Texas Motorist Bill of Rights
When the great state of Texas required you to carry Liability Insurance on your vehicle, you were given certain legal rights. These rights are called: Motorist Bill of Rights.
You have the right to choose the facility where your vehicle gets repaired. You do not have to take your car to the shop with the cheapest estimate or one picked by the insurance company.
You do not have to get three written estimates. If requested, you may supply one estimate from the shop where you intend to have the repair work done.
If the repair shop of your choice and the insurance company fail to reach an agreed price, you have the right to ask for a third opinion or for arbitration. If you are not satisfied with the way your claim is being handled, contact your insurance agent. If you do not get reasonable results from your agent, then contact the State Department of Insurance listed below:
Texas Department of Insurance
Consumer Protection (111-1A)
P.O. Box 149091
Austin, Texas 78714-9091
512-463-6515 ** 800-252-3439
Or on the World Wide Web at
Texas Department of Insurance
Or Email
You have the right to choose the facility where your vehicle gets repaired. You do not have to take your car to the shop with the cheapest estimate or one picked by the insurance company.
You do not have to get three written estimates. If requested, you may supply one estimate from the shop where you intend to have the repair work done.
If the repair shop of your choice and the insurance company fail to reach an agreed price, you have the right to ask for a third opinion or for arbitration. If you are not satisfied with the way your claim is being handled, contact your insurance agent. If you do not get reasonable results from your agent, then contact the State Department of Insurance listed below:
Texas Department of Insurance
Consumer Protection (111-1A)
P.O. Box 149091
Austin, Texas 78714-9091
512-463-6515 ** 800-252-3439
Or on the World Wide Web at
Texas Department of Insurance
Or Email
Choosing the Right Facility
Your car is the second-largest investment you are likely to make. Preserve its value and your safety by having it repaired professionally. If you’ve had the misfortune of having an accident, you don’t
want to leave your vehicle in the hands of just any “body man”. If
you're shopping for a quality collision repair center, you don’t need to
be a collision repair expert to know what to look for. You may want to
watch for certain features which indicate that business takes pride in
the service it preforms.
The parking area should be neat and clearly marked, with ample parking space for customers and insurance representatives.
The office should be clean and well organized with a restroom and a comfortable seating area for customers. Employees in the office should be clean, neatly dressed and unconditionally courteous.
The shop should be well organized and well equipped with state of the art frame repair equipment. The most modern collision centers are now equipped with digital measuring systems which combine computer and laser technology to measure and pinpoint damage in your vehicle's frame and structure. The shop owner/manager should be willing to take you around the shop to give you a first hand view of the equipment and procedures being used.
The technicians work on the dirtiest parts of your car so they’ll probably be dirty every time you see them, however they should have a reasonably neat and professional appearance about them. Body technicians as well as painters should be I-CAR trained and/or ASE certified and the manager should be able to so how you a copy of their current certification.
Once inside the shop, your vehicle’s damaged area should be disassembled for a careful re-inspection. Any additional damages should be reported to the insurance company immediately. if the insurance company representative insists on re-inspecting the damage, the repair process could be delayed for up to 2-3 days. In turn, any additional damaged parts must be ordered which may lead to another delay, depending on availability. Additional delays can also result from disputes between the repair facility and the insurance company. Insurance companies often try to refuse coverage of certain operations that are required in order to properly repair the vehicle. Also, the insurance company may insist that “aftermarket” or “QRP” parts be used for the repair.
Better quality shops are now refusing to install or warranting aftermarket parts because of the poor quality and design of these parts. It is highly recommended you check the damage report to see the only factory (OEM) equipment is used to repair your car.
The parking area should be neat and clearly marked, with ample parking space for customers and insurance representatives.
The office should be clean and well organized with a restroom and a comfortable seating area for customers. Employees in the office should be clean, neatly dressed and unconditionally courteous.
The shop should be well organized and well equipped with state of the art frame repair equipment. The most modern collision centers are now equipped with digital measuring systems which combine computer and laser technology to measure and pinpoint damage in your vehicle's frame and structure. The shop owner/manager should be willing to take you around the shop to give you a first hand view of the equipment and procedures being used.
The technicians work on the dirtiest parts of your car so they’ll probably be dirty every time you see them, however they should have a reasonably neat and professional appearance about them. Body technicians as well as painters should be I-CAR trained and/or ASE certified and the manager should be able to so how you a copy of their current certification.
Once inside the shop, your vehicle’s damaged area should be disassembled for a careful re-inspection. Any additional damages should be reported to the insurance company immediately. if the insurance company representative insists on re-inspecting the damage, the repair process could be delayed for up to 2-3 days. In turn, any additional damaged parts must be ordered which may lead to another delay, depending on availability. Additional delays can also result from disputes between the repair facility and the insurance company. Insurance companies often try to refuse coverage of certain operations that are required in order to properly repair the vehicle. Also, the insurance company may insist that “aftermarket” or “QRP” parts be used for the repair.
Better quality shops are now refusing to install or warranting aftermarket parts because of the poor quality and design of these parts. It is highly recommended you check the damage report to see the only factory (OEM) equipment is used to repair your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get a claim number?
