Our Stories: Crash Course 1: Syracuse-based morning radio duo Glenn "Gomez" Adams and Dave Coombs talk with Mike Orso... |
Crash Course 1 (Part1): |
Crash Course 1 (Part2): |
“Ask The Experts (part 1)” Mike Orso was recently a guest on “Ask the Experts” with News legend, Joe Galuski on News 57 WSYR. The hour-long show discusses subjects related to insurance and collision repairs with some laughs. Joe and Mike hit it off as Joe’s usual candid and frank manner mixed well with Mike’s straight-talking, to-the-point advice. Listen to the show here: |
“Ask The Experts (part 2)” Joe and Mike didn’t flinch when a caller with an agenda called. Listen to the show here: |
“Local Insurance Agent Mislead” After a local insurance agent was in a severe accident, he filed a claim by calling his own insurance company and was immediately directed to take his car to a local dealer. The dealer was an Insurance Direct Repair shop for his insurance company. Since he was an agent for the company, selling insurance daily, he figured his company would not mislead him. He had his vehicle towed to the dealer body shop where over $15,000 was spent in repairs. After he picked up the car he experienced steering and alignment problems. The car wore through a set of front tires in no time. He returned to the dealer over and over, complaining that the handling was not good as the car was plagued by steering and vibration concerns. After it was necessary to replace sets of tires in less than a year, he felt frustrated. A friend told him about Nick Orso’s and he made an appointment. Upon visiting Nick Orso’s he explained the steering problems and Nick’s agreed to look over the car. After a short time it was determined that the repairs related to the accident were the culprit. Not only were cosmetic issues obvious, but also serious safety concerns made the car unsafe to drive. Orso’s prepared a Post Repair Inspection Report and a re-inspection at the shop was arranged so that the insurance company could inspect the car. The focuses of the forensic inspection revolved around parts paid for by the customer that were not installed. A main front sub-frame was bent and a new one paid for, however it was never installed in the car. This structural member was a serious defect as all of the suspension was attached to it. The Frame and Unibody rails were so far out of tolerance they could not be repaired and needed replacement. The dash and front cowl still had damage related to the accident that was never addressed or repaired. This damage was no oversight. The money paid for the parts was taken by the shop and applied to labor without the consumer’s knowledge or authorization. Once the insurance company inspected the car it didn’t take long for them to realize the cost to re-repair this car far exceeded the value of the car. The insurance company considered the car a total loss at a cost of over $30,000.00! After paying more than $15,000 to initially attempt to repair it. It is not known whether the insurance company went after the dealer body shop or still has them on their list of approved shops. If you wish to verify this information, contact: Steve Donigan This message is approved by: Steve Donigan Date 7/8/2008 |