My fiance had her brand new 4Runner hit by a co-worker in her work parking lot. No cops involved. I want the Toyota service center to fix it. Their estimate is higher then the preffered collision shop that the girl's insurance company says they are willing to pay. They are saying she must take it there, and they are not paying apying any more. I thought you can take your vehicle anywhere you wanted to have your repairs completed? I think the insurance company is doing their job to push towards their preffered collision shop, but is not being forthright in indicating they would not pay the extra amount that Toyota would charge for repairs. Please assist, and thank you.
2007-03-15 04:09:14 · 13 answers · asked by jbryniar1 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
As the owner of the vehicle you have the right to have your vehicle repaired anywhere you like. The insurance company however, doesn't have to pay for the total cost of repairs. Read the policy.
Their financial obligation is to the insured, not some body shop that over charges for parts & labor....and they ALL do. One place will charge $35/hour, another place will charge $75/hour. Which would you pay?
2007-03-15 13:59:41 · answer #1 · answered by bundysmom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is kind of a yes, and no answer... Yes you are, and should be allowed to take your veh where ever you like to have it repaired.. But the insurance company also has a right to second guess your estimate, because if they can find a shop to do it for less, and do the same type of service they will not pay out to have other company do it.. Thats why some insurance companies ask you to get more than one estimate, cuz they usally go with the lower of the estimates.. As for there repair shop that they work with.. They are usally checked out by the insurance company, and that way the insurance company knows there not getting ripped. The reason they started giving preferred shops is because to many autobody companys were jacking up the prices when they knew it was a damaged veh being paid for by insurance.
Your gf may be able to fight it, and have it fixed at the dealer, but the insurance company, may only pay you what the other body shop estimated. As long its the same service, and parts.. Meaning if for example shop 1's estimate is 1,000, and shop 2's is 1500.. Both shops giving same service, and same parts, then i think legally they only have to pay you for the estimate of shop 1. Again u by law are not required to use the shop they recommend especially if it is not your fiances own company.. If they continue to push on the shop i would recommend either filing claim with fiance's company, or talk to her agent.. that way they can hammer it out...
2007-03-15 15:19:42 · answer #2 · answered by D.L. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have the right to have you vehicle repaired anywhere you prefer, however, the insurance company does NOT have to pay more to have it repaired than the fair market rates and costs. Why is the Toyota dealer charging more money to do the repairs? If it is a labor rate difference then you will need to check if they are charging the praviling competetive rates in your market area. If they are higher than everyone else then you will be expected to pay the difference. Why doesn't your fiance just use her own collision coverage to have the truck repaired?
2007-03-15 08:22:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The insurance company will pay for the repairs under their terms. Now if you can prove the shop is not going to use Toyota original parts if any are required. Then you can request that. Another thing is that the Ins. company is liable for the bill, they can require you to go to their place or forget it, they will wipe their hands of their liability as repairing it is not your terms. If the person that hit your car, could have said. I will pay for the repairs at Jim Bob's Body shop. then they are willing to get it repaired at their terms.
I know it sounds like you are getting jacked but hey it is only metal, it really doesn't matter where it gets fixed you just want it done right.
The other side is that should the work turn out crappy at your place then you are on the hook for it to be done right, whereas if the Insurance Co. certified place does the work they are on the hook for making you go there. You are better off going with the Ins companies place. Be sure they use the Original Toyota parts. My shop just started doing the original parts replacement and there is a higher price for that...
No longer does the Ins. company go with the lowest of 3 or 4 estimates they have contracted with their certified shops and know theirs is the lowest/
2007-03-15 04:33:07 · answer #4 · answered by Uncle Red 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
You can definately take it anywhere you want. What the issue here is- the insurance company will only pay a reasonable amount for repairs. If your shop will only put on new parts and they want used parts or something or they have too high labor rates.. you will be responsible for the difference.
2007-03-15 04:48:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally the at-fault insurance company cannot dictate where you get your vehicle repaired. You chose Toyota.
The at-fault insurance company should negotiate with Toyota and come to an agreement with the body shop on price that will result in repairs to your 4-Runner.
2007-03-15 10:15:52 · answer #6 · answered by shmigs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The insurance company is going to pay based off the lowest estimate. Many body shops, if they want the work, will honor the lower estimate. Take the estimate from the preferred shop to the dealership and ask them if they can do the work for that amount. If they say no, then the best thing to do is take it to the preferred shop. A preferred shop doesn't want to lose their contract with the insurance company so they make sure they do a great job.
2007-03-15 07:16:46 · answer #7 · answered by blb 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Usually, you can take the car to be repaired anywhere you like. They will get an estimate from their preferred shop, if your shop is estimating more, they may only give you the money for the lower estimate.
My company allows you to go anywhere, but they will only warranty work from their preferred shop.
2007-03-15 06:53:41 · answer #8 · answered by Nate W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you ever wonder how a body shop becomes "Preferred"? They agree, in a contract, to do work at a set rate, ALWAYS lower rates than shops who charge the "going rate". Now then, in order to still make money at "preferred" rates, they are masters at cutting corners. Be it not the best or right materials, sub-standard labor practices, incorrect paint code match, or non-factory or salvage-yard parts. I would bet the Toyota dealer would stand behind their work guarantee better than one of the "preferred" shops. Get your insurance company involved if you must. Lawyer up if all else fails.
2007-03-15 11:39:33 · answer #9 · answered by dragginman_73 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More often than not, the liable party's insurance carrier is going to ask for 2 or 3 estimates and will go with the cheaper estimate. You do have the right however to demand that your vehicle is repaired using genuine manufacturer parts and not "seconds" or off brands as they usually do not fit correctly and are inferior to original manufacturer's parts. I would ask the insurance company if their shop is utilizing "genuine manufacturer" replacement parts.
2007-03-15 04:34:44 · answer #10 · answered by dpoetryman1962 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