No matter how minor, it is wise to report every accident to the police. Then,
contact Whiting's Autobody. We assist you with the processing of your claim, answer your
questions, and advise you to ensure safe and proper repairs are made to your vehicle.
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No. If you request it, your insurer must inspect the damage to your vehicle
at your chosen collision repair shop rather than at their drive-in claims center. Whiting's
Autobody would gladly write you an appraisal and negotiate with your insurance company at the
shop. Insurers are legally prohibited from coercing or using any tactics intended to prevent
you from seeking damage appraisals from your own body shop rather than their drive-in facility.
[MGL 26 8G]
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No. In Massachusetts, you have the right to select the collision repair shop
of your choice. When your insurer gives you a list of registered repair shops, they likely
will have indicated those shops which have entered into a contract with them. Whiting's
Autobody works with ALL Insurers. Wer are 'a preferred' shop with many Insurance Companies (please
see Inurance List).
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Steering, as defined by the Massachusetts Auto Damage Appraisers Licensing
Board, is the act of directing a claimant to or away from any specific repair shop or
requiring that repairs be made by a specific repair shop or individual. Steering is
illegal in Massachusetts. discounts.
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If you are told that it will take longer to get your car repaired or cost
more if you choose your own shop, BEWARE. You are probably being steered. Comments such as
"We won´t reimburse paint and materials," "We don´t pay that rate,"
"We won´t guarantee the work if you bring the car there," or "We won´t
pay the difference" are misleading and usually untrue.
Massachusetts has strong consumer protection laws that require insurance companies to
expedite appraisals within specific timeframes. Insurance companies are required to
negotiate in good faith with any registered collision repair facility on
the proper cost to repair the vehicle to pre-accident condition. 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. Don´t be intimidated.
Steering is illegal in Massachusetts.
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Imitation parts (aka generic, aftermarket, quality replacement or non-original
equipment manufacturer) are "knockoff" parts made by a company other than the
manufacturer of your vehicle. These parts are made to look like your vehicle´s parts, but
may never have been crash tested and are not covered under your vehicle manufacturer´s
warranty. In its February 1999 issue Consumer Reports, published the results of its
extensive study of non-OEM parts. The cover story was entitled, Shoddy Auto Parts: How to beat
car repair rip-offs, Bumpers that shatter, Parts that don´t fit, Fenders that rust.
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The repair facility is responsible for the workmanship. Insurance companies
do not repair automobiles. If there is a concern, even with a facility selected by the
insurance company, the facility itself is responsible. Every collision repair shop registered
as a Motor Vehicle Repair Shop with the Massachusetts 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 the repairs," don´t worry. The repair facility must
guarantee them, as required by law.
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Information furnished by Massachusetts Auto Body Association, Inc.
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