Avoid hasty decisions after collision
Here’s a scenario: Several months after you’ve had major collision repairs, your automobile starts to vibrate when you accelerate.
Your new-car dealer insists the problem is accident-related. The independent body shop says it’s a warranty issue. The customer is left in the middle, not knowing who to believe.
This is a typical situation when a collision takes place. Accidents happen every day. The experience often leaves drivers confused, frightened and vulnerable. In this emotional state, motorists must decide who will tow their vehicle and which collision shop will perform the repairs.
Some tow truck drivers, arriving on the accident scene, will offer to take your vehicle to a collision shop of their choice. Whatever information tow truck drivers share with you, remember that the choice is always up to you, the owner of the vehicle.
If you drive a new vehicle, most (if not all) manufacturers offer free towing coverage with a roadside assistance program. You may also be a member of an automobile associa- tion, in which case you could choose their towing service.
Understanding your rights and making the wise decisions about collision repairs will increase the chances that your repairs are completed in a timely and professional manner, with minimum inconvenience.
When choosing a repair centre, you’ll need to decide if it will be an independent collision repair shop, a dealer-owned shop or a dealer-referred shop. Here are some significant points to consider:
The insurance company will receive an estimate of the damage, and it will pay that figure to any shop — whether an independent or a dealer body shop. No premium is paid to the dealer to do the work.
Will genuine or imitation parts be used in the repair?
If paying by cash, don’t base your decision entirely on price. Skill, service, knowledge and reputation are just as important as getting a competitive price.
Does the shop have extensive knowledge about your vehicle (traction control, vehicle stability control, electronic throttle control system and airbags)?
Is the shop properly licensed to perform collision repairs?
What type of warranty is offered on collision repairs?
Do not expect any shop to waive your insurance deductible or offer to do additional work at no extra cost. (Insurance companies do not overpay body shops for work; free work means cutting corners somewhere, and cutting corners is rarely good.)
Your insurance company may also recommend a collision repair facility. A collision shop recommended by an insurance company may have a great reputation and modern facilities. But does it specialize in repairing your make and model?
Why not choose a dealership collision shop so that you can hold one repair facility responsible for both warranty and collision claims, should any issue arise in the future? A dealership shop will then be obligated to determine whether repairs to your vehicle are covered under warranty or insurance — without an opportunity to pass the buck.
It’s wise to research a body shop in advance of a collision so you know exactly what to do after an accident. The ramifications of choosing the wrong collision outlet are greater than choosing the wrong place for something minor, such as replacing a tire.
And remember, when your car goes into a collision repair facility, be sure to remove any personal belongings or valuable items from inside the vehicle.
Body technicians have to gain access to interior areas in order to make the repairs. Personal belongings could get damaged or misplaced, which will only compound your frustration. This column represents the views of TADA. Email president@tada.ca or visit tada.ca. Doug Sullivan, president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, is a new-car dealer in Huntsville. To reach Wheels editor Norris McDonald: nmcdonald@thestar.ca