Something I hear frequently from my customers is that the insurance company involved “suggested” or “requested” that they have their car repaired at a particular shop or one from a short list of “approved” shops. Invariably, these shops are in Spokane or even further away. Sometimes the shop is even in Airway Heights, the far south hill or the valley.
The reason these shops are “approved” is simple. They’ve agreed to give the insurance company discounts of one sort or another. Sometimes these are straight cash discounts. Other times, they may have promised to use a certain percentage of used or imitation parts to repair the insurance company’s customers’ cars. The shop may also be forced to meet artificially short repair times so as to reduce rental car costs.
It’s plain to see that these requirements can all have a negative effect on the quality of your car’s repairs. The good news is that an insurance company can only recommend a shop; you have the right to have your car repaired where you want. The insurance company also cannot penalize you in any manner for your choice of repair facility.
So, whether you prefer a shop that is not on your company’s list, you don’t want to be inconvenienced with two one-hour round trips to Spokane, or, perhaps, you simply want to keep your business and dollars right here in Deer Park; you can do as you choose! You have the right to do that.
