Can I choose any body shop after accident?

Asked by: Luz Bernier MD  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.7/5 (30 votes)

You Get to Choose
The answer is yes! Your insurance company can, and probably will, recommend a shop, but it is your decision. In fact, if your insurance company refuses to pay for repairs at the shop of your choosing, they are likely violating the law.

How do I pick a body shop after an accident?

The quality of work you expect from your body shop should be excellent. The type of repair also can come into plays as far as quality. You may have an item replaces such as a bumper or a fender, or they may just repair it.

Can I choose my own repair shop?

Can I pick my own shop to do my vehicle repairs? Yes. While your insurance company may recommend a repair shop, you are under no obligation to take your vehicle there. You may take your damaged vehicle to your own preferred repair shop, and your insurer is still obligated to pay for the repairs.

Do I have to use my insurance repair company?

Unless there is a specific clause in your insurance policy that states you must use one of their recommended repair shops you are free to go wherever you prefer. Most insurance policies DO NOT have this clause.

Can an insurance company force you to use the body shop?

Selection of Body Shop

It is illegal for an insurance company to steer, force, require or pressure you into using a particular shop. You should never take your vehicle to a body shop based solely on the recommendation of an insurance company. Not even if it is your own insurance company.

Can I choose my own mechanic or body repair shop after a car accident? | Poynter & Bucheri Attorneys

34 related questions found

What do you do after a minor car accident?

What to do when you get in a car accident?
  1. Stop the car or find a safe refuge area nearby. ...
  2. Check for injuries and call an ambulance if required. ...
  3. Assess the situation and call the emergency services if required. ...
  4. Exchange details with individuals involved. ...
  5. Gather information on the incident. ...
  6. Contact your insurance company.

Do dealerships repair accidents?

Being involved in a car crash can be a very stressful experience. Most dealerships can perform either type of repair, and their specialty is your particular brand of car. ...

Can I insist on having my car repaired?

You have the right to choose the repair shop you want to use. You're entitled to have your vehicle repaired to its pre-accident condition. By law, you're only required to obtain one repair estimate.

Can I refuse an insurance repair?

The law in most states says you can go to any repair shop you choose. But there is a catch many drivers don't know about until they find themselves in this situation: if the estimate is too high at the shop of your choice, your insurer can refuse to pay that higher bill.

How long can an insurance company take to repair a car?

“The length of time that a car insurance company takes to fix your vehicle will depend on several factors—but mainly the damage. On average, it can take anywhere from six to 30 days for a car to be repaired. When you submit a claim to your car insurance company, they are required to investigate.

Can I claim insurance if I damage my own car?

Own damage claim: You can file an own damage claim in case of any loss or damage caused to your insured car due to an accident. Your insurer for pay for the medical expenses and repair costs incurred due to the accident. However, you will have to authenticate the damage or loss resulted from the accident.

Can an insurance company make you use used parts?

Getting OEM Parts for Your Damaged Vehicle

You have the right to request your insurance company use original equipment manufactured parts rather than aftermarket parts to repair your vehicle. If the insurance company deems these costs unreasonable, however, it might deny your claim.

Do I pay the body shop before or after?

After the body shop sends your car insurance company a repair estimate, your insurer will pay the shop the full amount minus your deductible, which you must pay to the body shop directly. In some cases, your insurer might send you the money instead, but they will still subtract the deductible from the final amount.

What happens to your car after an accident?

Remember: The insurer will deduct what it could have made by selling your car as salvage, and the insurer will withhold your policy's deductible. ... The salvage title will stay with the car and lower its value despite your repairs. Sometimes, it's good to have your car totaled by insurance after an accident.

Will Allstate pay me or body shop?

According to the III, you have the right to choose the repair shop that makes your vehicle's repairs. ... If your vehicle is totaled in a covered accident, and you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurer will pay you the actual cash value of your vehicle (minus your deductible).

What happens if a shop crashes your car?

Your insurance company will contact the mechanic and either get them to file a claim with their carrier or your insurance company will go after the mechanic directly to recover the costs to repair your vehicle.

Can I sell my car while waiting for insurance claim?

There is no legal bar to you selling your vehicle while the claim is ongoing; however, there are potential consequences. First and foremost; if you sell your vehicle you will only be able to recover the amount that the damage to your vehicle reduced the resale value of your vehicle.

What are my rights with car repairs?

When a garage services or repairs you car, your consumer rights as a buyer are protected in law. This means that your garage must: fit replacement parts that are in good condition, that are able to do the job and that will last a reasonable length of time. use reasonable skill and care.

Can you reject a total loss claim?

After a car wreck, you'll need to assess the damage of your car. ... The Damage Adjuster will determine whether or not your car is a total loss based on the total loss formula and will calculate a settlement amount that you can accept or reject. Next you'll find your vehicle title to prove that you own it.

Can you return a used car if it has problems?

While there are some federal Lemon Laws protecting consumers, individual states may also have their own laws regarding defective vehicles. ... If the defect is unable to be fixed after several attempts, the owner may be able to return the car in exchange for compensation or a replacement vehicle.

Do dealerships repaint cars?

Dealers don't advertise as paint shops because they AREN'T paint shops. They provide a factory-quality service to make your car look new. Despite those amazing commercials that show, well, nothing, a $400 paint job just plain sucks. They'll be happy to paint over that scratch but you'll still see it afterwards.

Are dealership repairs more expensive?

a.

However, the labor costs of getting your car fixed at a dealership is higher because their technicians are specialists. In addition, dealerships pay higher salaries for manufacturer-trained and highly experienced technicians. It is therefore no surprise that you will pay a higher price for their services.

How long after a car accident can you claim for damage?

A personal injuries claim may be filed if you are injured because of an accident or other event. However, you must file your claim for personal injury compensation within two years from the date of the accident or event.