Opti
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Post by Opti on May 1, 2023 12:29:05 GMT -5
Reminder for people who skim, when my car was dropped off at the body shop on the afternoon of 4/19, initially the shop manager thought it might be no big deal. I do not know what I am going to do. When I am not sleeping I talk to much and people misunderstand me. It was only after the shop manager of the first body shop contacted the AAA case manager did he decide it was a big deal and OMG how will I/the shop be paid? For me it's a duh, I have been assured that I MUST OBTAIN AN ESTIMATE PRIOR TO AAA even looking at the claim in addition to filling out the form and attaching the photos I took with my iPhone. So, I knew as of that day, the $$$ for the estimate is coming straight out of my bank account. (Hopefully I get reimbursed at a future date, but this may be like my UE saga. )
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 1, 2023 12:32:21 GMT -5
In summary, in the near future, I have to pay for a
tow to another body shop the estimate on the damage
the minimum I will have to pay after that is- cost of repairs to make it drivable OR another tow to place TBD
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jerseygirl
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Post by jerseygirl on May 1, 2023 12:46:35 GMT -5
Reminder for people who skim, when my car was dropped off at the body shop on the afternoon of 4/19, initially the shop manager thought it might be no big deal. I do not know what I am going to do. When I am not sleeping I talk to much and people misunderstand me. It was only after the shop manager of the first body shop contacted the AAA case manager did he decide it was a big deal and OMG how will I/the shop be paid? For me it's a duh, I have been assured that I MUST OBTAIN AN ESTIMATE PRIOR TO AAA even looking at the claim in addition to filling out the form and attaching the photos I took with my iPhone. So, I knew as of that day, the $$$ for the estimate is coming straight out of my bank account. (Hopefully I get reimbursed at a future date, but this may be like my UE saga. ) Have you called any (how many?) body shops and asked if an estimate is free? Or costs? I’ve unfortunately have needed body shops and none ever charged for an estimate
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CCL
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Post by CCL on May 1, 2023 13:09:33 GMT -5
I've never paid for an estimate, either. Never even heard of being charged for an estimate until this thread.
So, is the reason body shops don't want to give estimates/do the repairs because the car's too old and a lack of available parts?
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on May 1, 2023 15:33:32 GMT -5
Body work is so expensive for even small things. I can't imagine it will be less than what a 20 year car is worth. I definitely wouldn't pay for an estimate, and would push for what they'll do assuming it's a total loss.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on May 1, 2023 20:12:56 GMT -5
I don't understand paying for an estimate. I've never ever paid for those. I've had them done in 2 different states and they were always free.
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Mardi Gras Audrey
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Post by Mardi Gras Audrey on May 1, 2023 20:47:02 GMT -5
You need to let your insurance company duke it out with AAA (Assuming you have comprehensive coverage). They should get it towed to one of their (your insurance) contracted body shops. They should give you/your insurance company an estimate. Then the insurance company says here is what we will fix or total the car. Then they will subrogate and get the $$ back from the tow company or AAA or whoever.
I’ve dealt with accidents with USAA coverage (for me) and many other insurances for others (and no insurance). In all of them, the Insurance company got it towed to their contracted yard/shop and went from there. No estimates were paid by me and the insurance companies (met life, farmers, usaa, etc) worked it out amongst themselves. The only time my deductible came up was when the other company was still determining fault and usaa was going to have me pay that for the repair (not the estimate). By the time the work was done, fault was determined and I paid 0
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Post by minnesotapaintlady on May 2, 2023 9:23:43 GMT -5
Reminder for people who skim, when my car was dropped off at the body shop on the afternoon of 4/19, initially the shop manager thought it might be no big deal. I do not know what I am going to do. When I am not sleeping I talk to much and people misunderstand me. It was only after the shop manager of the first body shop contacted the AAA case manager did he decide it was a big deal and OMG how will I/the shop be paid? For me it's a duh, I have been assured that I MUST OBTAIN AN ESTIMATE PRIOR TO AAA even looking at the claim in addition to filling out the form and attaching the photos I took with my iPhone. So, I knew as of that day, the $$$ for the estimate is coming straight out of my bank account. (Hopefully I get reimbursed at a future date, but this may be like my UE saga. ) Where is it now? Isn't it still sitting at the shop?
