Can the Insurance Company Require You to Use Certain Repair Shops?
You have just been in a car crash and you are having trouble figuring out what to do next. You need help with your insurance claim and you do not have time to deal with shady repair shops that might be trying to take advantage of you. You may be wondering: Why would an insurance company tell me where I can or can not get my vehicle fixed?
You can decide where to take your car for repairs, no matter what the insurance company may tell you. While there can be advantages to using a repair shop recommended by the insurance company, ultimately the decision rests with you.
What does Texas State Law say about choosing a repair shop?
State laws surrounding insurance companies vary, and it’s essential to understand the rules of your own state. In general, there are two main things you need to know:
Texas state law is clear that you can choose your own repair shop. This means that even if the insurance company does not tell you what shop to use, you can still use the repair shop of your choice.
State law also makes clear that the insurance company cannot force you to use a specific repair shop. According to Title 28, Section 5.501 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), insurance companies are required to provide notice to insured persons who make a claim for damage to their vehicle. The notice must explain that you have the right to select the establishment that repairs your vehicle and the parts used to repair your vehicle.
This notice must also say the insurance company is not required to pay more than a reasonable amount for parts or repairs.
What rights do you have?
What then are your legal rights in Texas as a collision repair customer? You have a number of rights as a collision repair customer that will safeguard you in the event of an accident. You should be well aware of your legal rights because you might end up in an automobile accident at some point. Here are your rights, then.
The right to choose the body shop where repairs are performed.
Your vehicle will need to be repaired if you are in a car accident. Insurance companies will specify which body shop you must employ to get your car fixed, but you are free to select any facility. All you need to do is inform your insurance provider if you decide to use a body shop other than the one they recommend. At the end of the day, your insurance company will respect your choice to utilize a different body shop.
You have the right to expect your insurance to pay for all covered damages.
Your insurance provider is obligated to cover the costs of the losses they agreed to cover when you are in a car accident. You are legally protected if they decide to suddenly stop covering the damages that your plan covers, and ultimately, they will pay. Do not be reluctant to ask your insurance provider to pay the full cost of your plan. Your wallet will suffer as a result of your car’s repair. Act promptly to have your repairs paid for.
You are entitled to just one estimate not three or more.
While getting several estimates for auto repairs can be helpful, you are only required by law to have one. It has been largely assumed for decades that a car owner must obtain multiple quotes before having repairs made, yet nothing could be furthest from the truth. You are not required to get multiple estimates, but it is by no means required.
You are entitled to have your car towed to any body shop of your choice.
You can have your vehicle towed to the body shop of your choice after an accident if you require your automobile to be towed. If the tow truck operator informs you that they are sending your car to a specific body shop, you can decline and request that they take it somewhere else. You have the right to have your car transported to the body shop of your choice because it is yours. Do not let a tow truck take your car to a body shop if you disapprove of it, take charge of your vehicle’s repair, and take your vehicle to the body shop you want it taken to.
When you have been involved in a car accident, there are several rights you are entitled to but may not always know about. These rights keep you protected from being taken advantage of by insurance companies and protect your right to take your vehicle to the body shop of your choice. While these rights may not seem overly significant, they will save you thousands of dollars and most importantly, peace of mind. So the next time you are in a car wreck, make sure to remember the rights you are guaranteed under the law.
Our team is here to answer your questions via our online contact form, in person, or on the phone at 972-737-3288. Whether you have an insurance problem, an auto body collision repair estimate request, or want to know more about our warranties, our staff members can provide the information you need. Our McKinney auto collision repair facility is convenient to all surrounding cities in the Collin County area and we gladly service the surrounding areas Cities and Counties throughout North Texas.
If you are looking for repairs for either auto body damage, hail damage repair, or paintless dent repair, our team is available to help. Request a free consultation today!
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