That is the crux of the issue in auto body repair as insurance companies try to control the care of your vehicle the way they control your personal healthcare. It is your right to choose your own collision repair facility and to have the insurance company pay for safe and proper repairs to your vehicle so it retains its value and meets important safety standards.
However, insurance companies often do not volunteer information about those rights or what is at stake in the selection of a repair facility. You want a shop that is working for YOU. Instead when you report a collision and need information about how to get your vehicle repaired efficiently and effectively, the insurance representative is likely to tell you about referral shops or preferred shops or merely provide a list of licensed auto repair shops in the state. That’s not much help. Remember it’s your car, your choice.
Know Your Rights!
In Massachusetts, you have the absolute right to select the collision repair shop of your choice to make repairs. No insurance company or independent agent or representative or staff member of an insurance company or appraiser can legally refer you to or away from any specific repair shop or require that repairs be made by a specific repair shop or individual. Nor can they require you to have your vehicle inspected at their drive-in claims center. If you request it, your insurer must inspect the damage to your vehicle at your chosen collision repair shop. (Reg 212 CMR 2:04(c) and MGL 26 8G)
– You have the right to have your vehicle towed to any location that you choose.
– You must notify your insurance company before repairs begin.
– You do not have to go to a drive-in claims center. Your insurer must inspect the vehicle at any location you choose.
– You do not need to get two or three appraisals.
– Your insurance company is responsible for payment to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition.
– Your insurer must negotiate in good faith with the shop of your choice.
The registered repair shop you choose can provide an estimate of damage and assist you with the processing of your claim to ensure safe and proper repairs are made to your vehicle. We hope you will choose Precision Collision.
Preserve Your Rights!
If you feel your rights have been violated, let state regulators and legislators know what happened and that you understand and value your Right to Choose.
Ensure Your Safety and the Safety of Your Family. Ensure the Value of Your Vehicle. Your car, your choice.
