
Having your car repaired after an accident can get complicated if an insurance company is trying to pressure you to use a specific body shop or if they won’t accept your repair shop’s estimate. The insurance company may try to make you believe that you have to use their repair shop or that you need multiple estimates – but neither of these things is true.
If you have questions about your car accident repair rights, contact The Law Offices of Michael Gopin, PLLC today to learn more. We offer a free, no-risk consultation to all of our prospective clients.
Contrary to what the insurance company may say, under Texas auto insurance repair laws, you are allowed to choose the facility where your car is repaired. Insurance companies are for-profit entities. They are always trying to minimize the amount they must pay you after an accident, even when you’ve diligently paid for coverage over the years.
As a result, the insurance company may try to recommend a shop with which they have a relationship. The danger is that the shop may cut corners or install cheap parts in an effort to keep costs low for the insurance company. In exchange, the insurance company ensures that the body shop has a steady flow of business.
The insurance company might push you to take their recommendation, but it is important to know that you do not have to do this. You can choose to have your vehicle towed to and repaired at any shop. Additionally, if the insurance company does try to direct you toward a particular body shop, they may be required to disclose if they have a relationship with the shop.
When getting your vehicle repaired, the most important thing is to choose a shop that you trust, one that does quality work and will properly repair your vehicle without cutting costs.
There are several types of auto insurance that can be used to pay for car repairs. Some of the typical types are:
It’s possible, even likely, that the insurance company’s estimate for your car repairs will be lower than your repair shop’s estimate. If the insurance company refuses to accept the other estimate, there are several ways you can overcome their objections, such as:
If you are trying to have your car repaired after an accident and the insurance company is making it difficult, contact a seasoned car accident attorney at The Law Offices of Michael Gopin, PLLC to discuss your case and learn more about your rights. We offer free consultations, so there’s no risk to you.
Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...