Help!!! Severely damaged vehicle

[Tkeeze]

So, my car was in the shop so I rented from ERAC (first mistake). After 4 days of highway driving, just to work and back, the check engine light came on and the car stalled right as I pulled in to the gas station. I check the oil and the car was bone dry. I called ERAC and told them I was going to put some oil in the car they said that was fine. The next day the car did the same thing so I pulled over and called them again. They sent a tow truck to pick the vehicle up. 2 weeks pass and Loss Control calls me and says I threw a rod in the engine. They told me I got water in the engine somehow and that damaged the car. It didn't rain the whole time I had it, drove it only on the highway, plus I live in Kansas. I'd have to drive it into a lake to cause that kind of damage. Come to find out, they changed the oil at 23,617k, rented the car to me at 23,811k, and I barely put 50 miles on the car before it starting acting up. I have no idea what to do. Somehow the oil service facility has to be to blame. Do I file a claim with my insurance company or do I get legal representation? HELP!!!

[Green'dOut]

Originally Posted by Tkeeze

So, my car was in the shop so I rented from ERAC (first mistake). After 4 days of highway driving, just to work and back, the check engine light came on and the car stalled right as I pulled in to the gas station. I check the oil and the car was bone dry. I called ERAC and told them I was going to put some oil in the car they said that was fine. The next day the car did the same thing so I pulled over and called them again. They sent a tow truck to pick the vehicle up. 2 weeks pass and Loss Control calls me and says I threw a rod in the engine. They told me I got water in the engine somehow and that damaged the car. It didn't rain the whole time I had it, drove it only on the highway, plus I live in Kansas. I'd have to drive it into a lake to cause that kind of damage. Come to find out, they changed the oil at 23,617k, rented the car to me at 23,811k, and I barely put 50 miles on the car before it starting acting up. I have no idea what to do. Somehow the oil service facility has to be to blame. Do I file a claim with my insurance company or do I get legal representation? HELP!!!

I am a former Area Manager from Kansas. Where did you rent the car from? I may be able to give you specifics on how to proceed.

[Tkeeze]

Originally Posted by Green'dOut

I am a former Area Manager from Kansas. Where did you rent the car from? I may be able to give you specifics on how to proceed.

37th & Woodlawn

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

T

[Green'dOut]

Originally Posted by Tkeeze

37th & Woodlawn

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

T

Who did you talk with from loss control?

[Tkeeze]

Originally Posted by Green'dOut

Who did you talk with from loss control?

Danny

[Green'dOut]

Originally Posted by Tkeeze

Danny

He's new. Only been around a few months. He's just following SOP. You need to talk to Jim McCallay. He is the Loss Control manager. Ask for all of the service records. If they are going to pursue you, having the records will be helpful. Your insurance company, should you decide to file, will want them anyway. Also, ask where they took the vehicle for the estimate. Whatever you do, do not let them know you are getting advice from this site. They absolutly hate it! They have blocked access from work computers and have all but threatened to fire anyone caught looking at or participating.

I will follow up on your posts tomorrow.

[Tkeeze]

Originally Posted by Green'dOut

He's new. Only been around a few months. He's just following SOP. You need to talk to Jim McCallay. He is the Loss Control manager. Ask for all of the service records. If they are going to pursue you, having the records will be helpful. Your insurance company, should you decide to file, will want them anyway. Also, ask where they took the vehicle for the estimate. Whatever you do, do not let them know you are getting advice from this site. They absolutly hate it! They have blocked access from work computers and have all but threatened to fire anyone caught looking at or participating.

I will follow up on your posts tomorrow.

Thanks...I got Jim's name today. I'll obtain the service records. I believe the car is at Rusty Eck. I'm sure I'll get dealer prices ($$$). I would prefer to have at least 3 quotes before they performed any work.

[Realistic]

Usually I would think to tell your insurance company your side of the story first so they know what to expect. The insurance company would basically tell erac "no way" when they see the maintenance records. Be sure to be reimbursed for the oil you put in as well.

[Green'dOut]

Originally Posted by Tkeeze

Thanks...I got Jim's name today. I'll obtain the service records. I believe the car is at Rusty Eck. I'm sure I'll get dealer prices ($$$). I would prefer to have at least 3 quotes before they performed any work.

Don't bother getting quotes. ERAC only works with certain dealers for mechanical repairs. Legally it's their car so they do have the right to get it fixed where they like. They will have it fixed at a dealer, and all of your pricing will be very similar. I will say that ERAC is, for the most part an ethical company and I do not think that they would intend to make money on the repair. Their only goal is to collect what they are owed to get the car fixed so they can get it back in service. That I am sure of. Jim is a good, honest, stand up guy. He will treat you fair. If they can show that the vehicle was maintained according to factory specifications, you may have an uphill battle on your hands.

What kind of car was it?

If you have not already, make sure to get the name and number (cell) of the Area Manager and get him/her involved.

How did you find out about the most recent oil change?

[Tkeeze]

Originally Posted by Green'dOut

Don't bother getting quotes. ERAC only works with certain dealers for mechanical repairs. Legally it's their car so they do have the right to get it fixed where they like. They will have it fixed at a dealer, and all of your pricing will be very similar. I will say that ERAC is, for the most part an ethical company and I do not think that they would intend to make money on the repair. Their only goal is to collect what they are owed to get the car fixed so they can get it back in service. That I am sure of. Jim is a good, honest, stand up guy. He will treat you fair. If they can show that the vehicle was maintained according to factory specifications, you may have an uphill battle on your hands.

What kind of car was it?

If you have not already, make sure to get the name and number (cell) of the Area Manager and get him/her involved.

How did you find out about the most recent oil change?

It was a 2007 Ford Fusion. The branch and loss control told me about the oil change. I have no issues working something out with Jim, as long as we can be civil about it and talk face to face. I'm a stand up guy and I only want what is fair. I've already told my insurance company about it. I'm just going to wait until ERAC sends me the bill or notice in the mail, which they said they would, and then I'll get the ball rolling. I'll either file a claim w/ my insurance or get an attorney.