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 2, 2023 15:49:21 GMT -5
Reminder for people who skim, when my car was dropped off at the body shop on the afternoon of 4/19, initially the shop manager thought it might be no big deal. I do not know what I am going to do. When I am not sleeping I talk to much and people misunderstand me. It was only after the shop manager of the first body shop contacted the AAA case manager did he decide it was a big deal and OMG how will I/the shop be paid? For me it's a duh, I have been assured that I MUST OBTAIN AN ESTIMATE PRIOR TO AAA even looking at the claim in addition to filling out the form and attaching the photos I took with my iPhone. So, I knew as of that day, the $$$ for the estimate is coming straight out of my bank account. (Hopefully I get reimbursed at a future date, but this may be like my UE saga. ) Where is it now? Isn't it still sitting at the shop? Yes. I called a shop that I dealt with in the recent past. They might be able to help me. So, I probably won't be on this thread the next day or two. Going to download pics from phone to Windows laptop and then email out. (Tomorrow's goal.) Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
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Post by minnesotapaintlady on May 2, 2023 16:06:02 GMT -5
Won't the place where its at give an estimate?
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 2, 2023 23:04:37 GMT -5
Won't the place where its at give an estimate? No. They refused to after they spoke to the AAA case manager. Their refusal is why I've been jumping through hoops so much and so very unhappy/confused.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 9, 2023 9:48:55 GMT -5
May start a new thread on this so I don't have to remember the start of this mess.
Car is in a body shop that will do an estimate. Will hopefully contact me this morning. Might have missed the call. Doctor's appointment later today, so will concentrate on that now until back home after the appointment.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 10, 2023 0:47:19 GMT -5
Estimate came in but is in a weird format to me.
It says there is no body damage. There is, its just not that visible. Its in one of the two pics I sent to this shop and AAA. I'll have to see if I can sleep soon so I can try drawing a yellow line or something around where I can see broken stuff.
I briefly spoke to the service writer, and most of the damage is the radiator. However it can't be fixed first, because body damage has to be fixed so they can put it where it needs to be. Also not sure why they are specifying VW/Audi coolant for a BMW unless hopefully the drop down went wrong. Apparently a very busy day for the shop and a very busy day for me as I had to scramble to get a ride to my doctor's appointment. My planned ride misremembered the date, and had something at the same exact time in a different town.
Church people to the rescue! Going to have to do a lot of singing with the choir and other stuff as thanks.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 10, 2023 1:27:04 GMT -5
One interesting thing. In the estimate there is a pic of the front of my car. There is a tow hook in front that looks like my tow hook that the guy told me gave way.
Curious. Unfortunately, it is in the front where I think the tow guy before him stripped the threading by forcing it in. Now I want to ask the shop manager of the AAA accredited facility how it was put on the flat bed. Pulled up from the front using my missing tow hook?
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 10, 2023 6:02:05 GMT -5
So my attempt to sleep 4 hours in a row has failed miserably as my mind is really upset about the estimate report saying there was no body damage. There is body damage. It is in the pic I sent to the manager of the shop. It is low, and it is the passenger side front corner of the car, where it hit the low retaining wall. There are scratches too that weren't there at 9AM when I called for the tow.
Now to wait until 8AM to speak with someone at the shop. See if I can edit that pic and draw around the damage and maybe even giant angry arrows at where black parts were cracked and I think a metal piece may have broken.
Sigh
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 10, 2023 7:53:07 GMT -5
Caught yet again by the failures and weirdness of Yahoo email. So if I open the estimate in Yahoo. Yahoo interprets entries as 0% and if I use my Internet provider email it just shows it as not determined or assigned. So will switch to Internet Provider email for now. Looks like the tow accident probably caused some oil damage too. It wasn't good before, but I think it got worse.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on May 10, 2023 8:08:58 GMT -5
I don't know, Opti. I think you should cut your losses with this car. By that, I dont mean not pursue the damages AAA may owe you. You should continue with that.
But you should also focus in improving your current situation. Unfortunately, seems like it's time for another car. It's terrible timing, for sure, with the car market being so expensive and weird. Maybe someone at your church has an older vehicle they want to get rid of. Someone suggested this already. It's an excellent idea. I got my first car from a friend, older car in good shape. He allowed me to make monthly payments on it.
You should focus on sleeping better, because without that you cannot function. Work. Are you going to work? Take care of sleeping, working, and you'll probably need an additional part-time job.
Hope everything works out for you.
