I was directed by my insurance company, USAA, to get an estimate for some body work done by these guys after a small hit and run on my Volvo. I came down and met with the owner, Richard, a bitter, angry guy who barely gave me the time of day.
He took photos of the damage and I asked him how much it would cost to repair. He asked me how much my deductible was and I told him $500. So he said it would cost $500 if I paid cash and didn't submit it to my insurance company. That should have been my cue to get out of there but I was already on the LES and needed the get the car fixed. I also was hearing a small whirring noise come out of the engine compartment that he told me he would be able to fix that easily at a minimal extra cost.
Fast forward 2 weeks. The car is finally back from his ""shop"" and Richard tells me the total is $1700. $1200 of which was to fix the whirring sound.
He sent me the invoice which some made up document without any parts invoices or labor detail. He also demanded that I pay cash. I was unable to get to the garage that day and my wife didn't have enough cash in her account to cover the bill so I told him I'd have to come back later in the week to pay him.
I then get a call from his secretary telling me that he is going to charge me $100 a day storage until I pick up my car. I was blown away.
Please, I beg you, do not ever, ever use this garage. Richard is plain and simple a thief.
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