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  The Society for Consumer Advocates and Mavens

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AUTO INSURANCE AND BODY SHOP REPAIRS

Today, many insurance companies may also own body repair shops which critics charge may possibly compromise your repair job when you make a body repair claim if the insurer tries to make you use the insurer's body repair shop! However, you likely will not even know the insurer owns a particular body shop they recommend to you.

Just about the only way to avoid possibly having your body repair job compromised is beware of insurers who ask you to get 3 estimates for repair. Of course, the insurer's repair shop may likely come up with the cheapest estimate.

The only way to avoid this possible confrontation is to get in writing from your auto insurance agent PRIOR to signing or re-signing up with the insurance company that they will not force you to take the lowest bidder on body shop repair estimates. Also get in writing that you will be allowed to take your auto into any qualified body shop for repair you so desire and that you feel comfortable with.

This done beforehand may eliminate any confusion and/or confrontation with the insurer if and when you need body work.

SUPPLEMENTAL SOURCE: CBS-TV THE EARLY SHOW 2/12/04

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