Your Right to Choose a Collision Repair Shop

There are a few misconceptions about working with insurance companies when a car or truck needs repair following an auto accident. The first belief is that more than one estimate is required by the insurance company before they will pay out on your policy. The second falsity is that a vehicle needs to be repaired at an auto body center that is prefered by the insurance company. Both of these statements are inaccurate. To be clear, you, as the car owner, have the right to select the collision repair shop that you want to work with and you only need to get one quote for the repair cost to satisfy your claim, as mandated by law.

You Only Need One Auto Body Repair Estimate

Your claims adjuster, or someone else at the insurance company, may ask that you receive several quotes for the cost of auto body repair for your vehicle, but this is often asked so that they can use the info to send you to the lowest cost shop, which keeps their costs low. But remember, the law is on your side, as there is nothing that says you are required to receive more than one quote. However, that does not mean you should not consider looking around.

You may want to get a few quotes in order to get the best evaluation of the damage that your car has succumbed to, not necessarily due to price differences. Estimates will vary often, but a lower quote usually does not include all the necessary services that your vehicle will need in order to be totally repaired. Getting multiple quotes will help you get a full picture of the total price, but when choosing the shop to do the damage repair, be sure to look at their qualifications.

You Choose the Auto Body Shop

Most insurance companies prefer that you work with a collision repair shop that they choose because there is usually some type of arrangement that benefits the insurance company financially, while providing the partner shop with a stream of business. It is important to remember that there is no law that requires the use of an insurance prefered shop. It's up to you who completes the repairs on your vehicle, so be sure to select one that is highly qualified. This means they will keep their shop updated with the latest repair tech and staff I-CAR certified technicians. Whichever business you select, your insurance company must pay for all repairs that fall under your collision policy. On that note, it is important that you completely understand how your coverage works prior to ever needing to file an accident claim.

After choosing a collision repair shop, the technicians at that facility will be able to work directly with your insurance to ensure all of the repairs are completed and covered to the fullest extent of your policy. If you find yourself in need of collision repair in Stamford, CT, head to Universal Auto Body & Glass. We would be happy to work with your insurance directly. Our goal is your complete satisfaction, which means we're here to handle everything from the paperwork to the frame repair. Give us a call at (203) 990-1799 to learn more about our services or to request an estimate for the cost of auto body repair in Stamford or the surrounding areas.

Universal Auto Body & Glass Blog
Posted: September 20, 2020

Written and Published By MORBiZ