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Letter from German Motors Collision Center
Letter from German Motors Collision Center.
This letter provides information concerning your right to choose an independent auto body repair shop and your right not to be misled or pressured into a choice that serves the interests of your insurance company more than your own.
Insurance companies frequently enter into agreements with certain body shops under direct referral programs (DRP’s). In exchange for the referral of business, the insurance company may require that the DRP facility provide it with discounts on labor and/or to use non-factory or refurbished parts so that the insurance company will save money.
The result of such agreements could well mean that your car is not fully or appropriately repaired. Insurance companies cannot force you to have your vehicle repaired at a specific shop. They cannot provide you with misleading information about the advantages of one shop over another, nor can they require you to get three estimates.
The State of California has recently enacted anti-steering laws to prevent such tactics. In an effort to steer you to a specific repair shop, your insurance company may use the following tactics.
1. Promise you that if you take your car to a shop they prefer, the insurance company will guarantee the repairs. In fact, insurance companies do not guarantee anything. Only the repair shop will be able to offer you a guarantee on their work.
German Motors Collision Center offers a lifetime warranty on repairs.
2. Advise you that delays inherent in the repair process will be avoided if you take your vehicle to the shop preferred by the insurance company. If your insurance company delays review of the estimate for repair, it is their fault – not the fault of the body shop.
German Motors Collision Center can give you advice on how to eliminate delays.
3. Tell you that you will incur additional out of pocket expenses if you choose to use an independent repair facility which they have not placed on their referral list. Most reputable repair facilities will work closely with the insurance company to assure that all costs are authorized and covered.
German Motors Collision Center will never charge you for services you have not previously authorized!
The following is a list of Internet links for agencies that can further assist you in making automotive repair related decision.
www.calautobody.com
www.insurance.ca.gov
www.dca.ca.gov
If you have previously had your car repaired elsewhere and you believe that your insurance company steered you away from choosing German Motors Collision Center, we would like to hear from you.
Please contact Jeff Burton, German Motors Collision Center Manager at 415-503-5902. Your call will be treated with confidence.
