Auto Insurance Claims/auto insurance

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Expert: - 1/7/2009


Question
i was involved in a accident can i use the repair shop of my choice or do i have to use the shop the insurance company says

Answer
Hi Michael,

The general rule is that you can have the vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. Many insurance companies have shops that meet their criteria in which if you opt to have the car repaired at one of their specialty shops, it is common to see a lifetime guaranty on the repairs.
The insurance companies do not refer you to these shops. They may have a list of 10 or so (depends on city, insurance company etc.) and may give you the opportunity to have your car repaired close to your house or business.
Most of these situations are above board and are just mentioned for your convenience.
Another advantage going with a suggested repair shop is that normally it is quicker because an adjuster does not need to be assigned, which will take additional time to get the vehicle repaired.
No matter what though, the choice is yours.

Rob

Auto Insurance Claims

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Rob Painter, Ase, CFEI, CAFATE

Expertise

Please remember. I am not an attorney and cannot legal advice. My answers are based on my experience due to litigation I have been involved in as an expert, for both insurance companies and while oposing them opposing them. I deal with only comprehensive claims on autos related to fire and theft. I have even had the opportunity to rewrite policy coverage language as it relates to vehicle theft and forced entry for insurance defense attorneys.

Experience

Experience in the area: Working with insurance companies and attorneys on these issues for over 20 years. It is very common to have a reported stolen car with a so-called factory anti-theft system to have the theft claim denied. I have served successfully as an expert witness in the courts across the US representing the insured and their attorney revealing that the insurance expert did not take all known theories into consideration before rendering their "Forensic" conclusion. Many insurance carriers us independent "Forensic" experts to examine reported stolen vehicles commonly using flawed methodology implicating the innocent insured with the theft. My job is to determine if the insurance expert reached his conclusions based on accepted scientific principals or just net opinion with no basis other than opinion. My case record against such experts is very compelling.My resume can be seen at the catagory "Auto Theft and Prevention." In "Forensics" the scientific method must be employed. In the forensic locksmith field determining how a reported stolen vehicle was last operated, many processes cannot be duplicated and are conveniently not addressed. If they were, juries would have the opportunity to make a fair and impartial opinion at least about what the expert could or could not prove. There is a purported process determining the last key used. The chances of determining such is very rare uless the key is found in the ignition lock. Experts commonly destroy evidence as well and are rarely questioned on this event. I reveal the weakness in their testimony on such instances.

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