AD_EG,
How long ago was the claim?
I've heard/read somewhere that now the insurance/workshop are given a lot shorter period to get things done or else they will face some issues with some governed body.
This is the usual trick used by claim workshops, they will always ask you to pay some amount when collecting the car. The FACT is that, you don't have to pay a single cent. Only pay your summon if you are at fault. That's all.
Anything more than that, they are trying to get more out of the claim.
Unless, of course you ask them to install some aftermarket/non-original item then they will ask you to top up. But the thing is, original item most of the time is more expensive than any aftermarket parts (according to the retail price of the original item). They are earning more actually, but they are greedy b@stards.
If you are not satisfied with the work done, then don't sign the form of release.
Take your time to check the car on the spot upon collection. If you are not satisfied, just ask them to do again.
It is always a big hassle to claim from insurance. That is why if its not major, just get it fixed outside and get your ride back on the road. Unless you have a spare daily car, its not really wise to claim from insurance, unless the damage is serious.
Or another alternative, make more friends with claim workshop bosses. Hopefully you'd get some reliable ones (1 in a million? :D).
I'm planning to change insurance from Kurnia to others because from what I heard from claim workshops, Kurnia pays lower to the workshops. That is why most workshops wouldn't really wanna do Kurnia's business. Don't know how true this is but at least that's what I heard from the runners.
Btw, does UNIASIA provide free towing? Like Kurnia, they are actually pretty stupid. It says the first 20km is free and every additional km is charged at RM1 (if I'm not mistaken). But the thing is, the tow truck (third party assigned by Kurnia) starts counting its distance from HIS workshop! Not after the car is towed!
That, I think is the stupid-est rule. Or maybe that tow truck guy managed to pull a trick on me. If lucky enough to get a Kurnia's tow truck, then its FREE. But there aren't many Kurnia tow trucks around Klang Valley I think.
turbolover,
If I remember correctly, cars above 5 years will be given USED but ORIGINAL parts. Correct me if I'm wrong. I don't think they are allowed to use Taiwanese stuff to replace the broken/spoilt parts.