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Just jot it down and bring it in with you when you come in to begin the repair process, we will do the rest.
Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my vehicle for repair?
Absolutely. We generally order your vehicle’s parts at the time that we write the estimate and schedule your vehicle for drop-off a couple of days later unless your vehicle is found unsafe to drive, then we would help you arrange for a rental vehicle as soon as possible. This enables us to provide quicker turn around time.
If my Vehicle’s frame is damaged is it a total loss?
No. A car is a tots loss when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company’s determined value of your vehicle. Nowadays, most cars are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction. Our highly skilled technicians, with the aid our state-of-the-art computer measuring system, can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame section is bent beyond repair, that section can just be replaced.
Can you match the paint color?
Today’s modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. We have major investment in the finest paint system available and constantly upgrades its technology and equipment to ensure that each vehicle’s paint matches. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the final stop in the restoration process.
How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?
Your adviser can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Be sure to check with your adviser for the specifics on your vehicle.
Can I get a ride home when I drop off my car?
Yes, we would be happy to provide this service to you anywhere locally or in town. We want each customer’s visit to be positive and will work diligently towards that goal. We provide pickup and delivery service.
How can I get a rental car?
If you need a rental car, you can check your insurance company’s web site for their approved agency and procedures.
How will I know when my car is done?
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. You can also check this website. You will see a message next to the last picture of your vehicle telling you that your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call or e-mail your adviser during the repair process if you have questions or concern.
Is there a warranty on the repairs to my vehicle?
Yes. We guarantee all the repairs with a Lifetime Warranty.
Do I have to pay a deductible?
The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you carry broad collision, and you were not at fault, your insurance company will most likely waive your deductible. Insurance companies determine fault by your account of the accident when you make the claim, and by reviewing the accident report filed with the police department. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether you would be responsible to pay this when you pick up your vehicle.
Who do I pay my Deductible to?
If your deductible is not waived, it will be your responsibility to pay us when you pick up your vehicle. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether it will be your responsibility.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
What are betterment charges?
Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (i.e., tires, batteries, and suspension parts) are commonly subject to betterment charges when they are replaced during the repair process. These betterment charges are determined by your insurance company and are pro-rated based on actual miles on your vehicle.
Can I wash my car?
Recommendations and precautions in the first 30 days
Do:
- Wash the car by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge.
- Always use clean fresh water.
- Wash your vehicle in the shade.
Don’t
- Do not use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface.
- Do not “dry wipe” your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish.
- Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days.
- Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are likely to attract birds. Bird dropping have a high acid content and will damage a
freshly painted surface.
- Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish.
- Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Just jot it down and bring it in with you when you come in to begin the repair process, we will do the rest.
Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my vehicle for repair?
Absolutely. We generally order your vehicle’s parts at the time that we write the estimate and schedule your vehicle for drop-off a couple of days later unless your vehicle is found unsafe to drive, then we would help you arrange for a rental vehicle as soon as possible. This enables us to provide quicker turn around time.
If my Vehicle’s frame is damaged is it a total loss?
No. A car is a tots loss when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company’s determined value of your vehicle. Nowadays, most cars are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction. Our highly skilled technicians, with the aid our state-of-the-art computer measuring system, can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame section is bent beyond repair, that section can just be replaced.
Can you match the paint color?
Today’s modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. We have major investment in the finest paint system available and constantly upgrades its technology and equipment to ensure that each vehicle’s paint matches. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the final stop in the restoration process.
How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?
Your adviser can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Be sure to check with your adviser for the specifics on your vehicle.
Can I get a ride home when I drop off my car?
Yes, we would be happy to provide this service to you anywhere locally or in town. We want each customer’s visit to be positive and will work diligently towards that goal. We provide pickup and delivery service.
How can I get a rental car?
If you need a rental car, you can check your insurance company’s web site for their approved agency and procedures.
How will I know when my car is done?
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. You can also check this website. You will see a message next to the last picture of your vehicle telling you that your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call or e-mail your adviser during the repair process if you have questions or concern.
Is there a warranty on the repairs to my vehicle?
Yes. We guarantee all the repairs with a Lifetime Warranty.
Do I have to pay a deductible?
The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you carry broad collision, and you were not at fault, your insurance company will most likely waive your deductible. Insurance companies determine fault by your account of the accident when you make the claim, and by reviewing the accident report filed with the police department. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether you would be responsible to pay this when you pick up your vehicle.
Who do I pay my Deductible to?
If your deductible is not waived, it will be your responsibility to pay us when you pick up your vehicle. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether it will be your responsibility.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
What are betterment charges?
Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (i.e., tires, batteries, and suspension parts) are commonly subject to betterment charges when they are replaced during the repair process. These betterment charges are determined by your insurance company and are pro-rated based on actual miles on your vehicle.
Can I wash my car?
Recommendations and precautions in the first 30 days
Do:
- Wash the car by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge.
- Always use clean fresh water.
- Wash your vehicle in the shade.
Don’t
- Do not use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface.
- Do not “dry wipe” your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish.
- Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days.
- Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are likely to attract birds. Bird dropping have a high acid content and will damage a
freshly painted surface.
- Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish.
- Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.
