Understanding Your Consumer Rights

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24/7 Towing Services
Lifetime GUARANTEES on All Repairs

Educating Consumers About Their Rights

Learn more about your rights as a consumer regarding auto body repairs. As a consumer, your rights are protected by the New York State Insurance Law. Higbie Collision believes in honest auto repair and collision work.

We are committed to informing our customers about their rights. By law, you have a choice to get your car repaired at a preferred qualified auto shop. Read the full details about your rights.

Know These Facts and Know Your Rights in Auto Repair

You may have your vehicle repaired at any repair facility of your choice. Your insurance company cannot direct you otherwise
You are not required to get one or more estimates
You are not required to take your car to an insurance company's drive-in claim service
Make sure that the insurance company pays for all covered repairs. You have the right to prompt and fair handling of claims
The New York State Insurance Department licenses all insurance company personnel, including damage appraisers, supervisors, agents and brokers
After proper notification, your insurance company has six business days to inspect your car and enter negotiations. If additional damages are found, your insurance company has two business days to reinspect and renegotiate your claim
To assist you and protect your investment, you may appoint your chosen repair shop your 'designated representative' to negotiate and settle your claim with your insurance company
The insurance company may not issue a check or draft in payment implying acceptance of such as final or binding
If the cost of repairing your vehicle exceeds the actual cash value of the automobile, payment is calculated by averaging Red Book and NADA values or the use of a computerized database, plus NYS Sales Tax. You are entitled to evaluate and have a 30-day right of recourse to question your insurance company's settlement offer. Any damages to your vehicle over $1000 require D.M.V. form 104 to be filled out