AboutMark Haben Expertise I can answer any question regarding insurance claims, estimating, customer service issues, proper and improper repairs, or general questions about repair methods.
Experience 11 years in estimating/management in independent and dealer shops. 2 years in paint and body repairs. Vast experience negotiating insurance claims, supplements, and dealing with everyday operations of a collision repair shop. Experienced with all makes and models.
Education/Credentials ASE, ICAR certifications. Various manufacturer training and industry specific management classes also.
Question A month ago I was told to take my truck to this body shop that was an authorized shop for 21st century insurance.
The shop had my car for about a week. When I went to pick it up they had done the worst paint and repair job i've ever seen a body shop do.
They left dents, scratches and obvious damage on panels they promised to repair. They just painted over damage. To my surprise the
woman who was handling the work from the body shop tried to convince me the work was done and complete. This was suppose to be
$1800 worth of body work. Not only that they did not assemble the truck back to its original condition and they lost parts.
What ever you do if you value your car and want quality work DON'T TAKE it to Bakersfield Autobody. The owner Kim avoided
my calls, letters and visits in person.
After leaving the truck and refusing to pick it up, hours later I got a phone call from that unprofessional and reluctant woman
who tried to force an unfinished job on me that they would try a second time to do the job again. Several days later
the truck still had dents and waves, over spray and more parts missing. I can't afford to keep going back for them
to attempt to do the job right nor can I go without my vehicle so I took the truck back and notified the insurance company
and contacted a lawyer.
AT ALL COSTS AVOID THIS SHOP
Bakersfield Auto Body
4851 Stine Road
Bakersfield, California 93311
Phone: (661) 831-8000
Fax: (661) 833-4373
Answer Bob-
I am sorry to hear about this unfortunate incident. My only advice is to avoid wasting any time trying to deal with the shop, that sounds like a lost cause. Refer to the warranty given to you by the insurance company (they should provide a warranty if you took it to their recommended shop) and contact the adjuster in charge of your claim and let them know the repairs were somewhat less than acceptable. Good Luck- Mark
