Consumer Rights Center

Your Complete Guide to Collision Repair Rights

Don't let insurance companies control your repair. This page contains everything you need to know about your rights, their tactics, and how to get your vehicle repaired properly.

Serving Birmingham, Hoover, Pelham, Vestavia Hills & Alabaster, AL

Legal Fast Facts

Know these Alabama auto repair rights before you talk to any insurance company.

Your Choice, Your Right

You are NOT required to get multiple estimates. Choose any licensed repair facility—it's the law.

DRP = Conflict of Interest

Direct Repair Programs mean the shop works for the insurer first, trading quality for volume.

Liability is on the Shop

All repair liability falls on the shop, not the insurer. Our warranty is the only one that matters.

Don't Cash Out

Lowball estimates are designed to make you take the money and skip proper repairs. Don't fall for it.

Supplements are Normal

Initial estimates only cover visible damage. Hidden damage is handled through the standard supplement process.

Contract Protection

Your policy is a contract. They can't deny coverage just because you chose an independent shop.

Insurance Steering Tactics Exposed

Consumer Warning: These are the most common lies and manipulation tactics insurance companies use to steer you away from quality independent shops. Know the truth.

What They Say

“Repairs are faster at our contract shops.”

The Truth

Steering tactic. Independent shops often deliver higher quality work faster—we focus on your repair, not insurer quotas.

What They Say

“Your shop overcharges.”

The Truth

We refuse to cut corners. Our pricing reflects proper procedures and quality parts. Contract shops charge less by skipping steps.

What They Say

“We won't warranty the work if you choose your own shop.”

The Truth

Insurance companies have NEVER warrantied repairs. We provide our own lifetime warranty. They provide nothing.

What They Say

“You'll have to wait longer for our appraiser.”

The Truth

A delay tactic. By law, claims must be processed in reasonable time regardless of shop choice.

What They Say

“We recommend this shop for your convenience.”

The Truth

They recommend shops that save THEM money. Their 'convenience' comes at the cost of your repair quality.

What They Say

“You have to use aftermarket parts.”

The Truth

You can negotiate for OEM parts. Aftermarket parts can void warranties and compromise safety. Your choice.

Know Who You're Dealing With

Understanding each player's role and motivation helps you navigate the claims process.

The Appraiser

Takes photos and notes. NOT a repair expert. You MUST point out all damage—anything missed may be called “prior damage” later.

KEY ACTION

Walk through EVERY scratch, dent, and concern with them. Take your own photos.

The Adjuster

Protects the insurance company. Trained negotiator measured by how much money they save. Must provide all denials in writing by law.

KEY ACTION

Get everything in writing. Don't accept verbal promises or denials.

The Shop (Us)

The only actual repair experts in the process. We work for YOU, not insurers. We carry the liability and provide the warranty.

KEY ACTION

Trust qualified technicians over insurance representatives for repair decisions.

Claims FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Detailed answers to common questions about insurance claims, estimates, parts, and the supplement process.

This is completely normal. Insurance estimates are based only on visible damage—they can't see what's behind panels or under trim. Once we disassemble and find hidden damage, we submit a supplement to your insurer. This is standard practice that every insurance company expects. Don't let a low initial estimate scare you away from proper repairs.

Technically, you're responsible for the repair bill, but your insurer must reimburse you per your policy contract. If you're a third-party claimant (the other driver was at fault), their insurance is responsible. You may also be entitled to diminished value compensation for the permanent loss in your vehicle's resale value after an accident.

Yes! This is your legal right in Alabama. Don't let insurers scare you with claims of higher costs or longer waits. We work directly with all insurance companies and handle the paperwork. The supplement process ensures proper repairs are covered regardless of which shop you choose.

No. While some policies mention aftermarket parts, you can negotiate for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Aftermarket parts can void manufacturer warranties, affect vehicle safety, and reduce resale value. We help you advocate for the parts your vehicle deserves.

A supplement is additional repair costs discovered after the initial estimate. Since estimates are based on visible damage only, hidden damage (found during disassembly) requires supplemental approval. This is a standard, expected part of every repair—insurers budget for it with 'loss reserves.' It's not unusual or problematic.

The appraiser takes photos and notes on damage—they're not repair experts. YOU must point out all damage to them. The adjuster manages your claim and protects the insurer's interests. By law, they must physically inspect the vehicle to deny any claim portion and provide denials in writing. Neither of them actually repairs vehicles—we do.

DRP is an agreement where shops accept discounted labor rates and agree to use cheaper parts in exchange for insurance company referrals. These shops prioritize insurer savings over repair quality. As an independent shop, we have no such contracts—we answer only to you and focus solely on proper repairs.

Absolutely not. In Alabama (and every state), you have the legal right to choose any licensed repair facility. Insurance companies cannot require you to use specific shops, cannot deny claims for choosing independently, and cannot legally steer you with threats or misinformation.

Ready to Take Control of Your Repair?

Now that you know your rights, let us help you exercise them. Free consultation, no pressure—just honest answers about your vehicle.

Call (205) 988-3854 Request Consultation