DO I HAVE THE
RIGHT TO CHOOSE A BODY SHOP?
Yes, the
vehicle owner has the right of choice and be sure to look for a lifetime
written warranty when choosing. Remember, insurance companies cannot
insist on a particular shop. Keep in mind you don’t need three estimates
as any body shop can work with any insurance company, but be sure that
the shop works for you and not the insurance company.
You not
only have the legal right to choose the shop that repairs your vehicle,
but your insurance company is required by law to notify you of that
right. Your insurance company cannot insist that you use a particular
shop nor require you to get more than one estimate. Ultimately choose a
shop that you feel comfortable doing business with. Your vehicle, your
choice.
HOW
DO I CHOOSE A COLLISION REPAIR SHOP?
Look for shops that take pride in their appearance by keeping a clean,
up to date, and organized facility. Make sure the shop has modern
technology in the form of frame racks with measuring systems, downdraft
paint booths with smart cure baking cycles to cure the paint, and the
proper welding equipment (mig welders and pro spotters). Be sure to ask
for a tour of the shop to verify these things as well as the shop’s
certifications and license.
WHY DO ESTIMATES VARY?
Reasons
can be the amount of time spent on a estimate, type of parts used (new
factory, aftermarket, and or used) as well as the fact that some shops
prefer to mask off trim items when painting while the higher quality
shops will remove them which gives it a factory look when completed. An
estimate is actually the “blueprint” for repair, so it should be very
specific as to what will be done to the car. Always ask the estimator to
explain, in detail, what damage was done and how it will be repaired.
This explanation should match your estimate.
DEDUCTABLE WAIVERS?
Some shops have been advertising that they will waive the deductible if
you select their shop. Be very careful, there are two potential problems
with this practice:
-
Although
it is not prohibited by state law, waiving the deductible may be a
violation of your contract agreement with your insurance company.
Always check with your company before accepting any offers to waive
your deductible. If the violation is detected, you insurance company
may bill you for the deductible. companies
that waive deducible may have a tendency to fall into the temptation
of padding their bill, take short cuts on repairs, and use
inappropriate parts to make up the difference. How else are they
suppose to recoup the lost income from waiving the deductible?
DO I HAVE TO SETTLE FOR AFTERMARKET BODY
PARTS AS MY INSURANCE MAY HAVE ESTIMATED FOR?
Your policy may include their option to use these parts. They may tell
you up front if you want original manufacturer parts you will have to
pay the difference. However, if these aftermarket body parts are used
and they don’t meet factory specs for your car, the insurance is
obligated to pay for original parts at that point, as most promise to
return your car to as close as pre-loss condition as possible.
HOW SHOULD I INSPECT MY VEHICLE AFTER
REPAIRS?
First of all, ask the shop for the current copy of the repair bill
listing all parts (including type of part) installed and labor
performed, copy of their warranty, and any specs sheets documenting the
frame or wheel alignments if applicable. Next, check all electronic
accessories, pay attention to details such as making sure the doors,
hood, and trunk open and close smoothly. In daylight, check all freshly
painted areas for good color match, in the shade check for any dust or
imperfections in the new paint, and check the door openings for any
overspray. Be sure to check all moldings, and body trim for overspray as
well. While driving home, listen for any unusual noises and test the
handling. If you’re not satisfied, report it to the repair facility
immediately. If you feel they’re not cooperating fully, bring your
dissatisfactions to the attention of your insurance company or Better
Business Bureau. You’re not in this alone.
