Rocco Avellini, president of Wreck Check Car ScanTM Centers states, “We utilize certified, reputable and independent Collision Repair centers, Mobile Inspector/Scanning locations throughout the United States to inspect prior collision damaged vehicles. Our inspections focus on safety, improper repairs, remaining suspension, electrical, body and structural damage and to determine Diminished Value as a result of the subject accident.” He went on to say, “Diminished value occurs at the time of the accident and is determined to be the amount of value the vehicle decreases post accident. Common sense tell all of us that a wrecked and subsequently repaired vehicle is historically worth less than an undamaged vehicle. Additionally the continuing popularity of Vehicle History reporting companies support the theory that vehicles are worth less because of prior collision and flood damage.”
Wreck Check Car ScanTM Centers also offer Pre & Post Purchase inspections. This insures that you are purchasing an undamaged vehicle. Sophisticated and thorough Vehicle History reporting companies state, ‘the only way to truly determine prior collision or flood damage is to physically inspect the subject vehicle.
Avellini offers that, “A major benefit to the Post Repair Inspection Service is that it often reveals sub-standard repair techniques, remaining damage, repair fraud, poor quality repair issues and the use of imitation/non original body parts. Our Value Added Services will assist the consumer in obtaining a quality repair or to collect an adjustment in the form of a monetary settlement from an insurance property claim. Our findings show that many vehicles are deemed total losses after the initial repairs are completed because the re-repairs are so costly they can easily exceed the vehicles retail value. It’s not uncommon for a collision repairer to cause more damage to the vehicle than the initial accident caused.”
Wreck Check Car ScanTM Centers also offer VALUE ADDED SERVICES, these include Collision Monitoring, Total Loss Assistance, Pre & Post Repair Inspections & Pre & Post Vehicle Purchase Inspection. Avellini explains, “We utilize computerized technology to measure full frame and/or unibody type vehicles to insure that the subject vehicle was returned to manufacturers specifications. We have access to factory repair specification data and use that data to determine accuracy and or errors in the initial collision repair process. Additionally, we will compare the actual repaired vehicle to the estimate of record, including supplements to determine if the consumer received full compensation for the money they spent at the repair facility. It’s extremely important to understand that in the collision repair environment the consumer, NOT the insurance company, is the purchaser of the collision repair services. An insurance company has no standing in the repair process!
Avellini feels, that the increase in poor quality repairs are related to the escalating economic pressure forced by the insurance industry on collision repair facilities to cut or limit repair costs. These cost reductions relate directly to improper repairs and remaining damage, as well as safety and structural issues. Damaged items are often overlooked or improperly repaired simply because shops are not being properly compensated for the most difficult type of automotive repairs. In many cases due to pressure from their partner insurance company, insurance referral shops do not obtain or utilize manufacturers specifications in the repair process. “Our most important concern” Avellini said, “ is that the safety features designed and built into vehicle by the manufacturer will not perform properly in a subsequent accident.” Avellini went on to say, “Car dealers and insurance Direct Repair Programs [DRP] that many consumers feel are a safe alternative to collision repairs may be the biggest abusers of the system. These repair facilities are under increased pressure to control costs and in doing so are left with no other option but to cut corners on repairs thus giving their clients a false sense of safety and security. Some insurers offer additional guarantees in excess of the repair facility’s guarantee,
however, we find that the consumer often finds themselves in the middle where neither entity is willingl to honor the guarantee and take the necessary step to re-repair their vehicle to pre-loss condition.”
Avellini advised, “if involved in a vehicle accident a consumer must protect their financial interest and most importantly choose a collision repair facility capable of returning their vehicle to a safe condition. Our Certified Repair Centers can perform pre & post repair inspections to insure that your vehicle is properly repaired at the facility of your choice. Along with other Value Added Services, our facilities can recommend a local repair facility or a WRECK CHECK CAR SCANTM CERTIFIED REPAIR CENTER that will follow the manufacturers’
