Do I have to take my vehicle to an insurance company drive-in claims facility for an estimate?

Some insurance companies may want you to visit their drive-in claims centers before having your car repaired.  You can do this or you may want to leave your car at the shop of your choice and have the insurance company inspect the car there.  If you have already gone to a drive-in claims facility, make sure you take a copy of the insurance adjuster’s estimate with you when choosing a facility to repair your vehicle. 

Who is responsible for the guarantee of workmanship and safety of my automobile repairs- the insurance company or repair shop?

The repair shop and in limited circumstances your insurance company.  Your insurance company is not accepting the liability for the quality and safety of your vehicle’s repair.  Therefore, you and you alone

must control the fate of your vehicle’s repair by choosing a proper facility that is adequately trained and equipped to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.  You have the legal right and authority to do so.  

Who is responsible for payment to the repair shop- the insurance company or me?

You are.  Your insurance policy states that your insurance company will pay for the damages to your vehicle, less the deductible amount.  You may instruct your insurance company to pay directly to the repair shop of your choice; however, full payment must be arranged prior to your vehicle being picked up.

Quality and safety of repairs 

It is important to note the following:

If your vehicle is damaged in an accident due to the fault of another, that the other person’s insurance company cannot be held directly responsible for the safety and quality of repairs that you receive. 

The standard measure of damages is the “reasonable” cost necessary to repair the vehicle Therefore, it is important that you select a repair facility that understands and meets its obligations to its customers.  Always exercise caution when someone informs you that you can get the repairs done cheaper somewhere else.  Keep in mind, you are the owner of your vehicle and you have the right to choose the best repair methods for your vehicle.