KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
Don’t be “steered” into using a repair shop you don’t know.
“They’re not on our list of shops.”
“We can’t guarantee their work.”
“We may not be able to help you as much as we’d like if you take your car to that shop.”
Has your insurance company ever told you something like this when you told them what repair shop you want to use? This is called “steering,” and the phraseology used can range from not-so-subtle innuendo, to out and out slander.
“Steering” when applied to car insurance, is when an insurance provider directs their policy holders or 3rd party claimants to get their vehicles repaired at a specific body shop. Insurance companies have also been known to steer policyholders away from specific collision providers.
Steering is illegal in most states; however, it is still a common practice. Do not be intimidated or coerced into taking your vehicle somewhere just because the insurance company wants you to use a particular shop. By law, you have the right to have your vehicle repaired by the repairer of your choice.
That being said, we work with all insurance companies to ensure that your vehicle is repaired fully, correctly, and with the least amount of cost and time. HAVE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US!
