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My insurance company tells me I must get an estimate from one of their ‘preferred shops’. Can the insurance company dictate where I get my vehicle repaired?
Pursuant to Section 167C of the New York State Insurance code, you have the right to have your vehicle repaired in the body shop of your choice. You only need one estimate or appraisal. Referral repair shops work for the insurance company. Rudy Schmid’s works for the consumer. Insurance appraisers work for the insurance company. Rudy Schmid’s works for you! We will make the process convenient and easy for you. Read more about your rights.
I've been in accident, but my car seems driveable. I'm pretty busy, so can I wait to have it repaired?
Never drive a car that could be unsafe because of damages. Please bring your car to us and let us help you determine how safe your vehicle really is. We'll estimate the repair costs and evaluate the driveability of your car. Bringing your car in for an estimate close to the time after collision also helps document the damage accurately.
A friend of mine at work has a family member in the collision repair business, so I also got an estimate from them. Why are the estimates different?
Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all the necessary work—often, frame damage is overlooked and not estimated. If you're not sure why one estimate is different from another, please ask us to help compare the estimates.
My insurance company is insisting that I use a certain type of replacement part. It makes their appraisal lower than the estimate. What does this mean?
While used parts are often used in collision repair, this doesn't mean they're damaged goods. Used parts are taken from vehicles abandoned or sold because of collision damage, and the saleable parts are from the non-damaged portion of the car. Used parts acquired in this way are still OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts. After-market parts are often recommended in insurance appraisals. At Rudy Schmid’s, we look to minimize the use of after-market parts whenever possible.
I don't have rental car coverage on my policy. What should I do?
We often have rental vehicles at our disposal for very reasonable rates. Please ask us to reserve one for you when you schedule your collision repair.
TIPS AND HINTS
· Claim processing tips from New York State
· NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
· Fall Driving Tips!
· Winter Driving Tips!
· Eco-Driving Tips!
· Tire Care Basics
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