Facts You Should Know About Dealing With Your Auto Insurance

1. You are NOT required by law to get more than one estimate.

2. Your insurance company wants your vehicle properly repaired and you to be completely satisfied with their claim service. You have specific rights and obligations that you should be aware of. Review your policy. 

3. The choice is completely yours. While there are networks or preferred providers for collision repair and direct repair options presented to policyholders when they make a claim, the insured's right to choose MUST always be upheld in accordance with state law.

     You should know that these direct repair facilities or preferred provider facilities have a contract with your insurance company and offer them a discounted rate for repairs referred to them by your insurance company.

     Shops that offer the insurance company a discounted rate might compromise the quality of the repair, while looking after the insurance company's best interest.. Therefore, the shop is working for your insurance company and not for you.

4. Some insurance companies will tell you that you must take your vehicle to the preferred provider or you will be responsible for any additional costs that are not on the orginal estimate. THIS IS SIMPLY UNTRUE AND AGAINST THE LAW.

     An estimate is just that - an estimate. An appraiser can only report the damage that is visible. Sometimes there may be hidden damage that your repair shop could not see upon intial inspection. When additional damage becomes evident as the repair progresses, the shop will report the additional damage to the insurance company. All related damages are covered by your insurance company.

     In fact, most large collision repairs require at least one supplement to the original estimate. Coelho's Body Repair will work with your insurance company on your behalf to be sure all related damages are covered and repaired with no additional cost to you.

5. When one considers the safety issues involved in collision repair, a modern, safe, well-equipped and knowledgeable repair center is clearly the best choice for your repair facility.