[BMWrules7]

This is why you never make a side deal and go behind the back of your insurance company.

There are too many things that can go wrong in the process. The simple fact that an "alignment" was included on a brand new car tells me that someone was thinking there might be more here than a scratch. That could point to hidden damage.

Plus, by the OP's failure to notify his insurance company and allow them to examine the original damage, he has probably waived any right to collect reimbursement for any and all damages related to or stemming from this claim. So, the OP is left in the cold. One free phone call to his insurance company could have changed everything. Especially, if this accident were not his fault.

If there were some hidden damage to the wheels or underbody, however slight, the insurance company is off the hook.

A car is at its peak value when you drive it off the lot, so you would want to consider filing a claim for something like this when the car is new...this is important to have the work completed properly to preserve warranty rights. If this car were seven years old you might think about handling the claim this way, but not when she is so new. You should know, however, making side deals at any time without your insurance company's knowledge is a violation of your policy terms and could even amount to fraud.

This is why you have insurance. Let the insurance company intervene. You are more likely to get something done by yelling at the insurance claim specialist that has access to money to pay your claim than you are yelling at some poor body shop owner that is having a bad day.

Finally, if you went through your insurance company then the you could be entitled to have them subrogate and get you 100 percent of your rental fees back. This might depend on your state.

I realize your frustration. The body shop did try to make good a little bit and I am not convinced the body shop should be blasted so badly this early in the dispute. Please keep us posted.

Originally Posted by NYCE90DRIVER

Here is the E Mail to the Manager about my experience with Hassel BMW Certified Collision Center in Freeport, NY. DO NOT GO THERE !

Mr. Cordina,

I simply do not know where to begin. My recent experience at your Hassel "Certified BMW Collision Center" was TERRIBLE on so many levels that it is simply mind-numbing.

On 2/1/2012, my vehicles left side was scratched while parked by a minor "side swipe". The person who hit me left a note and promised to make good financially. He kept his promise.

I decided to bring my A TWO MONTH OLD 2012 535 to you rather than another shop I am familiar with for years... BIG MISTAKE.

Firstly, "Service Advisor" Mr. Tom Confessore needs to rethink his theory that every customer in a naive, know-nothing idiot. When I was younger, I used to inspect new cars and lease returns for an independent leasing company that specialized in "Exotic Cars" so I am well aware

of what SHODDY body shop work looks like. Also, my wife was Office Manager at a Body shop for 3 years.


When I originally asked him how long it would be to do this job, Mr. Confessore told me "6 working days". Mr. Confessore gave me an estimate of 2,390.41 which supposedly included wheel refinishing and alignment. I brought my vehicle in, A TWO MONTH OLD 2012 535,

before noon on Thursday 2/2/2012. I was called Wednesday 2/8 and told that my car would be ready on 2/9. I was then called on 2/9 and told that my car would NOT be ready until 2/10. When I brought the car in, I told Mr. Confessore that I was I was leaving for Florida on

business on 2/11, he made a point of telling me several times how he was "doing me a favor" and "pushing my car in ahead" of others to get it done. Maybe you can explain this since I got it back 6 working days after I brought it in ? (6.5 if you include the first day) I was also

misquoted on the so-called "special Hassel rate" for my rental car a Enterprise. The person who hit my car gave me $300 for car rental in addition to damages, which I was assured would be enough. I had to haggle and complain at Enterprise to get the rate reduced and it STILL

cost me 393.46. Part of this was for the extra day which YOU should have paid for. (more on this later)

I then came to pick up my Vehicle.


The first thing I notice is some sort of residue on the passenger side door. Mr. Confessore has someone remove it (he says it's road tar...it isn't). I didn't yet notice that "it" was also on the rear bumper as well as a few other spots…and still is.


Then I inspect the "paint work"… honestly, I have seen better paint jobs from MAACO. HOW can you release a vehicle after performing such an obviously inferior work ? Do you have NO pride in what you do ? Not only is the paint uneven

and not properly blended but there are FOUR dings and what looks like poor clear coat blending/feathering in the paint on the C pillar !

THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR AND NOT A LEASE… I AM GOING TO HAVE IT FOR 4 YEARS !!!


Mr. Confessore's response ? "Oh, I'll have those rubbed out" he knew damn well that they wouldn't come out and made me sit there like a fool while he tried (and failed) to cover up the DISGUSTING, incompetent work that had been done, along with trying (and failing) to have the

rest of whatever that residue is (not overspray) removed (there is still plenty on the car). Mr. Confessore then makes a dramatic entrance back into the office and announces to me: "That's not coming out…the Job has to be re-done" He then brings me in the shop to show me. I

see someone trying to get off more of that residue which should have been taken care of before the car was released (especially since it wasn't there when I brought it in). Disgusted, I go back into the office. Confessore then says that he will "redo it and pay for a rental"

The asks that my money be taken from me. I stupidly paid the entire bill ($2,390) in cash.


I then complained once again about the additional rental fee which I STILL feel that YOU owe me. Mr. Confessore then made a big to-do about calling Enterprise and when they told him they had already reduced my rate he told me that there was nothing more he could do. I then

gave him a "are you f#@king kidding me look" to which he responded with "Do you want me to refund you the $90.00 ?" I said: Yes. He then told "Office Manager" or whatever she is to give me the money back, she said: "I already closed it" he said: Ohhh, too late now, I can't give

you the money back; she already closed it… don't worry I'll give you a free detail" (!!???!!!) TOTAL BULLSHIT. Part of my job is setting up invoicing and POS systems for restaurants and I am very computer literate. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT IF YOU WANT TO. Rather then

losing my temper and causing a scene, I forced myself to remain calm at this point. I also found Mr. Confessore's cavalier attitude toward the whole situation simply unbelievable and infuriating.


I now have an invoice in my hand which is suspiciously short on details for the charges. On it is hand written: "LEFT PANEL NEEDS TO BE REDONE! -WE WILL PAY FOR RENTAL" I have now been there nearly 2 hours. I have to leave for Florida tomorrow (today) for 1-2 months to

open a new restaurant and I am (was) shipping my car (by covered car carrier) not sure if I can get the same arrangement next weekend and I may have to drive it.


NOW. This is what is GOING to happen: I am postponing my trip until next weekend. I cannot stand to look at the car, it's sickening. I want this job done NOW and CORRECTLY. You are doing the job over. If you can't do a proper paint job I will send it to someone who can and

YOU will pay for it. I want a partial refund for the time and money you have and will cost me. I want a DETAILED INVOICE explaining all the work you did... NOT meaningless codes. Also, you were supposed to do an alignment… WHERE is the proof of that ?

I will have the job inspected by a third party who has been painting cars for Mercedes, BMW an Rolls for 25 years. If he finds something that I don't. It will be repainted. If you have a problem with ANY of this please tell me ASAP. You will deal with my lawyer; Robert * ******

from then on. I will also happily post this letter as a warning on EVERY BMW Forum there is, including the BMW CCA.

Obviously, "BMW CERTIFIED Collision Center" is meaningless and I will NEVER deal with you again nor will I service my car at Hassel ever again, as I have been since 2007. I am also taking this up with BMW NA about just what constitutes "Certified"

Joseph A ......