Baton Rouge Collision Services: 3 Key Rights All Drivers Have After an Accident

Editor's note: This post was originally published on April 29, 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.

Hopefully, you never find yourself involved in an auto accident and never need any of the following information. Unfortunately, however, many drivers are involved in accidents each day. Unaware of the repair process and the inner workings of their insurance provider, these drivers will often find themselves confused and overwhelmed by it all and completely unaware of the power of choice available to them. If you do end up in the unfortunate situation of a car accident, keep the following rights in mind:

You Have the Right to Choose Your Repair Shop

Insurance companies maintain relationships with some auto body shops as part of a direct repair program. It is often suggested that these arrangements benefit consumers with a quicker repair, but they often require the shop to cut corners to maintain profitability. In the end, drivers are often left with hasty repairs and aftermarket parts that don’t fit quite right. Fortunately, everyone has the right to choose where their car is repaired, even if that shop is not endorsed by the insurance company. Likewise, you also have the right to choose your tow company and rental car provider.

You Have the Right to Original Manufacturer’s Parts

If you want replacement parts from your original car manufacturer, choose an insurance policy that guarantees OEM parts. If your policy doesn't guarantee OEM parts, you still have the right to request them. However, keep in mind that you could be asked to share the repair cost. Weigh the options and determine for yourself which is the best way to go, and let your claims adjuster and collision center know.

You Have the Right to Multiple Repair Quotes

You are not legally obligated to get more than one estimate for your vehicle repairs. However, you have the right to get as many quotes as you choose in search for the best repair shop. Keep factors such as quality of parts and experience of technicians in mind as you make your decision, and remember that the cheapest quote may cost you more in the long run. 

These are just three of the consumer rights of which all drivers should be aware. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed following an auto accident, contact the accident advisors at Medines and learn more about all of your rights and the claims and repair process. We are happy to help.