Columbus Square Auto
Double charged for towing - Charged insurance co and me for same tow

On Saturday 10/23/04 my car broke down on I-395 south near Waterford, CT.

I contacted the Emergency Road Service number for my insurance company, GEICO, who sent out Columbus Square Auto to get my car. My car was towed to their repair shop in New London, CT and eventually repaired.

When I returned to Columbus Square Auto on Thursday 10/28/04 to pick up my car I discovered there was an addition charge of $80 for the towing performed on 10/23, a charge I thought that GEICO was to pay per my emergency road coverage on my auto insurance.

Since I had gotten a ride from Meriden, CT to New London, CT (about 50 miles) I paid the invoice and took my car and would take the matter up with GEICO the following day.

I contacted GEICO customer service, and was informed that I should send the original copy of the invoice to their Macon, GA office. I sent the invoice along with a cover letter explaining in detail the circumstances behind the claim.

It appears that those that review claims in the GEICO Macon, GA office have difficulty with multi-syllable words and sentances.

I received a letter from GEICO on 1/11/05 denying my claim for reimbersment for the towing charge. According to the letter, GEICO has gone ahead and paid Columbus Square Auto, Inc for the tow charge that they (Columbus Square Auto) had submitted for payment thereby collecting twice (from me and GEICO) for the same towing charge.

I have requested that GEICO return the original repair invoice that I had sent them so that I can chase Columbus Square Auto for reimbersment of the overcharge (GEICO returned a photocopy of the invoice I sent them with their letter of denial).

I would suggest to anyone who has Emergency Road Service coverage on their GEICO auto insurance policy is ditch that coverage. GEICO does not do a very good job selecting and screening the towing and repair facilities that they recommend and use for their ERS.

Use AAA for your emergency road service needs. Their service is far superior to that you will get from GEICO.

As for GEICO achieving 100% customer safisfaction (according to their commercials) ain't gonna happen.

Save money on your car insurance? Probably.
But you'll end up paying overcharges for shoddy repairs.

Company: Columbus Square Auto
Country: USA
State: Connecticut
City: New London
Address: 61 Blinman Street
Phone: 8694421236

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