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1. Must I obtain three estimates?
Answer: Generally, no. Unless your policy states otherwise, no one can tell you to obtain more than one estimate. You, as the car owner, may do so, should this be your desire. |
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2. I was told that I must take my car to a certain repair shop. Must I do this?
No. Unless your policy states otherwise, you may take your vehicle to any ASA-AZ member or the collision repair facility of your choice. |
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3. If my vehicle is not driveable or if I feel it is not safe to drive, what should I do?
Select the collision repair facility of your choice. Ask the manager to have your vehicle towed to the facility. Then contact your insurance company and advise them of the vehicle's location. |
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4. If the insurance company and I do not agree on how my vehicle should be repaired, what can I do?
If you have a collision claim and the insurance company appears to be unreasonable, you should first ask to talk to the supervisor of the adjuster with whom you are having a problem. Attempt to settle the matter with him or her. If that fails, contact your insurance agent or the association office if they are an ASA-AZ member. If you are still unable to settle, the matter, you should contact the Arizona Department of Insurance at (602) 364-2499. |
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5. What is the best procedure for me to get quality repairs and quickly get my vehicle back on the road?
Answer: Take your vehicle to a reputable repair shop. Leave it with the manager. Instruct the manager to contact your insurance company and advise them as to the damage. You should then call your insurance company and advise them of the vehicle's location.
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6. I don't believe I was at fault in the accident. Should I use my own collision policy or try to collect from the other party?
Answer: Try to collect from the other party because you will not have to pay a deductible. Also, if you use the other person's policy, you may be entitled to a rental car while yours is being repaired, and no accident should be charged against your policy.
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7. Who is responsible to the repair shop for my repair bill - the insurance company or me?
Answer: You are. You may direct your insurance company to pay the repair shop, but the payment must be in the hands of the repair agency when you pick up your vehicle. Keep in mind, you are the customer and the insured. The repair shop owner looks to you for payment and you look to the insurance company for payment. |
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8. Who is responsible for the safety, workmanship and guarantee of my auto repairs - insurance company or repair shop?
Answer: Generally, the repair shop is responsible. |
9. I am sure that the other driver is at fault, but no one has made any effort to see to the repairs of my auto. What can I do?
Answer: You are the owner of the automobile. Only you have the legal right to make arrangements for the repair of your automobile, not the insurance company. |
10. Do I have to take my vehicle to a drive-in claims service?
Answer: Generally, no. Unless your policy provides otherwise, it is not mandatory to take your vehicle to a drive-in claims service. Usually it will suffice for you to call your insurance company and tell them where the vehicle can be examined by a claims person. |
11. If I go to a drive-in claims service, do I have to take the car to its preferred shop?
Answer: Generally, no. However, if you decide to take your car to the preferred shop, ask your insurance company to implement its "elects to repair" clause (check your insurance policy). This may cause the insurance company to be responsible for, among other things, the quality of repairs. |
12. Can the insurance company and service shop make an adjustment and start repair on the auto without the owner's consent?
Answer: Generally, no. You should be presented an estimate to know what is being repaired on your vehicle before repairs are made, unless your policy states otherwise. |
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Insured Appraisal Clause
When the shop of your choice and the insurance company do not agree on how your car should be repaired or what it should cost, here is what you can do: You have a right to call for an appraisal. This is a procedure where you select an appraiser to represent you. The insurance company appraiser and the appraiser you select then examine the vehicle and try to reach a common agreement as to damages. If they are unable to reach an agreement, they will pick a disinterested third party to act as umpire, and the decision of the umpire on either one of the appraisals will be the binding and final decision as to damages. |
