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[opabinia]

I explained everything again (the story gets longer every time), and I was put on hold for 10 minutes, and then I was disconnected. Called again.

"Hi, I was put on hold for 10 minutes and then disconnected. [story]"

Oh, well let me give you the unit coordinator.

"No, I was just on the phone with you. I told you he can't be reached at either number. I've already left voicemail."

Oh. Let me try him again.

***

This time he picked up. I explained the whole fiasco. He was helpful, he was apologetic, he promised the car would be fixed properly and I wouldn't have to pay for the extra rental time, and he gave me another phone number to call in a couple of hours' time to follow up: The supervisor in charge of working with that body shop (Person #9, or P9, for future reference) is now informed of the problem, and I can check for progress with him later today.

It takes an incredible amount of work and patience to get these things done. Next person who hits my car is getting their arms ripped off.

***

P9 called me up. We went over the whole problem. P9 called the body shop. The body shop manager has his "best tech" (uh-huh) reviewing the panel seams with a gauge (you don't need one to see the defects). The tech will re-align the panel as needed.

***

P9 called me again to tell me that I have to meet with the body shop supervisor during business hours to go over the car with him personally after any re-adjustments are made. This is necessary before the insurance company does anything else for me. Fine. I called the body shop. I'll be there at 4 tomorrow.