When filing through an insurance
company, you have specific rights and obligations that you should be
aware of so make sure you carefully review your policy and ask your
agent any questions you may have about it.
If an agreement cannot be reached
between your insurance company and the repair shop, your policy has an
"Appraisal Clause" whereby an independent appraiser can be called in to
help resolve the matter.
You are not required by law to get more than one estimate. You may have the shop of your choice make the repairs.
You
are not required to use a shop selected by the claims adjuster.
However, you are required by your policy holder to allow your insurance
company a reasonable amount of time to inspect the damages prior to
repairing them.
Only you, the owner, can authorize
repairs on your vehicle. Repair estimates will vary and a lower
estimate may not include necessary things such as front or rear wheel
alignments, re-aiming your headlamps, etc. Make sure everything is
repaired to your satisfaction.
Sign releases only when the repairs have been completed to your satisfaction.