t play ball with geico, they will give me the max rate hike.
As many other users mentioned, you won’t be on the hook if the car is repaired and restored to reasonable standard.
However, don’t be too quick to use a MB shop vs others within Geico’s network. Choose a shop based on the cost to fix the car. From Personal experience, I spent 3 years paying back an insurance surcharge based on the costs of all the damages. So if Mb shop charges $4000 and the other is $2500 to do an acceptable job, go with the cheaper even though your deductible is the same. It saves you in the long run.
Good luck.
I wouldn’t sweat the cost difference of the repairs between shops as your deductible is your deductible. At the end of the day, you’re in an at fault accident. Insurance companies froth at the mouth to raise rates. They’ll be raising them whether you pick their Geico shop or a certified MB one. My 2 cents, go with the MB shop, so you don’t face extra charges at turn-in. Your rates are going up regardless. They want you in their shop so they can not only minimize their costs, but raise your rates while minimizing their costs.These are for profit corporations that maximize ROI to their stakeholders in any way possible. They act like they care about you, but they care just as much as the life insurance company does when you’re filing a death claim…
if it were me, especially close to lease turn in, if the MB body shop is on the geico list, i would lean there. especially with it due back in 20 days, if they have it, it’s on them that may help you out.
as for prices, last time i dealt with geico, they have their adjuster check over damage and repair estimates anyways, and approve parts (new versus reconditioned etc). as long as geico works with them it should be OK. As someone else said, if you have a 500 or 1000 deductible, you’ll pay it regardless of where you go anyways.
Geico shop fixed my BMW. Looked perfect.
Of course, not all shops are created equal.
My rates increased based on the total cost of my claim. Even though my deductible was $500, I still benefited from lower repair costs. I don’t suggest OP go a cheap route but don’t assume MB repairs are 10x better than another shop (less costly) authorized by Geico.
Can you return with the damage and let MB charge Geico their assessment? Otherwise you’ll miss the return deadline and will have to pay for add’l rent?
Once you drop the vehicle, you should regularly check the progress. Body shops are notorious about their timing estimates and they will take jobs in between with little pressure from their customers.