Nobody ever gets in their vehicle and plans to get involved in an accident.
Let’s face it. Everything else that comes after a collision can be bewildering and give the wrong impression, depending on who you talk to and where you go for assistance.
The core problem is that often, anyone who owns a vehicle believes that all dealers, repair technicians and auto body shops are on a mission to scam them. And yes, there are a few bad eggs out there, but a bona fide collision repair facility like Bender Body Shop can be your partner in helping ensure that every dollar you spend is towards a safe, quality repair.
The fact is insurance companies are required to pay for certain things consistent with your car insurance policy. That’s why you pay a premium. However, some insurers would prefer to dictate the terms of your repair to save them money.
Becker Body Shop has plenty of experience dealing with insurance companies every day, and we are here to assist you.
You have the right to choose the repair facility to fix your vehicle
Truth is, one of the chief annoyances for auto body shops such as Becker Body Shop is the volume of misinformation a driver is given on where they should take their vehicle to be repaired. Some of that misinformation comes from insurance companies themselves!
There’s an old saying that goes, “Never ask collection advice from someone who owes you money.” You totally warrant and are entitled to know your rights concerning your personal property. After all, it’s your vehicle.
Many drivers don’t realize that the right to choose where their vehicle gets repaired is in THEIR hands. Sure, your insurance company might say the shop of your choice is “out of network.” But that’s more for a health insurance circumstance and not what you’d typically see in collision repair.
What insurance companies often do take part in are direct repair partner shops, known as DRP repair shops. This means they have a contractual arrangement with insurance companies to perform fast repairs at a definite budget and deadline. They operate on the philosophy:
Faster repairs = happy insurance company = more vehicles = more money
As a result, your insurance company will most likely urge you to go to a DRP repair shop. They might even go so far as make an attempt to convince you to go with their choice of shops, making it seem as though there is no other option available.
The law is on your side
Remember, YOU have the absolute right to choose the vehicle repair shop that you prefer. It’s the law!
Pennsylvania law says: No appraiser or employer shall require that repairs be made in any specified repair shop. An appraiser or his employee shall not attempt to directly or indirectly coerce, persuade, induce or advise you that the vehicle damage must or should be repaired at any particular location or by any particular business. (PA Motor Vehicles Physical Damages Appraisers Act)
This means that the act of “steering” is illegal. This is when an insurance company tells a customer what body shop to go to when they need to get their vehicle fixed.
Examples of steering:
An insurance company may say something such as, “The length of your repair might be longer if you go somewhere else. Don’t you want your vehicle back as soon as possible?”
Or something like “Well, the shop is out of network, so we can’t guarantee the length of that repair.”
Bottom line: When you talk to your insurer, be sure to tell them that you know PA law states that you have the right to choose the repair shop.
Your repair shop can be your ally
Now that you know that you have the right to choose where you get your vehicle repaired, you also have the right to ask specific questions about how your vehicle will be repaired (such as parts, procedures, etc.). You can also ask a body shop about their technicians’ training or certifications.
Body shops such as Becker Body Shop deal with insurance firms and claims all day, every day, so they know how to assist you with what you are owed in an insurance claim. A shop can also help if you have received sub-par collision repair and are looking for help in getting your vehicle re-repaired.
One final time. . .don’t be fooled!
After a repair, you deserve to have your vehicle refurbished to its former glory. Don’t allow the insurance company to steer you to a shop on the list of so-called pre-approved shops.
As a leading auto body and collision repair center, Becker Body Shop serves Hummels Wharf, Selinsgrove, Shamokin Dam, Sunbury, Northumberland, Lewisburg, Winfield, Danville, and the Central Susquehanna Valley. We meet our customers by accident! If you’re looking to choose an auto body shop with over 50 years of experience in the area, call Dave Aucker for a FREE estimate at 570.743.5882.
