HB
Holly Brownell
4 days ago
I had an extremely disappointing experience with Joe Hudson’s Collision Center located on ATI Road in Hoover. Progressive Insurance directed me to this shop—over 30 miles from my home—after my vehicle was hit from behind. From the very beginning, the customer service was unacceptable.
The shop called me unexpectedly and told me I needed to bring my car in by 8:00 a.m. to schedule the repair. I explained that was impossible because I live more than 30 miles away and work full-time. I asked to coordinate another time that would also allow me to pick up a rental car. The representative told me the shop closed at 5:00 p.m., so we arranged for me to drop off the car the following afternoon.
However, the next morning at 10:30 a.m., I received a call from Joe Hudson’s stating that I had missed my 8:00 a.m. appointment—an appointment I never made. I reiterated that I was scheduled for that afternoon. Despite this, I left work early and drove an hour to their shop.
When I arrived, the front desk representative didn’t greet me or acknowledge me—she simply looked up and said, “Oh, you’re the missed appointment from this morning,” with clear attitude. She then answered a phone call mid-conversation without so much as an “excuse me.” After her call, she handed me an iPad, gave very little explanation about what I was signing, checked off several boxes herself, and directed me where to sign. I should have left at that point, but since I had already taken off work and driven so far, I decided to proceed.
Next, another employee came out to inspect my truck. She asked about my deductible, and I explained that the other driver’s insurance was covering the repair. She looked at my vehicle and said she “didn’t really see much that needed fixing.” She then pulled off a plastic cover, attempted to snap it back in, and said they would probably have it fixed by Thursday, adding that since I was “late,” they’d have to order the part the next day.
Today is Friday, and I’ve received several text updates from Joe Hudson’s stating my pickup date is 11/12. Meanwhile, the rental car company has called me twice saying the rental is due back. The representative from Progressive handling my claim has also been unhelpful—this entire process has been incredibly frustrating.
Then, on Friday, Joe Hudson’s called to say my car was ready for pickup. When I explained I work until 5:00 p.m., they told me they close at 5:00 and could “just leave the keys outside.” When I asked if they had a lockbox or keypad, the employee seemed confused and said, “No, we usually just hide the keys somewhere outside.” I was shocked—they actually suggested hiding my keys, including my hot pink key fob, somewhere around the vehicle.
At that point, I had my parents and then my husband attempt to pick up the car because I was genuinely uncomfortable leaving my keys unsecured like that. That interstate was shut down making it impossible so I had to send my husband to retrieve my key.
I have now gotten two additional emails from Joe Hudson one stating I picked up my car and secondly on my experience.
Overall, this has been one of the worst customer service experiences I’ve ever had. The lack of professionalism, poor communication, and disregard for customers’ time and security are completely unacceptable. Joe Hudson’s Collision Center in Hoover—and the way Progressive coordinates with them—needs serious improvement in customer care and operational standards.