Consumer Bill of Rights for Motorists in the State of Illinois

Some Important Things To Know When Having Your Damaged Vehicle Repaired

Readers are cautioned that this document is provided only as a guide to the general principles involved in lien laws. You should consult your own attorney for specific legal advise and opinions.

Must I obtain three estimates? No one can tell you to obtain more than one estimate. You, as the vehicle owner, however, may do so should this be your desire.

Do I have to take my vehicle to an insurance company drive-in claims facility for an estimate? You are not required to take your vehicle to a drive-in claims facility. It is your right as the vehicle owner to obtain an estimate wherever you choose. Your are only required to notify your insurance company of the vehicle's location so that it may be examined by the claims adjuster. However, if you have already gone to a drive-in claims facility, make sure you take a copy of the insurance adjuster's estimate with you when obtaining repair shop estimates and choosing a facility to repair your vehicle.

If I go to an insurance company's drive-in claims facility, do I have to take my vehicle to one of its preferred shops for repair? There are no laws or regulations requiring you to go to any specific repair shop, however, some insurance companies practice the policy of only paying for vehicle damages equal to the estimate amount prepared at one of its preferred shops. However, keep in mind that you are the vehicle owner. Don't let your insurance company take away your freedom of choice!

Am I required to notify my insurance company before repairs begin on my vehicle? Yes... Your insurance policy requires you to notify your insurance company and make a claim report. Once a claim report has been made, you may proceed to leave your vehicle at the repair facility of your choice and notify the insurance company claim representative or adjuster where your damaged vehicle may be inspected. Once a claim representative or adjuster has had an opportunity to inspect your vehicle, you may authorize repairs to begin.

Who is responsible for the guarantee of workmanship and safety of my automobile repairs - the insurance company or the repair shop? The repair shop and in limited circumstances your insurance company...Your insurance company is not accepting the liability for the quality and safety of your vehicle's repair. Therefore, you and you alone must control the fate of your vehicle's repair by choosing a proper facility that is adequately trained and equipped to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. You have the legal right and authority to do so.

What should I look for when choosing a facility to repair my vehicle? Referrals from other satisfied customers is a start. 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. Also, ask to see evidence of employee training and certification. Notice the attitude and commitment of the shop owner/manager towards a quality restoration of your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. ALSO, note that all motor vehicle repairers and rebuilders in the State are required by the Secretary of State to have a state repairers license posted as per Section 5-301 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Illinois law requires that insurance companies may not do business with any automotive repair facility not licensed by the Secretary of State.

Can my insurance company authorize a repair shop to start repairs on my vehicle without my consent? No... Only the vehicle owner may authorize repairs. You must be presented with an estimate to know what is being repaired on your vehicle before repairs are started. Additionally, Illinois requires written estimates on repairs.

Who is responsible for payment to the repair shop - the insurance company or me? You are... Your insurance policy states that your insurance company will pay for the damages to your vehicle, less the deductible amount. You may instruct your insurance company to pay directly to the repair shop of your choice, however, full payment must be arranged prior to you vehicle being picked up.

My insurance company does not agree with my repair facility on how my vehicle should be repaired or what it should cost... What can I do? Most insurance policies contain an appraisal clause. When the insurance company and the customer fail to agree, either party may demand an appraisal of loss within 60 days after the claim has been filed. Each party may then select a competent appraiser to represent them, and disinterested umpire. If the two appraisers do not agree, they submit their findings to the umpire. A decision by the umpire which agrees with either appraiser will determine the amount of loss.

I am having a problem with my insurance company. Can the State Insurance Director's office help me? Yes, but the Director's authority is limited. Keep in mind that the insurance director has no judicial authority to determine negligence or establish the value of a loss or injury.

"Collision" vs. "Liability" Coverage The "collision" section of most policies sets out the coverage which a vehicle owner has for damage to his own vehicle. It will usually contain certain limitations on coverage (e.g. deductibles, "like kind and quality" (LKQ) replacement parts, specific exclusions for custom paint, or equipment). By contrast the "liability" section of the policy pertains to claims for damages which others make against the vehicle owner. The "collision" section is often referred to as "first-party coverage" and the liability section as "third-party coverage."

The distinction is significant because the limitations and exclusions in the "collision" portion of the policy have no bearing on claims made under the "liability" portion. Thus, an insurance company may have a right under its policy to make its own insured pay the deductible portion of the repairs or to limit the cost of repairs to its insured's car by using imitation or "LKQ" parts, but it cannot impose those restrictions on persons who make a claim against its insured. A look at your own insurance policy should help clarify this important concept.

Safety, Quality, and Cost of repairs - 1) If your vehicle is damaged through someone else's fault, that other person's insurance company generally cannot be held directly responsible for the quality or safety of repairs done on your car; 2) The standard measure of damages is the "reasonable" cost of necessary repairs. Therefore, select a repair facility that understands its obligations to you - its customer - and exercise caution when someone tells you that the repairs can be preformed "cheaper" somewhere else. Keep in mind, as the owner, you have the right to choose the repair methods best suited to restore you vehicle.

Rental Vehicles - In a "third-party" situation, a claimant is generally entitled to reimbursement for the cost of renting a "similar" vehicle for the time reasonably required to repair or replace the damaged vehicle. However, if the insurance company for the party at fault pays a flat rental amount per day, week or month, it must tell the claimant where he can obtain a similar vehicle for the amount of the payment. (See 50111, Admin.Coce sec. 919.80 (d)(2) and/or contact your attorney for additional information.)