In Massachusetts it is your choice to use any auto body repair shop you prefer. The insurance company will give you a list of all registered auto body shops and they will indicate on that list their “preferred or referral” shops that have entered into a contract with the insurance company. The contract determines how your vehicle will be repaired and encourages the use of imitation replacement parts. By choosing an insurance preferred shop, you may be giving up your rights in the repair process. [212 CMR 2:04 : (C)]
Preferred or Referral Shops VS. Independent Shops – by choosing an independent, trusted repair shop, you know your vehicle will be restored to its pre-accident condition. Independent repairs shops work for you, and are looking out for your best interest. They serve as advocates in the repair process and will negotiate directly with the insurance company for the proper repairs so that your vehicle is safe for you and your family.
Are you being steered by your Insurance Company? Steering, as defined by the Massachusetts Auto Damage Appraisal Licensing Board, is the act of directing a claimant to or away from any specific auto body repair shop or requiring the repairs be made by a specific repair shop or individual. Steering is ILLEGAL in Massachusetts.[MGL 26 8G].Beware of comments such as : “it will take longer to get your car repaired or cost more if you choose your own shop”, We won’t reimburse paint and materials”, “We don’t pay that rate.”, We wont guarantee the work if you bring your car there”, or “We won’t pay the difference”, these comments are misleading and usually untrue.Massachusetts Consumer Protection Laws require insurance companies to complete appraisals within specific time frames. Insurance companies are required to negotiate in good faith with any registered auto body repair shop on the proper cost to repair the vehicle to pre-accident condition. Don’t be intimidated!You pay insurance premiums and contract to pay a specific deductible in the event repairs are required. In effect, you’ve already paid for proper repairs.
Who guarantees the workmanship? Every auto body repair shop registered withThe Division of Standards is required to be bonded and is responsible for safe and proper repairs.If your insurance company claims “they will not guarantee therepairs,” Don’t Worry. By law, the repairs are guaranteed by the shop performing the repairs. The truth is that no insurance company guarantees any shops work. Allinsurance companies have a “hold harmless agreement” with their preferred shopsthat makes the body shop in question liable for repairs and legal bills that may occur.
Further Questions: Feel free to call us,Boyle’s Body Works.