Caliber Collision

This was the tale of two different experiences with one repair. As a State Farm preferred repair shop I went with this Caliber shop - a State Farm insured driver backed into my parked vehicle. I had two other quotes prior to this but believed the State Farm rep when she explained it’s faster, easier, less hassle, this shop doesn’t have to ask before doing repairs as they know what’s allowed, they know the State Farm rates. Well, it didn’t work out that way. I was called in to pick up my vehicle after 5 business days as the work was finished - it was not. A crack in the back quarter panel from the impact wasn’t touched. This was on a spot that had some previous bondo work (unknown to me as it was a used vehicle). Someone at Caliber/State Farm deemed the crack was not due to this impact and didn’t fix it. There was also a sensor ring still scratched instead of replacing it. And it turns out the right side of the steel fender was pushed in and not pulled out. 1. They can’t say the crack wasn’t due to this collision and because the previous work was faulty. They can’t prove any of that - this is State Farm’s way to lower their payout. So know your rights - they’re required to get your vehicle back to pre-collision order. It’s not 100% possible but as close as possible. 2. Get other quotes so you know what the extent of the damage is to the visible eye. 3. Get Caliber to detail out the quote - mine said “inspect for damage on rear quarter panel” when I pointed out the crack during the estimate and could be seen. If it’s quoted out it’s more likely to get approved and you’ll avoid this fiasco. After I pointed out the crack was still there, they kept the vehicle, called the next day saying they couldn’t repair the bondo area as it’s someone else’s faulty work - wrong. It wasn’t due to this impact - wrong. They could paint and seal it, wouldn’t rust - wrong. I called the body shop I had another quote from and they said to ask State Farm for the refusal to do the repair in writing. Now the repair could be done. There was some extra time due to the paint person being out. Then other vehicles were ahead of mine to be painted however, these vehicles hadn’t been in their care as long as mine. So headaches. I had to refuse to take their 1/2 finished job and do research, call SF, call another shop for their advice. After all of that I will say Rob was added to this case part way through. His communication was great. I didn’t like some of the messages he delivered but he was knowledgeable, kind, helpful, patient, and honest when I pressed about the issues listed above. He even had me come back in when the bumper was back off to show me everything and how the repair would work. Agreed to take pictures of the repair. So if you do go with Caliber, get other quotes first and ask for Rob. He knows what he’s doing and I believe had he been on the job from the start this wouldn’t have happened this way. I’d give Rob 5 stars and the body/paint person 5 stars.

Very polite as soon as I walked in the door. They made my this ordeal very easy. Great work and my car looks very good. I couldn't be happier

I want to start off by saying that I have taken many repairs to them over the years with no issues. This last time however, they have a new person who does estimates and he has terrible communication skills! First told me that he was going to total the care we waited and waited no calls or communication from them. Finally I told my daughter to go ahead and schedule the repairs-mind you this is after them doing nothing. He told her he canceled out the repairs as our insurance company wanted a tear down and he knew without tearing it down it would be a total loss. He then said I will just call the insurance and then call you back- no surprise another week no communication at all. I called insurance he never called them and unless they do a tear down nothing can be done! I asked to speak to him and he was on lunch- asked for a call back back never received one! I will never use them again and all the business I have sent their way will stop! All because someone didn’t want to do their job or communicate in anyway! Kinda sad because there are plenty to choose from in Des Moines! Never even look at another but, I will find one that chooses to communicate! Also to the front desk person who told me she didn’t have a corporate number to give me?-weird-little info I found it in two seconds on google and they will be getting a call!

They are outstanding! Caliber went over and beyond my expectations in getting my truck repaired and done right! Do not hesitate to have any auto repairs done at Caliber Collision!

Thanks to everyone at Caliber Collision. Very friendly and professional people. Especially Chris. He kept me informed all the way thru the process. He had my truck washed when I came in to pick it up. It looked like it had been detailed. High praise to everyone at Caliber Collision on Merle Hay Rd Des Moines Iowa.