When taking your car to an auto body shop for repairs, you’ll need to work with your insurance company on the claim. Because most people aren’t used to this experience, they often believe certain myths about the process.

At Valiante Auto Body, offering car repair services in Norwalk, CT, they believe customers should be fully informed about their rights. That’s why they’d like to dispel the following common myths.

Auto Body Shop Debunks 3 Car Repair Insurance Myths

1. You Can’t Pick Your Own Repair Shop

Although your insurance company will likely recommend a particular repair shop—usually one that offers fairly low auto repair estimates—you don’t need to use the shop they suggest. If you’re more comfortable with another repair team, you can choose them instead.

2. You Have to Pay for the Difference If the Work Costs More Than the Estimate

Typically, once you decide on a shop, your insurance company will issue a check in the amount of the estimate provided. However, auto body shops can’t always know exactly how much a job will cost simply by looking at a vehicle. If the actual cost of the work exceeds the initial estimate, that doesn’t mean you have to pay for the difference.

3. You Have to Pay the Difference If the Auto Body Shop’s Estimate Is Higher Than the Insurance Company’s

The insurance agent and repair shop owner must both negotiate a fair price. Even if you don’t choose the shop your insurance provider recommended, they’re still required to work with the shop owner to agree upon a reasonable cost. As long as the repair team can effectively document why a job will cost a certain amount, you won’t be held accountable for any difference in estimates.

At Valiante Auto Body, in Norwalk, CT, they know that most people don’t have a lot of experience coordinating with insurance providers to repair a vehicle. That’s why they make a point of debunking these myths. Contact them online to learn more about their services, or call (203) 847-3043.