Whether it was someone else’s fault or your own, there’s nothing more alarming than getting in a car crash. Fortunately, all parties involved are okay and managed to get away unscathed; your car, however, is a different story. Thankfully, auto insurance (either your policy or the responsible party’s) will cover the cost of repairs, which means you won’t have to shell out the cash to fix your car.
Can Car Insurance Decide Where to Take My Car for Repairs?
With that said, you have a shop that you know and trust, and that’s where you want to take your car. Come to find out, however, the car insurance company gives you a list of approved auto body repair shops and yours isn’t on it. Needless to say, you’re dismayed and can’t help but wonder if you’re obligated to use one of the approved shops, or if you using your preferred shop will null and void insurance coverage.
You don’t want to pay for the damages out of your own pocket, but you also don’t have the time or patience to deal with shady mechanics and auto body shops that might attempt to take you for a ride. When it comes to car accidents, knowing your rights is vital.
The Verdict
You’re entitled to take your vehicle wherever you want to for repairs, regardless of what the insurance company says. Though it’s true that there may be some benefits to using a shop the insurance company suggested, ultimately, the choice is yours.
So, what gives? How do you handle this situation? If you’ve been involved in a car accident, read on to learn some important information that you should know about selecting a shop to repair your vehicle.
Laws Regarding Car Repair Shops Following an Accident
Laws that govern insurance companies vary from state to state, which is why familiarizing yourself with the laws in your own state is imperative. That said, no matter what state you reside in, an insurance company can’t dictate what repair shop you use or penalize you for using a repair shop that they don’t recommend by not paying out the claim.
In other words, legally speaking, you have the right to select the repair shop for your car following an accident. You can choose the place you know and trust, and the insurance company has to cover the cost of the repairs after a car accident.
With that said, however, it’s important to note that, depending on where you live and the insurance company, additional terms may be imposed if you don’t use one of their approved shops. For example, you might be charged a higher excess, which could limit the repair cost, or you may not be provided with a courtesy rental car while your vehicle is in the shop.
Car Insurance & Car Repairs
If you’re involved in a car accident and insurance will cover the cost of repairing the damages, it is important to know your rights when it comes time to select the auto repair shop.
Don’t feel pressured to use a repair shop the insurance company approves of. You do have the right to choose your own repair shop. However, do note that there may be some downsides to using your own shop over one that the insurance company approves of.
Drive Fast Auto Body | Lee’s Summit, MO | Auto Body Shop
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