Choice of Repair Shops
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- Category: Template
- Published on Tuesday, 11 January 2011 14:21
- Written by Super User
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our Car is the second largest investment you're likely to make. Assure the safety of your family and preserve the value of your investment by having it repaired correctly.
The average vehicle owner doesn't understand their most important role in the collision repair process - their selection of a repair shop. For this reason, they often fall victim to incorrect information, confusing claims processes and sometimes just plain wrong advice. Don't let this happen to YOU!
Do I have the right to choose the shop that will repair my vehicle?
Absolutely -- There is no law or moral standard that says you must have your vehicle repaired at the "cheapest" shop or one "preferred" by the insurance company because of a special relationship they may have with these shops. You should select a repair facility based on their skill, service, knowledge, reputation and guarantee of workmanship.
Do I need to get two or three estimates?
No -- Notify the insurance company responsible, because their adjuster may need to inspect the damage. If your car is safe to drive and the insurance company has a drive-in claims service, you should call them for an appointment and take your care there for inspection. Be certain to get a copy of the insurance adjuster's vehicle to us. If the insurance company wants to make sure the parts are available before you drop off the vehicle at the shop, call one of our managers. We have parts departments that we order all foreign and domestic parts from with the best inventory around. If you are unable to take your vehicle to the drive-in claims center, you can leave your car at our shop and advise the insurance company to inspect the vehicle at our location.
Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include operations necessary to assure a long-lasting repair. If you choose to obtain more than one estimate and are unable to tell the differences between them, please ask us. We will show you the differences in black and white and explain how it relates to the repair quality.
Do not get an estimate from a shop you would not want to repair your vehicle.
Common Problems You Must Be Aware Of
Most people are not prepared for an accident and are quickly "forced" into making quick decisions regarding their vehicle repair. If you were involved in a collision right now, would you know what needs to be done, or would you rely on your insurance agent to handle all the details?
Become educated in the claims process. Know your rights! The safety of your family and the resale value of your vehicle depend upon the choices you make at this critical time.
Please call or e-mail us with any questions you may have. We'll be glad to answer them and help you be better prepared in the event that an accident occurs.
Allowing the Insurance Company to Make Your Decisions
After an accident, many incorrectly assume the insurance company "calls the shots" when it comes to the repair of their vehicle.
Just because the insurance company is "paying the bill" doesn't give them the right to select the repair shop and dictate repair quality. Always remember: it's your car and your choice. You've paid your premiums; it's the insurance company's job to fulfill their obligations under your policy. When it comes to the repair of your vehicle, you make the decisions (this is Texas State Law).
Read your policy. Be certain you haven't signed anything that confines the decisions you need to make to protect your investment. Contact us if you would like to know which insurance companies settle your claims without hassle, and which ones routinely shortcut repairs and attempt to steer you to their "discount repair shops."
Facts You Must Know
Must I notify my insurance company before beginning repairs?
Yes. Insurance policies require you to notify the company or your agent, provide them with details about the accident, and advise them where the vehicle may be inspected. Never drive a car that could be unsafe from an accident.
Who is reponsible for the repair bills?
You are ultimately responsible for payment. Your insurance policy states the insurance company will pay you for the amount of the repair work, less your deductible. They may tell you that you will be responsible for a sum of the money other than your deductible, because we are not one of their "discount shops". We have never had a customer pay for anything other than their deductible when bringing their vehicle to us. This is a tactic used by many insurance companies to "steer" you to their shops that fix vehicles according to their guidelines: Used parts, LKQ (like, kind, quality), aftermarket, or reconditioned. Most of the shops that are on these programs do not count on repeat or referral business from the vehicle owner. They simply want to please the insurance company and continue to put their concerns before those of the vehicle owner. This generally results in a sub-quality repair that leaves the consumer with a vehicle of lesser value and risks putting you and your loved ones in an unsafe vehicle.
Let us help you settle your auto repair claim with the insurance company. We work for you!
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.