HOME INSURANCE LAWS
IN NEW YORK
REPAIR STATUS SHOWCASE ESTIMATE ACCIDENT TO DOS ABOUT US CONTACT US

One of the major problems in the collision repair industry is a practice called "steering". Steering occurs when insurance companies direct First Party insured and/or Third Party Claimants to, or away from, specific repair facilities or providers. Have you ever heard phrases such as, "We can't guarantee their work, but if you go to our shop...", or, "If you go to their shop, the claims process may take a lot longer"? These, as well as many other phrases, are used to persuade you to use facilities oriented to cut costs. Some of these shops agree not to charge for needed operations, use more after-market sheet metal, and/or give discounts on labor and parts. In many cases, shops will even agree to write estimates for insurance companies on repairs that competing shops will work off of. This is done with the hope of stealing jobs and artificially controlling the repair market. These tactics cost or limit repairs affecting quality, safety, and vehicle value.

Steering - It's illegal, potentially fraudulent, and potentially dangerous!

The best way for claims to be handled is for the shop and insurance company to work together to create a repair plan that will satisfy you, the customer, with quality and safety in mind. After all, this is your investment, and after paying your premiums year after year, you should expect as much. Most of the insurance companies we work with are professional and honest. We have developed many relationships over the years based on honesty and integrity.

We don't request unreasonable operations, just those necessary to take your vehicle back to its pre-accident and safe condition. When you come to pick-up your vehicle, and we see that look of satisfaction on your face, our pride in workmanship and integrity are rewarded. Your insurance company should feel the same way. You pay for that concern!

Insurance Companies in New York Are Required To...
Inspect the damaged vehicle and make a good faith offer within six business days after receiving notification of the loss, provided that your car is available for inspection. (A good faith offer is one that can be backed up with the name of a Department of Motor Vehicles - registered repair shop that will perform the repairs at the insurer's offer.)
Promptly give you or your authorized representative a detailed written estimate of the costs of repairs. Identify, but only at your request (unless the claim is solely for glass breakage), a conveniently located auto repair shop that will repair your car at the insurance company's estimated cost of repair and give your a written guarantee, backed by your insurer, of the work performed.
Pay the actual cash value (retail value plus sales tax) which is subject to depreciation and applicable deductions, if your car is a total loss because it was stolen or damaged beyond repair, or replace it with a substantially similar car, in accordance with governing regulatory standards.
Make payment within five (5) business days after you and the insurer have agreed upon settlement.
If your car is stolen, reimburse you for your car rental expenses up to the amount stated in the policy (some auto insurers issue a policy with optional rental car reimbursement coverage, which also pays for such expenses when your car cannot be operated during a covered collision loss).
Furnish you with a written explanation of the reasons for delay if your claim has not been settled within 30 days after the date you notified the insurer of the loss.