Customer Bill of Rights

1. Do I have the right to take my car to the repair shop of my choice?
   YES - you are the owner of the car and only you can determine the repair facility. No one can force you to use any certain shop.
2. Must I obtain more than one estimate?
   NO - No law requires you to get more than one estimate. You may, as the owner of the auto, do so should you desire.
3. If my insurance company does not agree with the amount of loss, do I have recourse?
   Most insurance companies employ their own adjusters and some sompanies hire independent appraisers to (verify or justify) your loss. "When the insured and insurer fail to agree on the amount of loss, either parties may demand an appraisal of loss within 60 days after proof of loss is filed. The insured and insurer must then select a competent and disinterested umpire. Should there be a disagreement as to the amount of loss, the appraisers must submit their differences to the umpire. An award of any two determines the amount of loss."
4. Who is responsible to the repair shop for my repair bill?
   YOU ARE - The contract with your insurance company states - the company will pay YOU for the damages to your car less any applicable deductibles or depreciation. You may direct your company to pay the repair shop by signing a power of attorney form, but the payment should be in the hands of the repair facility when your car is ready for delivery to you. Keep in mind there is no connection between the repair shop and the insurance company.
5. Who is responsible for the safety, workmanship and guarantee of my automobile repairs - the insurance company or the repair shop?
   The REPAIR SHOP is responsible. You would not go to an insurance company if a doctor left a sponge in you after an operation... you would go back to the doctor. The same is true in this situation. Insurance companies do not repair automobiles nor do the perform operations.
6. If I am having a problem with the insurance company, can the Insurance Director's Office help me?
   YES - But keep in mind that the Department of Insurance has no judicial authority to determine negligence nor to establish the value of a loss or injury. If the facts are in dispute, they must be determined by a court of law or arbitration proceedings. The insurance director can not usurp the authority of the courts or infringe upon the private practice of law. The insurance director may demand an explanation from the insurance company for it's handling of the investigation and adjustment, encourage a fair and equitable settlement of your claim, or instruct you how to proceed if a settlement is not reached. Remember, while insurance companies are closely regulated, they are part of our free enterprise system.