The Basics

• It is your right to choose the repair shop where your vehicle will be repaired, this is California State Law.
• You are not required to go to the insurance company recommended shop or drive-in claim center.
• You are not required to get three estimates.
• You don't have to settle for after-market parts.

No insurer shall:

• Require that an automobile be repaired at a specific repair shop; or,
• Direct, suggest or recommend that an automobile be repaired at a specific repair shop, unless,
  • such referral is expressly requested by the claimant; or,
  • the claimant has been informed in writing of the right to select the repair facility; and,
  • the insurer that elects to repair a vehicle directs, suggests or recommends that a specific repair shop be used, shall cause the damaged vehicle to be restored to its condition prior to the loss at no additional cost to the claimant other than as stated in the policy or as otherwise allowed by these regulations.
• require a claimant to travel an unreasonable distance either to inspect a replacement automobile, to conduct an inspection of the vehicle, to obtain a repair estimate or to have the automobile repaired at a specific repair shop.

• pay the difference between the written estimate and a higher estimate obtained by the claimant; or,
• promptly provide the claimant with the name of at least one repair shop, if requested by the claimant pursuant to subsection 2695.8(e)(2), that will make the repairs for the amount of the written estimate. If the insurer designates fewer than three repair shops, the insurer shall assure that the repairs are performed in a workmanlike manner. The insurer shall maintain documentation of all such communications; or,
• reasonably adjust any written estimates prepared by the repair shop of the insured's choice.

Know your rights

Your car is the second largest investment you're likely to
make. Preserve its value and your safety by having it repaired professionally, and collecting for any and all loss of value.

Never drive a car that could be unsafe because of damages.

Some insurance companies may want you to visit their drive-in claims center for an appraisal before having your car repaired. You can do this, but remember this is only a preliminary surface assessment. In MOST cases the compensation level assessed is about 65% to 80% of the actual repair cost. Differences in repair estimates are common. If you're not sure why one estimate is different from another, ask.

You are not required by policy or law to obtain more than one estimate or appraisal.

Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular shop. This is your vehicle and you have the right to choose the repair shop of your choice. Many insurance companies attempt to place you in a shop who has made special concessions with the insurance company for their interest, not yours. Seldom, but in some "special exception" or PPO policies you signed a "Waiver" forcing you to take your vehicle to "the shop of their choice" CHECK CAREFULLY!

IMPORTANT: No matter where your car is repaired, you are entitled to the proper
repairs from the shop and the proper compensation from the insurer.

Choose a shop carefully, make sure they have the proper repair equipment and their staff technicians are certified. Industry accepted are ( I-CAR and ASE ).

Request genuine manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts. Only 3% of "After Market" parts meet the present CAPA certification.

Request a copy of the "Written Warranty" including labor, materials, parts and paint, Do Not accept less than one year on workmanship and in most cases three to five years on paint!