Avondale Collision and Repair is a full service collision repair center, offering a variety of services that will have your car looking like new again. Our certified body shop team members will provide expert service and a smooth experience. We service all makes and models and we are a Certified Collision Center for Rolls Royce, Bentley, Avondale Collision and Repair is a full service collision repair center, offering a variety of services that will have your car looking like new again. Our certified body shop team members will provide expert service and a smooth experience. We service all makes and models and we are a Certified Collision Center for Rolls Royce, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, McLaren, Land Rover, Porsche, Volvo, and Nissan GTR, and an Authorized Dealer Auto Body repairer for Lexus, Maserati and Smart. Contact us now for a free estimate. ...more
During my interactions with Avondale, I was called a liar by Douglas Barnes, the Body Shop Manager. This is not only unprofessional, but it undermines trust in a repair process that already requires clear communication, accountability, and professionalism—especially when insurance claims are disputed or under review. I corrected the record multiple times during the conversation, yet the mischaracterizations continued. “The statements attributed to me during the call were inaccurate and contradicted what was actually said.” Mr. Barnes continued to misrepresent my words.
Despite prior written instructions advising Avondale that this claim was unique, disputed, and not authorized to proceed without express consent, the shop deposited partial insurance payments and ordered parts without written notification or approval. These actions occurred while the claim was subject to dispute and potential litigation. When reasonable questions were asked seeking clarification—questions any customer is entitled to ask—neither the estimator nor the manager could provide clear answers.
Instead of addressing the questions directly, Mr. Barnes repeatedly misrepresented my statements, falsely asserting that I had called Avondale “unprofessional,” which I did not. These contradictions continued even after I corrected him multiple times. This behavior escalated the situation unnecessarily and demonstrated a lack of accountability.
The questions we requested clarification on were straightforward and reasonable, including:
*Why no written notice was provided before insurance checks were deposited
*What authorization Avondale relied upon to deposit funds without consent
*Why disputed partial payments were not returned to the insurer
*What internal policy governs disputed insurance payments
*How deposited funds would be reconciled without customer acceptance
Rather than responding in writing or clarifying their position, Avondale chose cessation of repairs, despite the fact that we never terminated them or expressed dissatisfaction with their workmanship. Avondale was advised—in writing—that Texas law does not allow industry custom to override a customer’s lack of consent or clear instructions.
It is important to note that we consistently treated Sierra Boaz, the estimator, with courtesy and professionalism, even when information was missed or not communicated correctly to other parties involved. Unfortunately, management’s response overshadowed any positive aspects of the experience.
Ultimately, we have no objection to Avondale choosing not to proceed with repairs. However, honesty, professionalism, and transparency are non-negotiable—particularly when insurance funds, legal disputes, and customer authorization are involved. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Avondale Collision and Repair for customers dealing with complex or disputed insurance claims.