Geico Problem

[BushWacke]

I did a repair for a lady who had full coverage geico insurance. Geico gave me a claim number while i was in the middle of the work and told me that they would get back with me and give me a refferral. Almost a week later and nothing. Ive called them several times and they tell me that they are waiting on the customer to fax them some papers on a previous wreck that the customer had to make sure the damage was fixed, but for some reason the customer cant find time to send it. I asked geico that once the customer sends the info, will geico contact me to let me know that everything has been approved, and they said NO, it is up for the customer to call me and give me the referral number. This is really starting to irritate me. So basically what i am seeing is that if the customer fails to send this, im screwed, unless i attempt to bill them, which i think would be a waste of time considering that i told them that it would be free if they used there insurance. Have any of you ever experienced this problem, if so, what should i do? I dont want to call the customer any more and aggrivate them, it shoudl be up to geico to handle this problem.

[mafsu]

It's the customer who is screwing you around. I agree that Geico was no straight with you in the beginning. I would pester the customer continuosly until you get paid. That is how collections works, and like it or not that is the position the customer has put you in. In fact the customer did not use their insurance so they are liable.

[paintlessplus]

I'll try to help.... just a couple of questions.

1. Are you a member of SGC network or ACT ?
2. Were you planning to directbill Geico originally for this repair ?
3. What phone # or who did you call to report the claim ?

From what I'm seeing now, I would recommend trying to collect through the SGC as they have the inside connection and will get a cut when you get paid. Last I heard Geico pays $49.95 for a chip. SGC will send you a check for $49.95.

If SGC won't help I have a couple of #s for Geico glass claims 800-510-2291 or 800-510-7246.

I wouldn't hassle the insured any further unless you are on good terms and he will write you a check for $49.95. Then Geico will reimburse him. Bob

[paintlessplus]

I would also agree with the mafsu post..this customer appears to be a deadbeat.

[mafsu]

Just wanted to add that No insurance company is going to pay a claim if the insured's policy is not up to date. Make sure you get the customer to sign that they are liable for payment if the insurance company fails to pay. In this instance I think you will be stuck getting the money from the insured. Take control of the situation, go after the customer. That's your money she is keeping you from getting. If the insurance company will pay, then it's the customer not SGC or ACT who has more pull with them to get them to pay. I wouldn't worry about pestering this customer as I wouldn't want repeat business from them. If your worried about her bad mouthing you. Anyone she will tell will already know she's a deadbeat. #1 rule of being in business for yourself, Don't let anyone mess with your money.

[BushWacke]

I am a member of the SGC network
I usually fax a bill to glass comp and they tend to the rest.
I usually call the number on the back of the insured card.
It is also a three chip repair, so were talking about $70 instead of $50

[paintlessplus]

I think I'd still just try to fax the above info that you described to SGC along with a copy of your invoice and claim number. SGC fax =614-210-9504 They might be able to help. After rereading your post and racking my brain, I think that this ladys claims file is probably red flagged from this previous damage claim. She may be trying to defraud them after recieving a check for damages and never having the vehicle repaired. This customer may have absolutely no pull with the insurance company to get you paid. I'd also go to Geicos web site to contact or fax them your bill directly.

If you really want to shake Geicos tree, talk to someone in glass claims and explain that you were given a claim number and promised that they would get back to you and THEY NEVER DID. Then tell them that if you don't get satisfaction soon, you are going to contact the LA state insurance commisioner, you'll have them jumping through hoops to take care of you. I used this threat with State Farm on a body shop dispute years ago and got an unbelievable fast response.

Good Luck - I hope this helps, I just got a feeling that the customer will be hard to collect from.... Bob

[nixquax]

Sounds to me like the customer is a flake. Don't waste your time trying to collect for this repair. It it happens, cool. It it doesn't remember....always get the payment details out of the way BEFORE you start the job!
Nrz.

[mafsu]

What I was trying to point out is that I agree she probably(or at least they think) she has defrauded them. A claim # is not a commitment to pay only a tracking #.

[scratchy]

Once in a while a claim goes belly up. FWIW if anything gets fishy when on the line with the insurance I will get off the phone and go the cash route even at a reduced rate if needed. I measure my success by a daily take. Having a claim go belly up later screws up my numbers and sets me behind.

For anyone that hasn't figured this out yet, farmers and geico are the worst companies to deal with and will give you the most problems pound for pound.