You have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the body shop of your choice: NOT your insurance company’s choice, or the person who hit you in a third party situation. Remember, it is YOUR vehicle in question.
Only ONE estimate is required. There are two ways to obtain a estimate:
- Your insurance company may assess the damages to your vehicle.
- You can receive an estimate from the body shop you have chosen.
The insurance company has the right to inspect the damages to your vehicle and/or approve your body shop’s estimate.
If the person who hit your vehicle has requested to pay for the repairs themselves, beware of:
- It is still your choice of the body shop.
- There may be additional “hidden” damage, which will change the repair price.
- If the body shop does not receive payment, a Mechanical Lien will be placed upon your vehicle.
What to look for in a body shop:
- Appearance of the building, office, shop and the person helping you. Chances are, “what you see is what you get”.
- Reputation, ask your friends, co-workers and relatives.
- How long has the body shop been in business and do they have all necessary permits and licenses. I-Car certifications.
