Consumer Information

It is important to be a smart consumer and to know your rights when it comes to having your vehicle repaired. Because we value you, our customers, we want to assist you in learning all you can about your rights. Please check out the following documents which outlines what you need to know before having your car repaired as well as your rights as an insured motorist in the state of New York.

10 Things to Know Before Having Your Car Repaired

As our customer, we welcome you. You will receive the finest quality repairs available. These repairs are made possible only by our continued dedication to the collision industry.

We are:

Working to keep our shops equipped with the technology needed to fix today's complex vehicles.
Keeping our technicians up-to-date through on-going training.
Striving to meet standards of top quality paint and repair work.
Dedicated to improving the collision repair industry.
I-Car Gold Class Professionals

As a member of the business community, we adhere to a Code of Ethics - honesty, integrity, safety, and craftsmanship.

You may have some questions concerning the estimating/repairing process. This webpage was designed with those questions in mind.

If you have any questions, please ask us. Our trained professionals are ready and willing to help you in any way they can.

For us, satisfying our customer is the most important goal we have.

Your car is the second largest investment you're likely to make. Preserve its value and your safety by having it repaired professionally.
Never drive a car that could be unsafe because of damages.
Some insurance companies may want you to visit their drive-in claims center before having your car repaired. You can do this, or you may leave your car at our shop and ask the insurance company inspect the car here.
By law, you are required to obtain only one estimate or appraisal.
You have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice. Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular shop. Some insurance companies may tell you that you must go to one their "preferred shops," this is untrue and against the law.
Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work. If you're not sure why one estimate is different from another you've received, please ask us.
Choose a shop that has unibody repair equipment and certified (by I-CAR or ASE, for example) technicians.
Ask if the shop will be using genuine manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts. Some estimates differ in price due to the quotation of aftermarket or salvage parts instead of original manufacturer parts.
Ask if the shop offers a repair warranty.
Let us help you negotiate your claim with the insurance company.

Insured Motorists' Rights in NEW YORK

In New York you have the absolute right to select the collision repair shop of your choice. No insurance company, independent agent, representative, appraiser, adjuster or staff member of an insurance company can legally force you to or away from any specific repair shop. They cannot require that repairs be made by a specific repair shop or individual. Nor can they require you to have your vehicle inspected at their drive-in claims center. If you request it, your insurer must inspect the damage to your vehicle at your chosen location or collision repair shop. (Regulation 64)

You have the right to have your vehicle towed to any location that you choose.
You must notify your insurance company before repairs begin.
You do not have to go to a drive-in claims center. Your insurer must inspect the vehicle at any location you choose, within 6 working days.
You do not need to get two or three appraisals.
Your insurance company is responsible for payment to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition.
Your insurer must negotiate in good faith with the shop of your choice.
The registered repair shop you choose should provide an estimate of damage and assist you with the processing of your claim to ensure safe and proper repairs are made to your vehicle.
A repair shop has no right to speak on your behalf without first given Designated Representative Authority by you.