Do I have to get my car fixed where the Insurance Comany Approves?

Question

I was involved in an accident a few weeks ago, and Geico gave me a list of approved Body Shops. I would feel a lot more comfortable in the dealer repaired the vehicle. What can I do?

Answer 1

You have the right to take it to any body shop you want. The insurance company may try to bully you into taking it to one which gives them a reduced price but, by law, they can't force you to do that. Their shops may cut corners or use cheap parts to save money and many times, after market parts don't fit the same as factory approved body panels.

Answer 2

They can not legally force you to go to any particular shop. It's your choice. they only want you to go to one on their list because they work out deals at those shops to get the work done below the invoice you will see. They show you one invoice and the Insurance company gets to pay a cheaper price.

Used shody second hand and aftermarket parts with a thick coat of paint to hide the flaws

Best to choose your own shop, The shop will handle the insurance company for you.

Answer 3

Geico will give you a hard time. They will tell you an adjuster cant see your car for week and other delay tactics. But the truth is you can fix your car wherever you want.  You should know that the approved list means they will guarantee the work for as long as you own the car. Meaning if anything goes wrong they have to fix it.  If you go somewhere else and have problems Geico will wipe their hand completely.  But you do have the right to go where you want.

Answer 4

if they pay.....they say,[where its fixed]  the dealer costs a lot more...talk to them...they may let u go to dealer if u pay the difference

Answer 5

The list of approved shops usually are the ones that will do a "good" job and aren't too expensive. Also I think Geico will also warrent the repairs if you go to one of their approved shops.

Go to the dealer and get a repair quote and then submit it to your agent. The worst that can happen is they give you a check (written out to the dealer) for what they are willing to pay and you will have to pay the balance.

Call your agent and ask him if you can use the dealer for the repairs, that's what you pay him for after all.

Answer 6

You can take it anywhere you like.  But some places (like the dealer) will charge more than the insurance will reimburse.

And as for body damage, most dealers just farm it out, and then tack on 10% to 20% extra.  So it is the same thing.  Think about it, when was the last time you saw a car with body damage being work on in the dealer shop?

===

about 6 years ago, I had to go to gieco approved body shop.  I still have the car, and the body still looks new.

Good Luck...