Wrecked your Runner? Information the insurance companies don't want you to know!

[shadow247]

So you've been in a wreck, maybe it was your fault, maybe not. The bottom line is you need to know your rights and your insurance company or the other insurance company is that last place you should look.

1. You have the right to choose the repair shop.
You absolutely do not have to use any "recommended" repair shop. Certain companies have "direct-repair" agreements with certain shops, and they will usually try to push you in that direction. Some of these shops are good, some of them are hacks. Do your research if you don't know who to go to.

2. You do not HAVE to use aftermarket parts. One caveat though, is that you may have to pay the difference between the OEM and aftermarket part depending on state law. These laws vary from state to state, and there isn't a shop out there that knows these laws, I can guarantee it. If it is written in your policy that you have to use LKQ (used/recycled) or aftermarket parts, then you are kind of stuck. However if you are a claimant (you are not at fault) then you may have certain rights that vary from state to state.

3. The repair contract is between you and the repair shop. The insurance company is known as a 3rd party payor. They are paying for the repairs on your behalf, but the ultimate agreement on what is to be repaired is between you and the repair shop. This does not mean that you can ask the insurance company to pay the shop for a brand new fender and then put a used or aftermarket fender. However, if you choose to, you can be paid directly by the insurance company and repair the vehicle however you would like. You can only be paid directly if you hold the title to the vehicle. The insurance company has a legal obligation to protect the leinholder first.

Keep in mind I am not a lawyer, just someone who has been on the repair side of things for a few years and wants to clear up some of the misinformation that is out there. In the end, I will advise you to consult a lawyer if you have any legal questions, and this should in no way be taken as legal advice, other than advising you to contact a lawyer.

 

[SigSense]

Another thing to add is that you have the right to NOT take delivery of a repaired vehicle that does NOT meet your satisfaction. Happened to me about a decade ago. Auto/Body shop did not align the door correctly, and I wouldn't sign for it. They threatened all kinds of stuff, but if you accept it, then it's on you.

 

[Bahnstoermer]

Interesting info, thanks for adding.

 

[Iroke17]

i like to take the check and fix it my self for way less!

 

[shadow247]

i like to take the check and fix it my self for way less!

I'm sure this is the route most of us on here would go. For those members with 4th/5th gens that may still have a lien, this is very relavent information.

More...

4. Aftermarket Parts - not all aftermarket parts are created equal. CAPA certified parts are guaranteed to fit just like the old parts. Does this mean they always do? Not a freaking chance. I deal with CAPA parts all day, and while they usually look OK, someone who is especially picky will notice a difference. The difference is usually in bodyline where it meets up with the next panel, or the taillight may be slightly darker or lighter than the original. The good news is that if you order from a reputable source ( I use Keystone/LKQ corporation) and you have a problem with the fit or finish of a CAPA part, you can easily get your money back. I would stay away from non-certified parts, as these have not passed ANY independent quality control tests.

5. LKQ parts - LKQ parts are known by a few names. Used, recycled, and LKQ all mean the same thing. Again, buy from a reputable wrecking yard, not Joe Blow's auto salvage, and you have a much better chance of getting a quality part. I only buy parts from PRP certified yards or from LKQ Corporation. These yards have to go through many more quality control tests, and in many cases, you can purchase an additional lifetime warranty on certain parts. For example, I purchased a complete 5.7l LS1 Corvette engine for a customers vehicle for $4660 with a lifetime warranty. In order for them to honor the warranty, you have to do certain things like a new water pump and plugs and wires, but this is stuff you would want to do anyway if you were replacing an engine.

6. Paint - Not all paint is created equal. At our shop we use DuPont paints, and as a DuPont certified shop, we are able to offer a Nationwide Lifetime Warranty on the paint work. What that means is if you have any fading, cracking, peeling, yellowing, or chalking then DuPont will take care of the problem for you. It is important to ask up-front what type of warranty the shop will be giving you.

 

[fourwd1]

That is good info !

 

[whodat]

Thanks for all the info, really good stuff! My brother-in-law got stuck in the middle of a 3 car accident, he has no "new" pain now, you guys think he should go see a dr to check him out anyways? Would the insurance cover that? It's not his fault so the other guy's insurance should cover it right? I just don't want to see him develop something down the road due to three accident and insurance won't cover it. TIA

 

[shadow247]

I only really deal with the car side of things, but if you are having any type of pain after an accident, it is best to get checked out ASAP. You may have to pay up front for the doctor visits if you don't consult with a lawyer, so that is something to keep in mind. If you have your own health insurance, just go see a doctor and use your insurance, make sure you insurance company knows what is going on, and they should handle all the payment stuff for you.

 

[zstampe]