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 Expect for EVs in 2023
The world of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to evolve rapidly, and 2023 looks set to be another exciting year for EV enthusiasts. Here are some of the top EVs to look out for in 2023.
Kia EV9 SUV. Revealed at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, the EV9 SUV is expected to hit showrooms in the UK in 2023. With a solar panel built into the car bonnet and an interior made from sustainable materials, the rugged EV9 will look to take on Range Rover with this all-terrain vehicle. The EV9 will run on the Kia group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which means lightning-quick charging and top-notch 800-volt electrical architecture. It will also be the first Kia to offer Automode, its autonomous driving tech.
BMW iX1. The iX1 replaces the iconic and sorely missed i3 as BMW’s entry-level EV. Customer deliveries will commence in early 2023, pricing from £52,255 in the UK and $82,900 in the US. The xDrive30 dual-motor version should offer an output of 313 hp and a WLTP driving range of up to 272 miles from the 64.7-kWh battery. In addition, DC recharging at up to 130 kW makes it possible to boost the battery level from 10 to 80 percent in 29 minutes.
Audi A6 E-Tron. The Audi A6 E-Tron will be based on the group’s latest PPE (Premium Platform Electric) EV architecture. It means owners will enjoy quick 800-volt charging and a more extended range thanks to a 100-kWh battery capacity. In addition, the Audi A6 E-Tron will likely further its obsession with door cameras and projection headlights. Also, 600-bhp RS6 E-Tron and Avant estate flavors will be coming later.
Tesla Cybertruck. Elon Musk promises that the Tesla sci-fi pickup will finally come to customers in late 2023. The Austin, Texas, Gigafactory has supposedly been readied for “early production.” The plan is to gradually ramp up output to full by the end of 2023. The Cybertruck’s stated performance includes a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, a sub-three-second zero-to-60 time, and a range of 500 miles.
Lucid Air Sapphire. This is a large four-door EV that is all about high performance. Three of Lucid’s mightily impressive, comparatively slender motors (instead of the standard Air’s two) will result in this Sapphire version outputting more than 1,200 bhp. Despite weighing 2.5 tons, the EV will launch from a standstill to 60 mph in less than two seconds, then on to 100 mph in less than four. It will supposedly hit the quarter-mile mark in less than nine. This is approaching Rimac Nevera territory, and that hypercar costs $2.1 million. The Sapphire will go for $249,000.
2023 looks to be a year full of exciting new EV models and technology. As more and more automakers embrace EVs, we can expect to see further advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and autonomous driving capabilities. Stay tuned!
A family-owned business serving Yorkville, Oswego, Sugar Grove, and surrounding areas of Kendall and LaSalle Counties, Automotive Specialties offers reliable and trustworthy auto body repair, paint, and mechanical services. With over 40 years of experience in the collision and insurance claim industry, we utilize our expertise to guide our customers through the claims process.
While we collaborate with all insurance companies, our primary focus is serving our customers’ needs. You can count on us to prioritize your satisfaction and deliver professional services that you can trust.
Sources:
