PCTG Consumer Complaint Report Record ID#: 1167090922
Date of Report Submission: 08/10/06
Consumer Information
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Daytime Phone:
Evening Phone:
Repair Facility Information
Repair Facility: Cicconi Auto Body
State Appraiser License: 153336
Shop Representative: Robert J Cicconi
Address: 300 S Gov Printz Blvd
City: Lester
State: PA
Zip: 19029
Phone: 610-521-2286
Insurance Information
Insurance Company: Nationwide Insurance
Claim Number: 5837D 85662807310601W/J1
Insurance Company Representative: Beth Walcome
Date of Loss: 7/31/06
Appraiser License Number: 245728
Insurance Company Phone: 610-457-0738
Legislator Information
Consumer Legislative Representative: Kirkland, Thaddeus (D) - District 159
Consumer Senator: Pileggi , Dominic F. (R) - District 9
Repair Facility Legislative Representative: Raymond, Ron (R) - District 162
Repair Facility Senator: Erickson , Edwin B. (R) - District 26
Complaint Comments:
Ms. Walcome inspected the loss vehicle, a 2004 Nissan Altima, at our facility on 8-7-06. The owner of the loss vehicle wanted to repair the vehicle if possible, as he recently purchased it. Before Ms. Walcome inspected the car, she asked me if it was a total loss, and I told her it was not, and that the owner wanted to have it repaired. After inspecting the vehicle, Ms. Walcome informed me it was a total loss. I asked her for her appraisal. I also asked what the Actual Cash Value of the vehicle was, and what salvage bids she obtained. She said the CCC report valued the vehicle at $13,000, and that she obtained a salvage bid in the amount of $3,200. The salvage bid seemed abnormally high, and I asked her where she obtained such a high bid. She said Copart gave her the bid. I called Venice Auto Parts in her presence and spoke with Joe Gricco, the business owner. I described the loss vehicle to him, and obtained a salvage bid of $500. I then reviewed Ms. Walcome's appraisal in her presence, and noted that she wrote to replace parts that were not visibly damaged in the accident, such as the rear rocker moldings, and the left and right drip rail moldings. Additionally, she used LKQ door shell assemblies to replace the right front, right rear, and left rear doors, when it was actually more economical to use OEM parts rather than complete assemblies. She also replaced the front bumper cover with an OEM unit, whereas Nationwide always writes for Aftermarket parts when they are available(I checked and confirmed that an Aftermarket front cover is available). She also blended the rear deck lid despite no damage adjacent to that panel. I explained to Ms. Walcome that the salvage bid from Copart was not a Bona Fide bid, but rather an average of all similar vehicles that were run through their auction. It does not reflect the damage or value of the loss vehicle. I further explained that her appraisal was not accurate, and that the vehicle was not a total loss. She said that she was just following company policy and offered no further explanation, nor did she correct her appraisal or her salvage bid amount. It is my opinion that Nationwide intentionally manipulated the handling of this loss in such a way as to prevent Cicconi Auto Body from repairing the vehicle. Please call Mr. Jenkins' lawyer, Joseph Aversa (215-751-1717) with any information you may need from him, or questions you may wish to ask him. You may call me at 610-521-2286 with any other questions you may have concerning this complaint.