Frequently Asked Questions
YOUR RIGHTS AS A MOTORIST – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following information is designed to aid you through the experience of obtaining quality repairs to your damaged automobile after an automobile accident. The following information will separate fact from fiction. Listed below you will find the questions most often asked
QUESTION: Must I obtain three estimates?
ANSWER: No, no one can tell you to obtain two or three estimates. You as the car owner may do so should this be your desire.
QUESTION: I was told I must take my car to a certain repair shop. Must I do this?
ANSWER: No. Keep in mind you are the owner of the car and only you can determine the place of repairs. No one can force you to a certain repair shop for any reason.
QUESTION: What is the best procedure for me to get quality repairs and quickly get my car back on the road?
ANSWER: Take your car to the shop of your choice. Leave it with the manager. Instruct him to contact your insurance company and advise them as to the damage report. You should then call your insurance representative and advise him of the car’s location.
QUESTION: I do not believe I was at fault in the auto accident. Should I use my own collision policy or try to collect from the other party?
ANSWER: The experts say it is best to use your own policy. In this way you will receive help from a trained adjuster in the negligence area. He will negotiate the facts with the other company. This is important to you. Should you have further questions, ask the manager of this shop; he is informed on this subject.
QUESTION: Who is responsible for the safety, workmanship and guarantee on my automobile repairs – the insurance company or the repair shop?
ANSWER: The repair shop is responsible. You would not go to an insurance company if a doctor left a sponge in you after an operation – you would go back to the doctor. The same is true in this situation. Insurance companies do not repair automobiles nor do they perform operations.
QUESTION: I am sure the other party was at fault, but no one has made any effort to see to the repairs of my automobile. What can I do?
ANSWER: You are the owner of the automobile, and only you can legally make arrangements for the car repairs. Ask the manager of this shop for assistance.
QUESTION: I am having a problem with the insurance company. Can the insurance commissioner’s office help me?
ANSWER: Yes, but keep in mind the insurance commissioner has no judicial authority to determine negligence nor to establish the value of a loss or injury. If the facts are in dispute, they must be determined by a court of law or arbitration proceedings. The insurance commissioner cannot usurp the authority of the courts or infringe upon the private practice of law. The insurance commissioner may demand an explanation from the insurance company for its handling of the investigation and adjustment. Encourage a fair and equitable settlement of your claim. Instruct you how to proceed if a settlement is not reached. Remember, while insurance companies are closely regulated, they are part of our free enterprise system. The insurance commission number in this area is 1-800-686-1526.
We hope the above information is of some help to you. Ask the manager of this shop for any additional aid you might require. He is informed on these matters and can be of great help to you.
The owner of this repair shop has pledged his shop to a rigid code of ethics and of more importance to you a GUARANTEE of craftsmanship. These are designed to protect you and your property.
It is not mandatory to take your vehicle to a drive-in claims service. This is your vehicle. Take it to the shop of your choice. Call your insurance company and tell them where the vehicle can be examined by a claims man. This your right as a vehicle owner.
Ohio Motor Vehicle code, Section 4513.02, states: “No person shall drive or move, or cause of knowingly permit to be drive or moved, on any highway, any vehicle which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person.”