Know Your Rights After an Auto Accident

Choice of Repair Shops.
Your car is the second largest investment you’re likely to make. Assure the safety of your family and preserve the value of your investment by having it repaired correctly.

The average vehicle owner doesn’t understand their most important role in the collision repair process—their selection of a repair shop. For this reason, they often fall victim to incorrect information, confusing claims processes, and sometimes just plain wrong advice.

Do I have the right to choose the shop that will repair my car?
Absolutely. There is no law or moral standard that says you must have your vehicle repaired at the “cheapest” shop or one “preferred” by the insurance company because of a special relationship they may have with these shops. You should select a repair facility based on their skill, service, knowledge, reputation, and guarantee of their workmanship.

Do I need to get two or three estimates?

No. Notify the insurance company responsible, because their adjuster may need to inspect the damage. Be certain to get a copy of the insurance adjuster’s estimate. After you receive a copy of the insurance company’s estimate, take the estimate and your vehicle to the shop of your choice to schedule an appointment.

If the insurance does not write their estimates, we will be more than happy to evaluate your vehicle and write our own estimate at no charge.

Some insurance agents may tell you to “get two or three estimates.” This is generally outdated and most likely unnecessary. Talk to the insurance claims office first. Generally, claims are handled by insurance claims departments, not agents.

Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include operations necessary to assure a long-lasting repair. If you choose to obtain estimates and are unable to tell the difference between them, please ask us. We’ll go over the differences and explain how it relates to the repair quality. Our goal is to make this simple and easy on you!

Do not get an estimate from a shop you would not want to repair your vehicle.