We work with all insurance companies but we work for our customers, NOT the insurance companies!
Know your rights...
Insurance Company Options by Law (Howard v. Reserve Insurance Company,
117 Ill. App. 2d 390, 254 N.E. 2d 631 (1st Dist. 1969)) – Payment of Loss – An
insurance company must choose one of three options when handling your accident
claim…
1. FIX – Repair the
vehicle themselves and accept liability for the work – NEVER.
2. BUY – Total the
vehicle and buy it from you for a “fair market price” – SOMETIMES.
3. PAY – You choose the
repair facility, parts and rates and they pay the bill – MOST OF THE TIME.
10 Things to Know Before Having Your Collision Repaired...
• By law you are NOT required to obtain ANY amount of estimates. You choose the shop, one and done.
• You have the RIGHT
to go to the repair shop of your choice. It is ILLEGAL for an insurance company
to “steer” you to a shop.
• NEVER drive a car
that could be unsafe or illegal because of damages. The shop can get an insurance rental car for you.
• You have the right to leave your car at ANY repair shop and the insurance
company MUST inspect the car there.
• DIFFERENCES in
repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessary
work. Ask the shop to explain.
• Ask about ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER (OEM) parts and if the insurance
company is requesting something else.
• Let the repair shop
you choose help NEGOTIATE your claim with the insurance company, this often
leads to a better repair.
• Choose a shop with
PROPER equipment, CERTIFIED technicians and a good local HISTORY. Choose your own shop!
• Ask if the shop
offers a WARRANTY on their work.
Insurance companies do NOT warranty repairs from ANY shop, EVER.
• Your car is the
second largest investment you're likely to make. Preserve its value and your
safety by having it repaired right.
Always call the shop staff with any questions, first. We're here to help!
