Following a collision, it’s vital to have your car professionally inspected and repaired. You may be wondering if you can choose your own auto body shop in Columbia, MO, or if you need to use one recommended by the insurer. Let’s answer this question in detail.
Can You Choose Your Own Repair Shop After a Car Accident?
In short, yes, you have the legal right to choose your own repair shop after an accident. While an insurance company can recommend one they prefer, they cannot force you to use it. The insurer has to go along with whichever repair shop you choose.
However, there may be a clause in your policy that states that the insurer is not obligated to pay for repairs not carried out in one of their preferred or direct repair shops. This is something you should check right away.
Why Insurers Recommend Repair Shops
Over time, insurance companies build relationships with preferred or direct repair shops. They establish service agreements with these shops that streamline the repair and claims process and bring their costs down. An insurer’s recommended repair shops aren’t necessarily a bad choice for you, but there could be good reasons for selecting your own.
The Benefits of Choosing Your Own Auto Body Shop
You may know a reputable repair shop that provided good service in the past and is conveniently close to your home. These factors give you confidence and peace of mind, which can be important during the stressful period following a road accident.
When you’ve chosen the repair shop, you’ll probably also find it easier to communicate with the technicians during repairs, which grants you a greater degree of control. In addition, you might experience better service with a small independent shop, as they work hard to satisfy each customer and earn more business in the future.
When to Choose the Insurer’s Preferred Repair Shop
If the insurance company’s recommended repair shop is somewhere you already know and trust, there may be no reason to decline. Also, as mentioned before, check your insurance policy carefully for any clauses that connect the insurance payments to the repair shop you choose. If you’re going to receive less money by choosing a non-preferred auto shop, you may want to go along with the insurer’s recommendation.
Get Prompt, Professional Repairs in Columbia, MO
If you’d like to talk this through with knowledgeable auto repair professionals, get in touch. We’d be happy to help. If you choose us for your car, our experienced technicians will get your car back into terrific shape in record time with warranty-backed service.
Visit Joe Machens Auto Body in Columbia, MO, today for comprehensive collision repairs. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to us, and our repairs come with a limited lifetime warranty.
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