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 to ensure that an accurate report is on file in case any problems should arise later. Then, contact the registered collision repair shop of your choice that can assist you with the processing of your claim.

If your insurer and your chosen repair shop cannot agree on how your vehicle should be repaired or what it should cost, what can you do?

Due to the conditions under which damage may first be viewed or because some of the damage may be hidden, it is quite common to require supplemental approval of additional repairs or costs from your insurer. You have paid a substantial amount of premium for your insurance and your insurer must negotiate in good faith with your chosen registered collision repair shop for the proper repairs to return your vehicle to pre-accident condition. If an agreement cannot be reached, you have the right to demand arbitration of the issue. Refer to the arbitration clause of your insurance policy.

If there is a problem with the repair job, who should you contact?

First, contact the manager of the shop. If your problem is still not resolved, contact your insurer's claims manager. You may also want to contact the local offices of the Better Business Bureau or the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's office. Massachusetts has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country to help protect you.