Dealing with insurance companies

Dealing with insurance companies can sometimes be a confusing and unfamiliar process. Here are a few things you should know to make your dealings with the insurance company a smooth one.

Insurance Companies' Motives Insurance companies enjoy receiving premiums. It's what they live for. If the insurance company doesn't treat you properly on those rare occasions when you submit a claim, you won't send them premium payments any more. You'll shop for a new insurance carrier. Good insurance companies understand that their claims office is intimately related to their sales branch. As a consumer, you have all the power in this relationship because you write the premium checks.

We (the insurance company, the vehicle owner, and the repair facility) all want a high-quality, cost-effective repair, but the insurance company is not treating you properly if the cost of the repair is over-emphasized, and quality suffers.

The repair shop is your choice

In the state of Iowa (and in most states), the vehicle owner may select any repair facility he or she wants, amongst legitimate collision repair facilities. It is COMPLETELY the consumer's choice. The insurance company has some rights, too. Because they're writing the check, they have something to say about the amount of the repair. The insurance company prefers to pay less rather than more, but they must send enough money to repair your vehicle properly and completely. Your chosen repair shop should negotiate the final amount on your behalf.

Don't waste your time

If your insurance company asks that you get two or three estimates, be aware that there is no law that requires you to do so. It's a matter of the particular company's policy. It's a bad idea to get an estimate from a shop that you wouldn't have repair your car. Don't ever do it. If you already know who you'll select to repair your vehicle, tell the insurance company right away. Frequently this can expedite the process. Once you've selected a repair facility, your insurance company will work with them to assure a quality repair or you'll stop sending them premiums.

Insurance companies can't tell you where you must have your vehicle repaired. Such action may even constitute restraint of trade. Beware of phrasings like: 'It's easiest if you go to one of our "selected" shops.' Sometimes insurance companies establish special relationships with repair facilities in return for discounts. If you're concerned with saving your insurance company money, their selected shop might be a good choice. If you want to maximize the quality of your repair, maybe it's not. Be a careful consumer.

Insurance company estimates

Some insurance companies have their own staff of estimators. Others hire an independent adjusting company. This is fine, and can save you time. They'll determine a preliminary cost for the repair. Select the repair shop of your choice. If the insurance company's estimate is inadequate for a proper repair, the repair shop will work with the adjuster to obtain compensation for the additional repairs required.

Our advice

If we've clearly explained your rights, it should be apparent that you should select the highest quality shop you can find. You'll be responsible for your deductible, if you have one; the insurance carrier will pay everything else. Select a shop like Lane Auto Body Techs, and let us work for you.

Any other questions? E-mail us; we'll help.

Lane Auto Body Techs  3836 Eastern Avenue Davenport, IA 52807  Voice 563.391.7728 FAX 563.391.0281

We welcome your questions and comments. E-mail us at the guys@laneautobody.com.