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seriousthistime
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Post by seriousthistime on May 10, 2023 9:18:17 GMT -5
Estimate came in but is in a weird format to me. It says there is no body damage. There is, its just not that visible. Its in one of the two pics I sent to this shop and AAA. I'll have to see if I can sleep soon so I can try drawing a yellow line or something around where I can see broken stuff. I briefly spoke to the service writer, and most of the damage is the radiator. However it can't be fixed first, because body damage has to be fixed so they can put it where it needs to be. Also not sure why they are specifying VW/Audi coolant for a BMW unless hopefully the drop down went wrong. Apparently a very busy day for the shop and a very busy day for me as I had to scramble to get a ride to my doctor's appointment. My planned ride misremembered the date, and had something at the same exact time in a different town. Church people to the rescue! Going to have to do a lot of singing with the choir and other stuff as thanks. Surprised to read this. From your descriptions it seemed there was quite a bit of damage. If it were me, I wouldn't stress about drawing a yellow line on a picture. I'd call the shop and explain where the damage is, and what your concern is regarding the radiator or other mechanicals. It This part doesn't have to be an ordeal.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 10, 2023 14:10:22 GMT -5
Estimate came in but is in a weird format to me. It says there is no body damage. There is, its just not that visible. Its in one of the two pics I sent to this shop and AAA. I'll have to see if I can sleep soon so I can try drawing a yellow line or something around where I can see broken stuff. I briefly spoke to the service writer, and most of the damage is the radiator. However it can't be fixed first, because body damage has to be fixed so they can put it where it needs to be. Also not sure why they are specifying VW/Audi coolant for a BMW unless hopefully the drop down went wrong. Apparently a very busy day for the shop and a very busy day for me as I had to scramble to get a ride to my doctor's appointment. My planned ride misremembered the date, and had something at the same exact time in a different town. Church people to the rescue! Going to have to do a lot of singing with the choir and other stuff as thanks. Surprised to read this. From your descriptions it seemed there was quite a bit of damage. If it were me, I wouldn't stress about drawing a yellow line on a picture. I'd call the shop and explain where the damage is, and what your concern is regarding the radiator or other mechanicals. It This part doesn't have to be an ordeal. The ordeal is how AAA will pay for this and how that process goes. I started doing pieces of things, because I am not a master of my brain at the moment and my ability with email. pics, and computers comes and goes. Yeah I'm struggling and stressing big time. Trying not to give up and just do one thing at a time, one step at a time. Trust in god, trust in god. Rinse & repeat.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 11, 2023 5:48:02 GMT -5
Today's big goal is to have a body shop person look at the car and probably move it to that shop or it will have to land in my parking spot. Not looking forward to this. Found out yesterday afternoon, I will be charged a $100/day storage fee if the car is not moved from where it is now. Another AAA tow, not sure of the distance. What is going on with the data miners? I have an ad on this YMAM page informing me the NJ courts are hiring.
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plugginaway22
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Post by plugginaway22 on May 12, 2023 7:08:19 GMT -5
What is going on with your job? Did they approve FMLA? With all of your other difficulties that seems most worrisome to me.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 12, 2023 7:20:39 GMT -5
What is going on with your job? Did they approve FMLA? With all of your other difficulties that seems most worrisome to me. I have to get that paperwork out, which is tough. Although at times I may make sense here, its a fleeting thing. Doing the paperwork and not screwing it up is hard. I did slip a deadline on that, and hope that perhaps I can at least get the FMLA stuff done. Unfortunately since I had not seen my doctor in years, he and the practice declined using that appointment for the short term disability paperwork, etc. So it puts me in a bind because my original new patient appointment is about a week away. As it is, he did not have the scrip I needed for sleep scheduled to be filled right away. He put today's date on it for some reason. So now I have to find a ride to that pharmacy as they do not deliver. I have a small amount of energy and sense depending on how well I slept the night before, etc. I'm out of my OTC allergy meds and that is a problem as well. Hoping someone in my complex can take me to pick up my scrip today. My plan is to fill out FMLA paperwork this weekend. If I am capable, I might have an online version to send, otherwise I have the mailing out issue as well. HR is aware I intend to get the FMLA paperwork done this weekend if doable by me by myself. Really wish I had a partner or I was younger and my mom was around. Pre Alzheimers sometimes she flew out to take care of me if I hit a medical crisis like this.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on May 12, 2023 9:11:27 GMT -5
Can you ask siblings for help with paperwork? They wouldn't have to fly out, but I agree, protecting your job is more important than the car.
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jerseygirl
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Post by jerseygirl on May 12, 2023 9:14:21 GMT -5
Opti seems you changed your ‘name’ ! So both of us are ‘ NJ girls’ !
