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.
First Time Car Buyer Tips
Need vs. want
While you might want a shiny new Corvette, be realistic. Consider how you will be using your car. How much driving are you going to do? Will your commutes be short distances or long drives and road trips? Will you be driving in weather conditions that may require all or 4-wheel drive, or will front-wheel-drive suffice? How many passengers will typically be in your vehicle?
Be realistic about your budget
Owning a vehicle is more than just the purchase price and comes with a lot of responsibility. There are taxes and license fees that can range 8-10% of the cost of your car. Insurance, maintenance, gas, etc. are all ongoing expenses. Where will this money come from? Have you saved the money to cover the expenses? Is someone helping you buy the car in their name? Are you financing or leasing? All of these are options you’ll need to determine and understand before heading to the dealership.
Explore your options
The internet has made locating, comparing, and pricing vehicles a much easier process. Non-dealer sites can be the perfect way to find your next car but heed caution. Some sellers are not as honest as we would like to believe. Purchasing from a dealer you are familiar with and trust is an option and has advantages. Ask around for recommendations and do your due diligence before even stepping into the dealership. Dealers have often inspected the car making repairs that ensure the safety of the vehicle. They may also provide you with a Carfax report.
Consider safety options
There are likely trade-offs you will have to make between your budget and the latest technology. At a minimum does the car have a driver airbag? Do you want passenger airbags? Tire pressure sensors indicating low tire pressures, are those important to you? Front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, optional 4-wheel drive are to be considered depending on conditions you expect to drive in. Do you want front or rear bumper parking sensors or cameras? These are just a few items that add safety, but also add cost to the total purchase price and possible additional cost of repair might be required down the road.
Research
Before considering your next vehicle do a little research in terms of maintenance information. You have an advantage at your fingertips! Once you have a shortlist of choices go to Consumer Reports or a similar site and research the year, make, model reliability history. This may prevent you from purchasing a vehicle that will eat up all your money in maintenance.
Take a test drive
The vehicle you’ve had your eye on might look great but not feel right when you get behind the wheel. Spend some time behind the wheel and make brief notes about what you liked and didn’t like for comparison. Many dealers offer you the chance to drive the car for several hours before you commit.
Have a mechanic complete a pre-purchase inspection
Take the vehicle to your family mechanic, or ask someone you trust for referrals and have the car checked over for a clean bill of health. There may be a small charge for this service, but well worth the dollars if any major problem is found. The information found could provide you with some negotiating power if any small recommendations or issues are found that will require attention soon.
Automotive Specialties has been completing pre-purchase inspections for our customers for years. On several occasions, our tech’s findings have resulted in a “please don’t buy this vehicle” comment that saved the potential buyer from a lot of grief and money on the wrong automobile.
It doesn’t matter if you live in Yorkville, Oswego, Plano, Bristol, Sugar Grove or any neighboring community. When it comes time to make your big purchase call Automotive Specialties (630)553-0397 or visit us online.
Sources
https://bettermoneyhabits.bankofamerica.com/en/auto/buying-your-first-car
https://www.kbb.com/articles/car-news/10-tips-for-first_time-car-buyers/
https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/buying-your-first-car/
