Protect your investment...Know your Rights and make informed decisions
The Right To Choose
New York State Law says: Pursuant to Section 2610 of the Insurance Law an insurance company may not require that repairs be made to a motor vehicle in a particular place or repair shop. You have a right to have your automobile repaired in the shop of your Choice.
No insurance company or independent agent can legally refer or require you to or away from any specific repair shop, or require repairs to be done by a specific shop. They cannot dictate to you where your vehicle should be repaired! Nor can they require you to have you vehicle inspected at their drive-in claims center. It's called "steering" and it's against the law. If you request it, your insurer must inspect the damage to your vehicle at the repair shop you choose. Remember, NYS Law protects you here.
It is your right to choose your own collision repair facility and to have the insurance company pay for safe and proper repairs.
Make Informed Decisions
By Law, you are not required to obtain more than one estimate for damage.
Be Cautious if your insurance company tries to pick a repair shop for you. It's called "steering" and it's against the law. In most cases insurance company referral shops offer discounts to the insurance company in order to be on their list. The referral shops make deals with the insurance companys to get on their lists. These "deals" may not be in your best interests. Could this mean discounted quality for you?
On your behalf, we can negotiate your insurance claim for you, with no hassle and with your best interest in mind. If more repairs are required over the initial estimate, we will contact your insurance company for a supplement to be sure your vehicle is repaired with your safety in mind and to its pre-accident condition. We can repair your vehicle properly, with quality and quickly.
Differences in estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessay work. If you are not sure why one estimate is different from another, please ask us. This also includes estimates written by the insurance company.
Know Your Rights
In addition to the NYS law requirements above, you have also have the following rights:
-- You have the right to have your vehicle towed to any location you choose -- You do NOT need to get two or three appraisals -- Your insurer must negotiate in good faith with the shop of your choice -- Your insurance company is responsible for payment to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition -- You do not have to get your vehicle repaired to receive your payment for damage -- You have the right to a rental car if the damage was caused by someone else and their insurance company is paying the claim...ask for this.