Body Shop FAQs

Does Insurance Cover a Rental Car?

This depends upon the policy and the nature of the accident. Suppose you were responsible for the accident and have a rental car provision in your insurance. In that case, you are entitled to a rental car during repairs, including reimbursement from the insurance company. You are not entitled to a rental car if you do not have this included in your policy. If the other driver is at fault, you have the right to seek rental car reimbursement from their insurer.

Can I Choose Where My Vehicle Receives Collision Repairs?

Insurance companies cannot mandate where vehicle owners have repairs completed; owners have the exclusive right to select where repairs are completed. Insurance companies are obligated to pay the lowest repair cost providing satisfactory repairs. Choosing repairs that cost more than the lowest bidder can result in the owner paying the difference out of pocket.

Can You Adjust the Estimate and Repair Cost to Offset the Deductible?

No, collision centers cannot adjust the repair cost to offset the deductible as this constitutes insurance fraud.

Will Repairs Include Genuine OEM Parts, and Will My Insurance Company Pay for Them?

Insurance companies are required to pay for genuine OEM parts unless the owner agrees to accept aftermarket parts or if the vehicle is not new. In older vehicles, insurance companies must restore the pre-damaged appearance and functionality, which does not necessarily require OEM parts; they must cover parts of similar kind and quality. Getting OEM parts for an older vehicle may require that you pay the difference.

How Does Insurance Calculate My Vehicle’s Fair Market Value?

Insurance companies assess a vehicle’s fair market value if it’s totaled to determine the payout. The methodology used must comply with Minnesota’s Fair Claim Settlement Act. Insurance companies often use automobile evaluation firms to determine market value, making adjustments if needed for more expensive features. You have the right to see how the insurance company determines fair market value.

What If My Claim is Denied?

The first step is to find out if your insurance company has an arbitration or appeals process. If they have arbitration, it’s important to know if the process is binding or non-binding. Binding means that the arbiter’s decision is final, and non-binding means that you can still seek relief through the courts. Depending upon the amount of money disputed, you can also seek relief through the Consumer Response Team, Department of Commerce, District Court, or Conciliation.