.....>>>> CONSUMER INFORMATION<<<<

ESTIMATES:

CONSUMER HELP: IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE REPAIRING YOUR VEHICLE

Don’t take a chance driving a wrecked vehicle.

Know your insurance policy.

Know that you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the facility of your choice.  No insurance company can “require” that you use a certain repair facility.  Choose the one with which you feel most comfortable.

Remember, it is your money, not the insurance company’s money repairing your vehicle.  Your premium=your money.  If you have been paying your premiums, it is your choice where to have your car repaired.  If the party at fault is paying for your repair, you have the same right to a repair facility of your choice and a quality repair. 

You are not required by any law to obtain more than one estimate.

Certain insurance companies may refer you to one of their drive-in claims centers for inspection.  YOU may also request that the insurance company inspect your car at the facility of your choice.

Choose a highly recommended repair center.

Do not get an estimate from a shop that you would not let repair your car.

Estimates may vary from one repair center to another.

There may be hidden damage that will increase the estimate once the car is taken apart.

Ask the repair center if they use original manufacturers replacement parts (OEM).

Ask if a repair warranty is offered.

Know that it is against the law for any repair facility to waive, absorb or bury the deductible of your policy.  You are responsible for paying the deductible.  Beware of the facility that agrees to waive your deductible.  They are defrauding you and your insurance company by performing substandard repairs.  YOU are the loser, not the winner in this situation.  YOU will jeopardize the quality of your car repair and will risk injury to yourself and others should you have another accident.

YOUR VEHICLE, YOUR CHOICE!

You were in an accident.  You pay your insurance premiums.  You paid for the vehicle.  Maybe you were not at fault.  Why let someone else choose where you should repair your vehicle, including the insurance company of the person who hit you?  You have the right to choose any licensed repair shop.  Don’t fall victim to steering.  Steering is a practice used by certain companies to coerce or force you into taking your vehicle to a certain “listed” shop for repair.  These companies will tell you that they cannot warranty the work done at an “unapproved” shop.  Steering is illegal.  The insurance company is required to promptly begin good faith negotiations with any licensed repair shop that you select.  

Even if you choose a shop other than Charles Body Shop, don’t give up your right to have your vehicle repaired with a shop at which you feel comfortable!  You should select a shop that you feel is qualified to restore you car to its pre-accident condition.  You should also select a shop that will negotiate, on your behalf, with the insurance company to make sure that all needed repairs are included in your claim.