Know Your Rights
How Do I Choose A Collision Repair Facility?
As the owner of a motor vehicle involved in an accident or submitting an insurance claim, you have the right to choose the shop where you wish to have your vehicle repaired. No law requires you to get more than one estimate, nor are you obligated to have your vehicle repaired at the “cheapest” shop or one “preferred” by the insurance company. You should select a repair facility based on their skill, service, knowledge, reputation and guarantee of their workmanship.
Remember, the body shop is fixing YOUR vehicle for YOU. If you’re making an insurance claim, the insurer pays the bill, but most states prohibit the insurer from requiring you to use a particular shop — that means, ultimately, no matter what you hear, THE BODY SHOP IS YOUR CHOICE.
What Is A DRP Body Shop?
Direct Repair Program (DRP) is another name for an insurance company’s listing of shops, such as: State Farm’s “Service First”, Allstate’s “PRO”, Progressive’s “Total Pro or Concierge”, etc. DRP repair facilities have been solicited by the insurance company which sends customers their way in exchange for discounted repairs, such as lower labor rates or parts discounts. The consumer is not required or obligated to use a DRP repair facility.
Automotive Specialties made a decision many years ago to decline any DRP contracts which allows us to work WITH all insurance companies but work FOR our customer.
Must I Notify My Insurance Company Before Repairs?
Yes, insurance policies require that you notify the company and tell them where the damaged vehicle may be inspected. The insurance company may wish to send an adjustor of their choice to inspect the vehicle or review the shop’s estimate prior to repair.
Who Pays The Repair Bill?
You must arrange for payment. Your insurance policy states the insurance company will pay for repairs less any deductibles or depreciation.
What If Repair Costs Exceed The Original Estimate?
Often times in the collision repair process additional damages are found resulting in more labor and parts needed to restore the vehicle to pre-accident condition. Parts sometimes come in at higher prices than quoted. These additional charges are called a supplement and will be covered by the insurance company with supporting paperwork from the repair facility.
If There Is A Problem With The Repair Job, Who Should You Contact?
First, contact the manager of the repair shop. If your problem is not resolved, contact your insurance company claims manager.
What to Do if You Are In an Accident
Here are a few things that must be done immediately following a car accident.
Ensure Your Safety
Before you do ANYTHING, you have to evaluate your own personal condition and the condition of your fellow passengers. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to receive urgent medical assistance. Assuming no one is injured, you will next want to ensure everyone in the vehicle gets to a safe location. It is advised that you move to the side of the road or to a sidewalk. If your car is safe to drive and is causing a hazard at the site of the crash, pull it to the side of the road.
Exchange Information
After ensuring the safety of those around you, you must next exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the wreck. Ensure you have the other driver’s full name, contact information, their insurance company and policy number, their driver’s license and plate number, and the type of car they drive.
Speak to Law Enforcement
While you are exchanging information with the other driver, you must also detail the events of the accident to local law enforcement that arrive on the scene. They will file a report immediately that your insurance company can reference and that you will be provided with.
File your Claim
Once you leave the scene of the accident, FindLaw.com recommends contacting your insurance company and telling them what happened as soon as possible. For insurance purposes, it is also best to keep detailed notes on your injuries and other physical conditions and track any ongoing medical treatment and automotive repairs.
Automotive Specialties prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your auto body, paint, and mechanic needs and will do whatever it takes to earn your business and remain life-long clients. Automotive Specialties has been serving the Yorkville area since 1983. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. Automotive Specialties is here to answer all of your automotive questions. Explore our website or call us at (630) 553-0397 today. We look forward to serving you! Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on current tips, and specials.
Sources:
https://injury.findlaw.com/car-accidents/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-checklist.html
https://www.allstate.com/tr/car-insurance/in-case-of-a-car-accident.aspx
