Accident Repairer Trying to Fob Us Off

[Porschegal]

Posting on behalf of elderly parents. They've had their 3 series since new, 10 year old, 44k miles. Hit by 3rd party and sent to repair. Repairer phones dad and says "there's a problem with central locking, will you accept car?" Dad says yes. Dad doesn't hear so well on phone so not sure he understood what he was saying 'yes' to. Car is delivered back and mum sees dad opening car via key into the door and not via fob. She goes outside and questions this and is made aware of problem. Good old mum kicks up a fuss and after speaking to the office sends car back to get issue resolved.

I've taken over liaising with repairer and today I get a call to say it "may be accident damage" and "this is a known fault with BMWs". I refuted both points as central locking was working fine when they took the car and said any issue is of their causing. They offered to to get the issue fixed by BMW and bill my parents. I've declined this offer and told them to sort it. However I don't think this will be the end of it.

In nearly 30 years of driving and car repairs I've never had an issue with a bodyshop so hoping for some tips and guidance on how to deal with this.

[itcaptainslow]

First question is - did they choose their own bodyshop or was it one the insurer sent it to/recommended?

[Porschegal]

Insurer recommended. My own car went there too last year and so I thought it would be fine.

[itcaptainslow]

If it’s recommended by the insurer don’t bother complaining to the bodyshop - just go straight to the insurer and complain to them. Things will be sorted a lot more quickly.

[ingenieur]

Could have welded through a wire or short-circuited the welder through the cars electrical system.

Might be helpful to have it diagnosed by a third-party but don't necessarily have to declare outcome to anybody straight away. Would be helpful to know what is happening with it.

[Porschegal]

Thanks for the tips. I'll get onto the insurance company today.

[Alex_225]

Definitely speak with the insurance company. Knowing how these bodyshops charge insurers more for work than the average person asking for repairs, they won't want to lose that set up I wouldn't think.

Annoying how these firms operate though as someone somewhere knows that issue occurred whilst in their hands.

[vikingaero]

Most Insurers offer "lifetime" guarantee on accident repairs whilst you own and insure it with them, and if the repairs aren't up to standard then don't be afraid to contact your Insurer and get them to resolve it. And the magic words are: Formal complaint.

[FMOB]

The answer is yes they are.

As it is the insurers approved Body shop then go to the insurer, the bodyshop have already shown their colours by sending it back like that.