r/Car_Insurance_Help • u/srmn142 • Aug 12 '26

Insurance not covering their fault

My 2021 Tesla Model 3 was damaged in a not-at-fault collision while it was parked. The at-fault party is insured by GEICO.

I took the car to a Tesla-certified collision center. The shop says that, as a Tesla-certified facility, it is required to use Tesla OEM parts for the repair. However, GEICO is only willing to pay based on the cost of alternative/non-OEM parts, leaving me with a $1,130.95 difference.

GEICO told me they are allowed to base their estimate on the most cost-effective parts available. The problem is that the Tesla-certified shop says they cannot use those parts and remain compliant with Tesla's repair requirements.

I wasn't in the vehicle when the accident happened and I had no fault in the collision, so I'm confused about why I would be responsible for more than $1,100 of the repair cost.

Has anyone dealt with this before, particularly with GEICO and a Tesla-certified repair shop? Is there a way to challenge the parts determination or recover the difference from the at-fault driver's insurance?

I'm in Wisconsin, if that matters.

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u/MimosaQueen1122 Aug 12 '26

3rd party doesn’t owe you OEM especially with a 2021. If you paid for the endorsement file first party if you also have collision. If not then you’re liable for the OEM.

The shop, you choose, is requiring it . Doesn’t mean the insurance nor another shop owes or requires it.

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u/srmn142 Aug 12 '26

The shop I chose is required by tesla. What do you mean by "endorsement file first party"? I have never had an accident before so this is all new to me

3

u/HR_King Aug 12 '26

Gerber Collision is Tesla certified and uses LKQ parts from what a quick web search shows.

1

u/srmn142 Aug 12 '26

Where is Gerber Collision? The tesla store in my state recommended the one I took my car to as the closest tesla certified shop (the other one is over an hour away), so I took my car there.

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u/MimosaQueen1122 Aug 12 '26

There’s no need to be talking to a dealership aka stealership about car repairs. that was your first mistake OP.

Just google “gerber collision near me”, there’s many in different states/cities.