Have you ever had your insurance co. tell you you HAD to take your vehicle to a certain repair facility?

Um.. no insurance company would EVER do that.

Ive worked for 3 major companies and although ALL have had 'preferred shops" we were perfectly aware of the customers legal rights to take it wherever they wanted.

No huge insurance company is going to risk legal consequences from steering customers to a certain shop and telling them they have to go. anyone who says they were forced to go to a shop is probably "mentally slow" and just didnt listen to what was said.

BTW... contrary to popular belief insurance companies dont use crappy shops for network shops. We use them b/c they have consistantly provided good work and we trust them. We dont have any "special deals" with them and they get the same exact amount of money any other shop would get.

It isn't quite illegal, but, if you have submitted quotes for approval, they can tell you which of the facilities to take it to, so you only get quotes from shops you want to deal with. If you then go to a shop that charges more for the SAME work, you could be on the hook for the difference. Many years back, when I lived in Alberta, State Farm approved one shop for my repairs, but then the shop wouldn't take the work because State Farm was way behind (over $100,000) in paying them.

If your insurer has a list of "preferred' shops, you may have a long-term warranty on the work that is not offered if you go to a shop not on the list, as well. One of our shops offers life-time (of the car, while the same owner retains ownership) warranty on all MPI claims repairs.

We are lucky in that way in Manitoba. Any MPI-approved shop can be used, and there are very few that aren't approved, basically only the ones with non-code paint booths that can't get insurance.

The two party check will need to be endorsed by the shop and probably deposited in their business account.You will not be able to cash it yourself.The shop will also receive a 1099 tax form and will be required to show the check as income,making them liable for a sum of money in taxes since they have no charges against it and it looks as mainly profit.Apparently the shop doesn't know that you have an insurance check and they probably are expecting to be paid by cash or undeclared check.To surprise them with this situation makes you look like you are not being up front with them.Be prepared for a conflict.The excess money belongs to you,the shop,and the insurance company that paid for repairs that were not performed the way they were intended.

I just ran into this about a month ago. My insurance company told me that I could go to any body shop, however they would only cover 80% of the damages. I would've had to pay the difference plus my deductible. I ended up going to the place they suggested, and was actually very pleased with the work and all repairs were covered.

No, this is something they can't, and won't do. They *might* tell you that the repairs would be guaranteed at their preferred shop, but it's still your choice.

It has nothing to do them needing it there to 'see' the damage. They will send out a qualified adjuster to the impound yard or where ever else your vehicle is stored.

I have had the insurance give me a list of "preferred" repair facilities, but they have always made it clear that it's my choice where I take my car.

they have no legal right to tell you where your auto must be repaired. Do they try to steer you to a particular shop? Yes they do. Do you have to take it there? NO!

the ins company wants you to take your vech to the service first shops because they do not have to send an adjuster out the shop writes the estimate.they can only recommend a shop they can not force you to use them

NEVER!!! I think this insurance company is trying to pull one over on you. I would change insurance companies if I were you. There's a scam going on somewhere. Good luck!!

Call your city Chamber of Commerce, and complain.

You are being "lead to a relative" of his for the repairs.

You are supposed to get two or three estimates. <}:-})