Your Basic
Rights
You - The Vehicle Owner
No one plans for an accident to happen. Statistically each person
will only have an accident once every seven or more years, so it is
not something many are experienced in dealing with.
When it does happen, it is an
inconvenience, and many times a stressful and confusing process.
There are some simple basic rights that are typically consistent
throughout the world. However, it is suggested you also click on the
Country and State/Province to determine if there are variations to
these basic rights.
Basic Right 1:
You as the vehicle owner have
complete control over where the vehicle is to be repaired.
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Often this includes where
the vehicle is to be towed if disabled.
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Regardless what any
insurance representative or 3rd Party implies, you have the
freedom to choose where the repairs will be made.
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Your selection does not
have anything to do with your policy premiums or cancellation.
This right is based on the
language in your actual auto policy. Even though there are a few
"PPO/HMO" type policies in some areas of the world, requiring a
Direct Repair Provider stated by an insurance company to be
mandatory is not correct, and in many areas is considered illegal
"Steering".
Basic Right 2:
You as the vehicle owner have
an option to have an independent review of your damages.
This process is designed to have your interests protected from "bad
faith" claims practices when you and the insurance company can not
reach an agreement on the extent of damages to your vehicle. This
process includes having someone represent your interests such as a
public adjuster or independent appraiser, and they meet with an
umpire that is agreed upon by both you and the insurance company.
Basic Right 3:
The rate that the insurance
company offers you for payment to the repair facility of your choice
does not have to be the lowest rate in the area.
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The rate allowed must be
reasonable for the market area, and typically is not required to
be the same rate as the insurance company's direct providers.
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These difference are often
denied, but are recoverable through small claims court actions.
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