Could your sister help you through this difficult time? One of the choir members? Some towns have social workers , does yours? Some companies offer services such as mental health etc. Think the bank you’re working for is large does it have an EAP program? You seem to get overwhelmed by details. Are you writing down in the morning what you want to accomplish that day? Not the overarching issue but little things like 1. Call xyz. 2. Fill out abc. Etc etc
If you don’t get for example #2 done then add it to next day If you organize the details then the details aren’t the huge overwhelming miasma of worry
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Pink Cashmere
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Post by Pink Cashmere on May 12, 2023 12:57:49 GMT -5
I’ve dealt with FMLA paperwork several times before, and besides writing my name, work hours and job duties, the doctor has to fill out the rest of the paperwork. Some doctors charge a fee for filling out the paperwork.
At my job, we have 15 days from the first day of our absence to submit the paperwork. We can call HR and ask for an extension, but idk how many extra days that is.
Are you sure you don’t need a doctor to fill out the form for you?
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 12, 2023 20:36:36 GMT -5
Opti seems you changed your ‘name’ ! So both of us are ‘ NJ girls’ ! Could your sister help you through this difficult time? One of the choir members? Some towns have social workers , does yours? Some companies offer services such as mental health etc. Think the bank you’re working for is large does it have an EAP program? You seem to get overwhelmed by details. Are you writing down in the morning what you want to accomplish that day? Not the overarching issue but little things like 1. Call xyz. 2. Fill out abc. Etc etc If you don’t get for example #2 done then add it to next day If you organize the details then the details aren’t the huge overwhelming miasma of worry I'm overwhelmed because I am not sleeping. Its really that simple. I know some people can survive and even thrive on 4 hrs of sleep or less for weeks on end. That's not me. This has always been my tipping point. I am also older and recently changed jobs. If I had a partner with a car I wouldn't be stranded and unable to get my meds and need to beg to get to a doctor's appointment. Almost every single person I reach out to is unavailable or swamped. Its just a super bad time all around for some reason. And I called Enterprise to find out an intermediate rental car for a week is more than I make in a week. Sweet, huh?
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 12, 2023 20:42:08 GMT -5
I’ve dealt with FMLA paperwork several times before, and besides writing my name, work hours and job duties, the doctor has to fill out the rest of the paperwork. Some doctors charge a fee for filling out the paperwork. At my job, we have 15 days from the first day of our absence to submit the paperwork. We can call HR and ask for an extension, but idk how many extra days that is. Are you sure you don’t need a doctor to fill out the form for you? I know the doctor has to fill it out. The problem was multiple things. Since I wasn't enrolled in the practice it was hard to get an appointment. Since I hadn't been there in awhile, the doctor declined to do the paperwork on the 9th. So luckily the time has been extended to just after my originally scheduled appointment toward the end of next week.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on May 13, 2023 9:25:29 GMT -5
FWIW, I have to focus on both the job and the car. I can't walk to work, and I am not wealthy enough to rent a car. I checked rental prices and one week intermediate is higher than my pay for the week. Only a few hundred under my take home for two weeks when I work Saturdays.
Strength wise one walk to the end of the block and back is all I am up to in a day, and sadly not even that sometimes.
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on May 13, 2023 12:58:02 GMT -5
I am guessing there isn't a rent a wreck car rental in your area. Turo is probably outside your budget but is an option for when the rental car companies are sold out. Sending my best for all of your issues to resolve quickly, easily.
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obelisk
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Post by obelisk on Jul 27, 2023 7:50:53 GMT -5
Estimate came in but is in a weird format to me. It says there is no body damage. There is, its just not that visible. Its in one of the two pics I sent to this shop and AAA. I'll have to see if I can sleep soon so I can try drawing a yellow line or something around where I can see broken stuff. I briefly spoke to the service writer, and most of the damage is the radiator. However it can't be fixed first, because body damage has to be fixed so they can put it where it needs to be. Also not sure why they are specifying VW/Audi coolant for a BMW unless hopefully the drop down went wrong. Apparently a very busy day for the shop and a very busy day for me as I had to scramble to get a ride to my doctor's appointment. My planned ride misremembered the date, and had something at the same exact time in a different town. Church people to the rescue! Going to have to do a lot of singing with the choir and other stuff as thanks. Hi Opti, we are wondering for an update on your car being damaged by the AAA tow truck and how AAA recompensated you for the damages to your car. Just wondering how AAA deals with damages caused by their 3rd party tows.
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