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Dealing With Insurance Companies
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Dealing with insurance
companies can sometimes be a confusing and unfamiliar process. Here are a few things you should know to
make your dealings with the insurance company a smooth one.
Insurance Companies' Motives
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Insurance companies enjoy receiving premiums. It's what they live for. If the insurance company
doesn't treat you properly on those rare occasions when you submit a claim, you won't send them
premium payments any more. You'll shop for a new insurance carrier. Good insurance companies
understand that their claims office is intimately related to their sales branch. As a consumer,
you have all the power in this relationship because you write the premium checks.
We (the insurance company, the vehicle owner, and the repair facility) all want a high-quality,
cost-effective repair, but the insurance company is not treating you properly if the cost of the
repair is over-emphasized, and quality suffers.
The repair shop is your choice
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In the state of Delaware (and in most states), the vehicle owner may select any repair facility
he or she wants, amongst legitimate collision repair facilities. It is COMPLETELY the consumer's
choice. The insurance company has some rights, too. Because they're writing the check, they have
something to say about the amount of the repair.
The insurance company prefers to pay less rather
than more, but they must by law send enough money to repair your vehicle properly and completely; specifying
all the parts and procedures necessary to restore your
vehicle to its pre-accident condition. Your
chosen repair shop should negotiate the final amount on your behalf.
Don't waste your time
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If your insurance company asks that you get two or three estimates, be aware that there is no
law that requires you to do so. It's a matter of the particular company's policy. It's a bad idea
to get an estimate from a shop that you wouldn't have repair your car. Don't ever do it. If you
already know who you'll select to repair your vehicle, tell the insurance company right away.
Frequently this can expedite the process. Once you've selected a repair facility, your insurance
company will work with them to assure a quality repair or you'll stop sending them premiums.
Insurance companies can't tell you where you must have your vehicle repaired. Such action may
even constitute restraint of trade. Beware of phrasings like: 'It's easiest if you go to one of
our "selected" shops. Sometimes insurance companies establish special
relationships with repair facilities in return for discounts. If you're concerned with saving your
insurance company money, their selected shop might be a good choice. If you want to maximize the
quality of your repair, maybe it's not. Be a careful consumer.
Insurance company estimates
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Some insurance companies have their own staff of estimators. Others hire an independent
adjusting company. This is fine, and can save you time. They'll determine a preliminary cost for
the repair. Select the repair shop of your choice. If the insurance company's estimate is
inadequate for a proper repair, the repair shop will work with the adjuster to obtain compensation
for the additional repairs required.
Our advice
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If we've clearly explained your Your
Rights Under the Law, it should be apparent that you should select the
highest quality shop you can find. You'll be responsible for your deductible, if you have one; the
insurance carrier will pay everything else. Select a shop like Executive Auto Body, and let us
work for you.
Any other questions? Contact us; we'll help.
Executive Auto Body, Inc.
has offered information and opinion on this page. We are not
insurance attorneys; we have acquired experience based on our daily contact with insurance companies.
Do not rely on this information as legal advice. For legal advice,
consult your attorney, or, contact the Firm of Marks,
Feiner & Fridkin at 1-800-MARKS 44.
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