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.
Your Right To Choose: How To Identify And Avoid Insurance Steering
If this is your first auto accident or you have not been involved in a collision for some time, keep in mind that regardless of what your insurance agent tells you, you have the legal right to choose your own auto repair facility.
During the call to your insurance company, the conversation may include statements such as “That shop is not on our list. We can’t guarantee the repairs if you don’t use our shop. You’ll have to pay the difference if it costs more elsewhere. A non DRP shop won’t warranty its work.” Sharing these misleading statements with you violates your consumer rights and is known as insurance steering.
The insurance company attempts to influence or direct a policyholder to use a particular shop – typically one in their “preferred network” or Direct Repair Program (DRP). These facilities typically expect jobs be referred to them in exchange for agreeing to work for lower rates, accepting the use of insurance specified parts (aftermarket and/or used), or perhaps rushing repairs to meet insurance deadlines. No insurance company can force or pressure you into using a specific shop…in fact, it’s illegal in Illinois. Thank your agent for the information, and tell them you are choosing your auto repair facility.
At Automotive Specialties we work with all insurance companies, but we work for our customer. We are not on any list. Since 1983, our goal has been to complete safe repairs that restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition with a lifetime workmanship guarantee, not an inferior repair that help’s the insurance company’s bottom line.
If you feel you have been pressured or mislead, take a stand by filing a complaint with the ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE at www.idoihelpcenter.illinois.gov
When you choose Automotive Specialties we will assist you through the claims process and deliver top quality auto body repair and paint matching that is fully warrantied. Call Automotive Specialties at 630-553-0397 or visit us at 208 Wolf St., Yorkville, II.
