When an insurance company pushes you to have your vehicle repaired at
a bodyshop other than the one you have chosen, that’s steering.

You have the legal right to have your vehicle repaired at any shop you
choose and the insurance company is required by law to pay the
reasonable cost to repair the accident damage according to the limits
set forth in your policy.

Even if the shop you have chosen is not on the insurance company’s
program, you still have the right to have your vehicle repaired
wherever you choose and the insurance company is legally obligated to
pay the reasonable costs to repair.

Insurance adjusters are very aware of the steering laws and some have
become very adept at using the right wording to stay just clear of the
line. For instance…

The adjuster may tell you that you can use your bodyshop but that your
shop has been known to overcharge and you may have to pay out of
pocket for repairs done there.
If a reputable autobody shop must present you with a bill for a
portion of the repairs that should have been covered by the insurance
company you should know that it was not done without first fighting
hard on your behalf with the insurer. Some insurers try to intimidate
shops to cut corners on repairs – something no reputable shop would
do. If this happens to you, you should know that often the insurer
will reimburse you for any amount you pay out of pocket if you simply
request it. They know they are legally responsible, they simply don’t
want to go on record as giving in to the shop so they can continue to
try to intimidate others.

The adjuster may tell you that repairs will be delayed unless you use
the shop they want you to.
Most repair delays happen because the bodyshop is waiting for your
insurance adjuster to come to the shop to approve the repairs.

The adjuster may tell you that they won’t guarantee the repairs unless
you use the shop they want you to.
A good shop will provide its own guarantee. A great shop will provide
you a lifetime guarantee on all the work they perform for as long as
you own the vehicle.

If you have chosen a reputable autobody shop and the insurance company
is balking at your decision, it is very likely that your biggest worry
should be the insurance company you chose.

If you believe the insurer you’re involved with is not living up to
its contractual obligations, contact the insurance commissioner at
1-800-492-6116 ext. 2340 or click here for more information.

By Herzel

www.automotivecollisioninc.com

410-799-2000