Originally Posted by b15

Just wanted to clear some things up...

If you file a claim against your own insurance, you do have to pay your collision deductible (it's in the policy wording). It can be waived up front or refunded on the back end because of the subrogation potential, it's just up to the individual adjuster handling your claim. Also keep in mind when you claim against your own insurance, it shows up in your loss history whether or not your company was able to fully re-coup their losses from the other company. If they don't fully recoup, the difference will show up as a loss paid to you instead of $0. Either way it's still there. This may or may not adversely affect your premium at renewal or if you choose to shop your insurance, again it just depends on the company.

To the OP- sounds like you did work with a shady shop. Any reputable shop would stand behind their work. Sucks, but at the end of the day lawyering up will cost you more than it's worth. You'll have to live with it, or buck up and pay out of pocket to a GOOD job that will properly blend the new paint with the old for a seamless transition. If you've already taken the check from the Company, then you are SOL. Calling the the other person's company will do no good as they'll just tell you to go to the shop for repairs. Rule of thumb, NEVER take the check until the settlement is to your standards. A lot of times by taking the check, you're agreeing to the settlement. There are extenuating circumstances, but for a claim this small, I highly doubt they're going to re-open to give you diminished value.

Lastly, Geico sucks, so it doesn't surprise me they told you to call the other company.