Car Repair -- Know Your Insurance Rights

One of the most frustrating parts of car repair following an accident is dealing with an insurance company. Whether you're dealing with your own or someone else's, you may soon find that you are caught in a difficult-to-navigate labyrinth of rules, procedures, and paperwork. Don't let it get you frustrated. Insurance companies aren't there to be your friend throughout a process such as this. Their primary purpose is to get away with spending as little of their money as possible. While you can't blame a company for trying to maximize profits and minimize losses, it can be irritating, especially when you are trying to save your own money. Here are some things you should keep in mind while moving through the process.

Shop Choice

Regardless of what the problem is, you have the right to decide where you take your vehicle for car repair. The insurance company may strongly recommend taking it to a particular place, but that is really all they can do. There may be incentives, of course. You may get a better deal by going to their preferred place. But in the end, it is your choice. If you have someone you prefer to work with, take it there and then let the insurance company know what you have chosen.

Estimates

You are under no obligation to scour the town for multiple estimates. The insurance company has a right to come out and take a look at the damage to your vehicle, but you are under no obligation to take it to them. If they do want to see the damage, they have only about a week to do so. If this time period expires without them making the proper arrangements to see the damage, they have forfeited that right and you may continue as normal.

Lawsuit

You have the right to bring a lawsuit if you believe someone is not meeting up to their liability when it comes to either car repair or your own personal injury. Don't accept an insurance company's offer for settlement if you don't believe it fairly represents the money you are owed. If you feel like this is likely to be a point of contention, you may want to contact a lawyer before you speak to the insurance company.

Dealing with insurance companies for your car repair can be a source of frustration, but it is certainly going to be worth it if it means you don't have to pay for the damage out of your own pocket. Keep a cool head, remember your rights, and you'll come out of the process without too much pain.