Have you ever had your insurance co. tell you you HAD to take your vehicle to a certain repair facility?

Question

This is illegal for them to do, but I'm wondering how many of you have been highly pressured to use one repair facility over another.

Answer 1

I just ran into this about a month ago.  My insurance company told me that I could go to any body shop, however they would only cover 80% of the damages.  I would've had to pay the difference plus my deductible.  I ended up going to the place they suggested, and was actually very pleased with the work and all repairs were covered.

Answer 2

Never.

Answer 3

Call your city Chamber of Commerce, and complain.

You are being "lead to a relative" of his for the repairs.

You are supposed to get two or three estimates. <}:-})

Answer 4

probaly everyone who has dealt with a car accident has been pressured to do this

Answer 5

Um.. no insurance company would EVER do that.

Ive worked for 3 major companies and although ALL have had 'preferred shops" we were perfectly aware of the customers legal rights to take it wherever they wanted.

No huge insurance company is going to risk legal consequences from  steering customers to a certain shop and telling them they have to go.  anyone who says they were forced to go to a shop is probably "mentally slow" and just didnt listen to what was said.

BTW... contrary to popular belief insurance companies dont use crappy shops for network shops.  We use them b/c they have consistantly provided good work and we trust them.  We dont have any "special deals" with them and they get the same exact amount of money any other shop would get.

Answer 6

Yes all the time. Geiko said I could only go to maco. vote me best answer please.

Answer 7

I have had the insurance give me a list of "preferred" repair facilities, but they have always made it clear that it's my choice where I take my car.

Answer 8

It isn't quite illegal, but, if you have submitted quotes for approval, they can tell you which of the facilities to take it to, so you only get quotes from shops you want to deal with.  If you then go to a shop that charges more for the SAME work, you could be on the hook for the difference.  Many years back, when I lived in Alberta, State Farm approved one shop for my repairs, but then the shop wouldn't take the work because State Farm was way behind (over $100,000) in paying them.

If your insurer has a list of "preferred' shops, you may have a long-term warranty on the work that is not offered if you go to a shop not on the list, as well.  One of our shops offers life-time (of the car, while the same owner retains ownership) warranty on all MPI claims repairs.

We are lucky in that way in Manitoba.  Any MPI-approved shop can be used, and there are very few that aren't approved, basically only the ones with non-code paint booths that can't get insurance.

Answer 9

NEVER!!!  I think this insurance company is trying to pull one over on you.  I would change insurance companies if I were you.  There's a scam going on somewhere.  Good luck!!

Answer 10

No, this is something they can't, and won't do.  They *might* tell you that the repairs would be guaranteed at their preferred shop, but it's still your choice.  

It has nothing to do them needing it there to 'see' the damage.  They will send out a qualified adjuster to the impound yard or where ever else your vehicle is stored.

Answer 11

they have no legal right to tell you where your auto must be repaired.  Do they try to steer you to a particular shop?  Yes they do.  Do you have to take it there?  NO!

Answer 12

I've heard of it before...but usually if you fight them on it they will cave.....unless it is written in stone in your contract or something.

Answer 13

the ins company wants you to take your vech to the service first shops because they do not have to send an adjuster out the shop writes the estimate.they can only recommend a shop they can not force you to use them