Making sure you are informed of how your insurance policy works and what you are covered for is very important to ensure that you and your vehicle are taken care of.
Your insurance company will provide you with a list of shops in their Preferred Network. Which are repair facilities that have a contract with the insurance company. This is often claimed to be in your best interest as they will have “superior quality” or “no worries”. However, it is because your insurance company could potentially be profiting from the contract with the preferred network repair facility. There are a few ways they could possibly do this: by using after-market parts, skipping standard safety procedures, not following OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) repair guidelines and rushing the work. All of which are not in the best interests for you or your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Question:
Q: What do I do if my insurance company wants me to take my car to a certain shop, but I don’t want to take my car there?
A: Well, the answer is simple: Michigan law grants you the freedom to select a repair shop for your vehicle, regardless of what your insurance company recommends. Insurance companies cannot unreasonably restrict your choice of repair facilities. While they may have preferred repair shops, you are not obliged to use them
Q: Why does it matter where I take my car, why wouldn’t I just go to the shop my insurance recommends?
A: Your insurance company and the repair shop in their Preferred Network may have an agreement to use aftermarket/imitation parts, skip standard safety procedures, not follow OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) repair guidelines and strict timelines that cause the repair work to be rushed. All of which are not in the best interests for you or your vehicle.
Q: What happens if there is an issue with my car after repairs are completed?
A: The truth is that your insurance company is never the one to guarantee the work or be the one to fix an issue that could arise after repairs are completed: The shop is the one held responsible. Here at AutoMark Collision, we have a lifetime guarantee on our work, regardless of your insurance company.
Q: My insurance company said shops that are not in their network charge for things that aren’t necessary, is that true?
A: We cannot speak on all repair facilities but here at Automark Collision we charge for the things that are necessary to ensure proper repair is completed on your vehicle, following OEM procedures. Your insurance company says this as an attempt to steer you to shops in their Preferred Network where they have contracts with shops that may potentially cut corners to fix cars quickly, not right.
Allowing you to make an informed decision is important to us and we are here to answer any questions, give us a call today or click HERE to contact us