ACI ( Auto Collision, Inc. )

Archive for the ‘Auto Body Repair’ Category

When an insurance company pushes you to have your vehicle repaired at a bodyshop other than the one you have chosen, that’s steering.

You have the legal right to have your vehicle repaired at any shop you choose and the insurance company is required by law to pay the reasonable cost to repair the accident damage according to the limits set forth in your policy.

Even if the shop you have chosen is not on the insurance company’s program, you still have the right to have your vehicle repaired wherever you choose and the insurance company is legally obligated to pay the reasonable costs to repair.

Insurance adjusters are very aware of the steering laws and some have become very adept at using the right wording to stay just clear of the line.  For instance…

• The adjuster may tell you that you can use your bodyshop but that your shop has been known to overcharge and you may have to pay out of pocket for repairs done there.

If a reputable autobody shop must present you with a bill for a portion of the repairs that should have been covered by the insurance company you should know that it was not done without first fighting hard on your behalf with the insurer.  Some insurers try to intimidate shops to cut corners on repairs – something no reputable shop would do.  If this happens to you, you should know that often the insurer will reimburse you for any amount you pay out of pocket if you simply request it.  They know they are legally responsible, they simply don’t want to go on record as giving in to the shop so they can continue to try to intimidate others.

• The adjuster may tell you that repairs will be delayed unless you use the shop they want you to.

Most repair delays happen because the bodyshop is waiting for your insurance adjuster to come to the shop to approve the repairs.

• The adjuster may tell you that they won’t guarantee the repairs unless you use the shop they want you to.

A good shop will provide its own guarantee.  A great shop will provide you a lifetime guarantee on all the work they perform for as long as you own the vehicle.

If you have chosen a reputable autobody shop and the insurance company is balking at your decision, it is very likely that your biggest worry should be the insurance company you chose.

If you believe the insurer you’re involved with is not living up to its contractual obligations, contact the insurance commissioner at 1-800-492-6116 ext. 2340 or click here for more information.

*Our blog has moved!  Please visit us at YoursMineandCars.com.  You’ll find this post and all others at the new site along with any and all new content.  See you there!

These days, money is tight for most of us.  Even though you have auto insurance to cover you in the event of an accident, you may still have your deductible to pay when repairs are completed.  The deductible is the portion of repair costs you are responsible to pay out of your pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.  Since you weren’t planning to have that accident, this unexpected expense may tempt you to find a shop willing to “work with you” on that deductible.  My advice…be careful!!

Consider the facts:

•  Most likely your auto insurance carrier will have negotiated the lowest cost possible for collision repairs already.  Many insurance companies also have contracts in place with autobody shops that forbid the shop from waiving your deductible even if they wanted to.

•  Autobody shops operate on very thin profit margins.  The costs of training, materials, and equipment to keep a shop current with the ever-changing repair requirements of today’s complex vehicles is exceptional.

Given the above facts, it would be very difficult for a body shop to waive deductibles and stay in business without making up the loss somewhere.  That often means padding the bill to the insurance company to cover the cost of the deductible (insurance fraud) or worse yet, cutting corners on the repair.  If the bodyshop is willing to commit fraud against your insurance company, what makes you think they will deal with you any more fairly or honestly?  And when it comes to your safety, and the safety of your family, proper repairs that will enable the car to perform as designed in any future accidents to prevent injury to the passengers is of the utmost importance.

As the old saying goes…you get what you pay for.  Collision repairs are no exception.   See… “How to Choose a Good Auto Body Repair Shop“.

*Our blog has moved!  Please visit us at YoursMineandCars.com.  You’ll find this post and all others at the new site along with any and all new content.  See you there!

All auto body shops are not created equal.  So how should you choose?

Referrals.  Referrals can come from many sources…friends, family, insurance agents, tow truck drivers, co-workers, etc.  Whomever the referral comes from, be sure to ask why they like that shop.  This is important since not everyone’s needs are the same when it comes to auto body repair.  If you’ve got a friend who likes a particular autobody shop because they waived her deductible, this might not be the shop for you.  (See “Ask Me About Waiving Your Insurance Deductible“) If your friend loved the service the body shop staff provided and you like the look of the repaired vehicle, that’s a much better indication that you’re on the right track to finding a good shop.  Referrals are great!  Back them up by asking a few good questions and you’re well on your way to finding a body shop that will value your business and treat you accordingly.

Direct Repair Programs.  Your insurance company may have agreements in place with some local area auto body shops.  This can be a good thing…or not.  (Read “The Dangers of Steering”)  Never lose sight of the fact that it is your vehicle and you have the right to have it repaired at a body repair shop of your choosing.  Using a body shop that is part of your insurance company’s direct repair program can be convenient and save some time up front.  There are many very reputable auto body shops participating in direct repair programs (ours included).  As with any referral, be sure to do a little checking on your own before making a decision.  What your insurance company’s claims division looks for in a body shop may in some cases not be the same thing you want out of the company who will be putting your vehicle back together again after an accident.  Quality conscious shops choose which Direct Repair Programs they deal with very carefully.

First Impressions.  Give the body shop a call.  How was their phone presence?  In general, you should feel attended to when calling to inquire about an auto repair.  Were they friendly?  Did they seem to welcome and value your call?  Were they interested in your concerns?  Did they help you understand the process?  A good autobody shop values its customers, not just their cars.  When you arrive at the body shop is there ample customer parking?  It should be easy to determine where to find the office and you should be greeted upon your arrival and met with a clean and comfortable customer waiting area.  Go with your gut…if you are made to feel out of place, or worse yet like you are an interruption, it most likely won’t get better.

Withstanding the Test of Time.  When a business is doing things right and taking good care of its customers it tends to survive the tests of time.  How long has the body shop you are considering been in business?  Do they have connections to the local community?  Are they locally owned?  Do they stand behind the work they do with a lifetime warranty?  Will they still be there to honor that warranty should you need it in the future?  A reputable auto body shop will be there to take care of you and any reasonable concerns related to the work they did for as long as you own the car.

Bottom line…think it over and make sure you are entrusting your vehicle to a shop that will take care of you and get you and your family safely back on the road after your accident!

*Our blog has moved!  Please visit us at YoursMineandCars.com.  You’ll find this post and all others at the new site along with any and all new content.  See you there!