What should you do if you are involved in an accident?
No matter how minor, it is wise to report every accident to the police.Then, contact Factory Collision and Restoration (F.C.R.) in Weymouth at (781) 331-0113. We can assist you with the processing of your claim, answer your questions, and advise you to ensure safe and proper repairs are made to your vehicle. We’ve been at the same location for over 30 years and have the experience.
You Have The Right To Choose!
That is the crux of the issue in auto body repair as insurance companies try to control the care of your vehicle the way they control your personal healthcare. It is your right to choose your own collision repair facility and to have the insurance company pay for safe and proper repairs to your vehicle so it retains its value and meets important safety standards.
However, insurance companies often do not volunteer information about those rights or what is at stake in the selection of a repair facility. You want a shop that is working for YOU. Instead when you report a collision and need information about how to get your vehicle repaired efficiently and effectively, the insurance representative is likely to tell you about referral shops or preferred shops or merely provide a list of licensed auto repair shops in the state. That’s not much help. Remember it’s your car, your choice.
Preserve Your Rights!
If you feel your rights have been violated, let state regulators and legislators know what happened and that you understand and value your Right to Choose. As a member of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (A.A.S.P), a nationally recognized automotive specialists organization, Factory Collision And Restoration works to preserve and strengthen laws and regulations protecting your rights through our legislative initiatives.
Ensure Your Safety and the Safety of Your Family. Ensure the Value of Your Vehicle. Your car, your choice.
What kind of parts will be used to repair my vehicle!
The best assurance you have of a correct repair is through the use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Parts made by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Other companies produce (instead of manufacture) parts that are made to look like your vehicle’s parts, but may never have been crash tested and may affect the performance and safety of your vehicle along with voiding your warranty.
They are not covered under your vehicle manufacturer’s warranty and there are no provisions for recalls based on the safety or performance of these parts. Consumer Reports reported on the results of its extensive study of non-OEM parts in its cover story.
Your insurance company may attempt to use imitation parts to save money on your vehicle’s repairs. Factory Collision And Restoration will help you negotiate with your insurance company for the appropriate original equipment manufacturer’s parts to maintain the integrity and value of your vehicle.
Who does the shop actually work for, me or the insurance company!
Referral repair shops work for the insurance company. Factory Collision And Restoration, an independent repair facility works for the consumer. Insurance appraisers work for the insurance company and are told to keep costs down. Independent collision repair facilities work for you. They are looking out for your best interest. They will negotiate directly with the insurance company for the proper repairs so that your vehicle is safe for you and your family. F.C.R. looks out for your interests and will serve as your advocate in the repair process.
Preferred or referral repair shops represent the insurance company in both negotiations and the repair of the vehicle. They contract with insurance companies regarding the repairs, the costs and the repair procedures. The insurance company sets the rules and the repair shop simply follows them to keep the insurance company’s costs down. But the cost reduction has to come from somewhere. It may affect the quality and thoroughness of the repair service and/or the quality and condition of the parts used. You have paid your insurance premiums with the expectation of receiving safe and proper repairs – not cheap repairs. Make your insurer work FOR you.
Control your decisions!
Exercise Your Rights Don’t allow the insurance companies to make decisions for you. Don’t be intimidated. Steering is illegal in Massachusetts. Don’t allow insurance companies or agents to steer you to a specific shop rather than a trusted shop of your choosing. The practice of steering places insurance company profits ahead of public safety and penalizes repair shops that place customer safety first.