The insurance company wants us to go to a specific repair shop. They say that we have to have repairs done at that specific business or they won't pay for repairs. Is this legal? Or can I have to have the auto repairs done at any repair shop?
2006-11-08 09:26:57 · 6 answers · asked by willywonka1999 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
You have the legal right to take the veh to any repair facility of your choice.In most cases when you do so the insurance company will request that you get more than one estimate, and again like the answers below they will most likely always go with the lowest. Now the reason they want you to go to one of there shops is because they have contracts with those shops, and the shop direct bills the company.So in that case they don't have to make any payment out to you they just send to auto shop.Now one thing that is good about those shops is that in most cases the insurance company will guarantee the work that shop does on your veh for as long as you own it.The reason they started doing contracts with different shops is because to many people were making claims, and getting payment from insurance company.Then not repairing the veh, and trying to file another claim down the road for same damage.Hope that helps a little.Just out of curiosity what insurance company?
2006-11-08 14:28:44 · answer #1 · answered by D.L. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you have misunderstood. You have the right to have repairs done to YOUR car at any repairer you choose. Your company probably said they cannot warranty the repairs or pay an amount above fair market rates/repair services if you choose a non-direct repair shop they recommend. Some shops charge labor rates well above what the area market rates are and an insurance company is under NO obligation to pay more than what is reasonable or necessary to repair your car. Direct-repair programs with shops have an agreement with many insurance companies that pledge to charge only fair and prevailing market labor charges for that area. If they did say you had to go to a particular shop or else...they are in for a world of hurt as this violates a ton of federal and state laws. Call your company back and tell them to explain it all again --- slowly, until you are rock solid sure you understand.
2006-11-08 13:55:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you should be able to go to where ever you want as long as they are a legal business.
I would defineately call and ask to speak to a supervisor about this. The claims person may be directing to someone he/she has ties to and that is ILLEGAL.
Check out this guy with your question as he might know more:
http://www.oregoninsurancelaw.com/index.htm
Here's a statement from his website:
Which insurance companies do you recommend?
All Oregon auto insurance companies can be difficult to deal with and treat their customers poorly. The Oregon auto insurance companies that I have found to treat their customers the worst are Allstate, American Family, Safeco, and Farmers insurance. I would not buy insurance from any of these companies.
2006-11-08 10:54:18 · answer #3 · answered by Joe S 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, you should be able to have the repairs done wherever you want. A lot of companies have guaranteed repair shops whose work they guarantee as long as you have the car and so there's a relationship there, but they can't steer you there. It doesn't say in your policy that you have to get it fixed where they say, does it? If it does, then that's a different story.
2006-11-08 10:06:27 · answer #4 · answered by Chris 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have never heard of an insurance company pushing work to a certain repair shop. Call the insurance commission in your state to see if that is legal. I doubt it.
2006-11-08 09:34:03 · answer #5 · answered by SKYDOGSLIM 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Probably, but you'll likely have to provide a few estimates to them to make them know they aren't being ripped off. Even then, they will want you to go to the lowest estimate.
2006-11-08 09:29:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