KNOW WHAT YOUR
POLICY COVERS
Whenever you purchase new car insurance or renew existing coverage,
know what your policy covers. Pay careful attention to rental car coverage,
the type of parts that are covered under your policy (original equipment
manufacturer parts or non-original equipment manufacturer parts),
diminished value, and what type of warranty, if any, your insurer provides.
Please remember this is your vehicle being repaired with your insurance
(or, if someone else caused the accident, with their insurance). You have the
right to make decisions in having your vehicle repaired. Make sure you are
informed of your rights before, during, and after the repair process.
RIGHT TO CHOOSE
YOUR REPAIR SHOP
You have the right to select the repair facility that you want to use and to
participate in the decisions regarding the repair of your vehicle. In making
this choice, you should look into the shop’s reputation and quality of repair.
Under Mississippi aw, an insurance company
may not tell you where you must have your
repairs made.
An insurance company can recommend and
describe a repair facility where they have a
reationship, but they cannot refuse to pay
a caim because the repairs were made at a
particuar repair facility.
The most an insurance company is required
to pay for the repair is the lowest amount that
your vehicle could be properly repaired by
an auto body repair shop within a reasonable
geographical or trade area. You may have to
pay a portion out of pocket if the amount
charged at your chosen shop is more than
the amount another shop in your area would
charge to make a proper repair.
The cheapest estimate of repair cost does
not always include all procedures and parts
necessary to properly repair the vehicle.
In the past few years, technology has vastly
changed car design and repair. Consequently,
auto body repair shops have had to train their
workers to become certified technicians for
certain newer model cars and to invest in
expensive computers and tools in order to
make these repairs.
These new technologies and training may be
necessary to make a proper repair, and shops
with certified technicians, modern tools and
technology may charge more than shops
without these technologies. Depending on the
year, model, and make of your vehicle, you
should make sure these considerations are
part of your discussions with the insurance
company when choosing a shop.
You may choose an auto body repair shop for
any reason that is important to you. However,
make sure the shop’s employees are trained to
repair your particuar make, model, and type
of repair required.
Get a detailed estimate beforehand and ask
about written warranties.
Ask questions about costs and fees up-front,
before authorizing repair work.