FAQs

Insurance companies are not permitted to dictate where you have your vehicle repaired. The choice of auto body shop is entirely yours to make.

You have the option to retain your salvage vehicle. In this case, the insurance company will subtract the salvage value from the actual cash value. Upon request, they must provide you with the contact information of a salvage dealer who will purchase the salvage for the deducted amount.

In such cases, you can invoke the appraisal provision in your policy. This process involves both you and the insurance company selecting competent appraisers who then choose an umpire. The appraisers will independently determine the actual cash value and loss amount. If they disagree, the umpire will make the final decision. Both parties are responsible for their chosen appraiser's fees and share the expenses for the appraisal and umpire equally.

Insurance companies are not allowed to apply insurance points for accidents that were not your fault. For guidance on how a claim might affect your policy, it's advisable to consult with your insurance agent who can provide insights into your company's underwriting practices.

The duration of repairs can vary significantly due to multiple factors. Initially, we need to disassemble your vehicle to assess any hidden damage. After obtaining approval from your insurance company, we order the necessary parts and begin repairs. While awaiting parts, we proceed with any possible work. Once painting and additional repairs are complete, we can provide a more accurate timeline. Our primary goal is to repair your vehicle correctly and efficiently to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Insurance steering refers to the practice where insurers influence policyholders to use specific service providers, typically auto repair shops or healthcare providers, within their preferred network. In auto insurance, this often involves recommending particular body shops that are part of a direct repair program. While presented as a convenience, steering can be controversial due to potential limitations on consumer choice. Many jurisdictions regulate or prohibit coercive steering practices, and consumers generally retain the right to choose their preferred repair shop.

Entitlement to diminished value compensation is possible, but it's contingent on you not being at fault for the accident. If you meet this criterion, you may be eligible to claim for the reduction in your vehicle's value following repairs.