Tips

• You have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the bodyshop of your choice; NOT your insurance company's choice, or the person who hit you in a third party situation. Remember, it is YOUR vehicle in question.
  
• Only ONE estimate is required. There are two ways to obtain an estimate:
  
1. You can receive an estimate from the bodyshop you have chosen; or
   
2. Your insurance company may assess the damages to your vehicle.

• The insurance company has the right to inspect the damages to your vehicle and/or approve your bodyshop's estimate.
  
• If the person who hit your vehicle has requested to pay for the repairs themselves, beware of:
  
  
1. It is still your choice of the bodyshop;
   
2. There may be additional "hidden" damage which will change the repair price; and
   
3. If the bodyshop does not receive payment, a Garagemen's Lien will be placed upon YOUR vehicle.
   
• A police sticker is required if the combined vehicle damage exceeds $1000.00.
  
• What to look for in a body shop:
  
1. Appearance of the building, office, shop, and the person helping you. Chances are, "what you see is what you get".
   
2. Reputation. Ask your friends, co-workers, and relatives.
   
3. How long has the same senior management and ownership been in place? Is the business owner operated?
   
4. Industry certifications such as ASRA (Automotive Service & Repair Association) and CCAR (Certified Collision Automotive Repair);
   
5. Does the shop have a means of tracking customer satisfaction (CSI Program)? If so, how do they do? If not, why not?

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