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Consumer
Rights
Information
you need to know to protect your investment
A
car is one of the largest investments you make today. When
your car needs to be repaired, you want to be assured you
will be treated fairly and with respect, and that your vehicle
will be returned to you is pre-accident condition. This
page is designed to give you information about your rights
as a consumer and about correct steps in choosing a reputable
repair facility.
Know
Your Rights
1.
You have the right to have your car fixed at the repair
facility of your choice.
2.
By law, you are only obligated to get one estimate.
3.
You pay your monthly payments - you have the right to demand
best treatment and best repairs possible to bring your vehicle
in pre-existing condition.
4.
You are not alone. There are number of agencies (including
consumer protection agencies) that oversee the insurance
companies. If necessary, you can take appropriate action
and ensure that you are treated fairly.
Making
sure you know what is happening every step of the way during
the repair process is the best way to ensure your complete
satisfaction with results. We have compiled a list of questions
that will help in choosing quality body shop:
Choosing
Quality Body Shop
1.
Proper equipment
Questions:
Does your shop have a paint spray booth?
Does your shop have a frame machine with 3 dimensional measuring
capabilities?
Benefits to you:
Paint spray booth ensures that your paint will be applied
correctly and finish will match texture and quality of original
paintwork. The frame machine, measuring and dimensioning
assures the frame is pulled accurately and the vehicle will
align easier and it will be safe to drive.
2.
References
Questions:
Can the body shop provide the list of customer or trade
references?
Benefits to you:
The fact that body shop has references available means it
is serious about its commitment to customer satisfaction
and will stand behind its work.
3.
Hourly vs. per job pay structure for technicians
Questions:
Does shop pays its technicians hourly or per job?
Benefits to you:
Technicians that are paid hourly have nothing to gain by
rushing the job and cutting corners. Always choose a shop
that compensates its technicians on hourly basis.
4.
Advocate for the customer with the insurance company
Questions:
What role will the shop play if the insurance company does
not do what’s in my best interests as the customer?
Benefits to you:
You are looking for the shop to professionally represent
you and your interests to the insurance company.
5.
Professionalism
Questions:
Does the staff treat you with respect and seem to genuinely
care about you and properly repairing your vehicle? Is manager
readily available to answer any questions and provide information
you need?
Benefits to you:
Integrity, Honesty and Professionalism are by far the most
important factors in choosing your repair facility. Even
the best- trained technician with the best available equipment
can do a bad job if his integrity is not there. Talk to
the manager/owner if possible, ask questions, and go with
the place you trust. If the shop answers the question so
you can understand it, they are concerned about you and
repairing the vehicle properly. Look for a shop that will
keep you informed throughout the process.
6.
Lifetime warranty
Questions:
Does your shop offer a lifetime warranty on the workmanship
and refinish?
Benefits to you:
A lifetime warranty, particularly one in writing, assures
you that should you have a problem, you can always return
and the shop will take care of you.
7.
Automated "smart" estimating
Questions:
Do you have a computerized "smart" estimating
system, which automatically calculates times and deducts
for overlap?
Benefits to you:
Computerized "smart" estimating helps assure that
an estimate is written in the same language as the insurance
industry. Thus, there is less chance for conflict over the
output. This means a quicker settlement.
If
you would like to receive more information on how you can
protect your investment, or have a specific question, email
us at info@majewskiautobody.com
or call us at (315) 425-8801.
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