The Law Offices of YOUNG & NICHOLS....Always for the people

A Consumer is entitle to:

1. Select the auto body repair shop to repair auto body damage covered by the insurance company. An insurance company may not require the repairs to be done at a specific auto body repair shop.

2. An itemized written estimate for auto body repairs and, upon completion of repairs, a detailed invoice. The estimate and the invoice must include an itemized list of parts and labor along with the total price for the work performed. The estimate and invoice must also identify all parts as new, used, aftermarket, rconditioned, or rebuilt.

3. Be informed about coverage for towing services. Unles the insurance company has provided an insured with the name of a specific towing company prior to the insured's use of another towing company, the insurance company must pay all reasonable towing charges of the towing company used by the insured.

4. Be informed about the extent of coverage, if any, for a replacement rental vehicle while a damaged vehicle is being repaired.

5. Be informed of where to report suspected fraud or other complaints and concerns about auto body repairs.

COMPLAINTS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

Complaints concerning the repair of a vehicle by an auto body repair shop should be directed to:

Toll Free (800) 952-5210
California Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau of Automotive Repair
10240 Systems Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95827

The Bureau of Automotive Repair can also accept complaints over its web site at: www.autorepair.gov.

COMPLAINTS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CALIFORNIA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

Any concerns regarding how an auto insurance claim is being handled should be submitted to the California Department of Insurance at:

(800) 927-HELP or (213) 897-8921
California Department of Insurance
Consumer Services Division
300 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

The California Department of Insurance can also accept complaints over its web site at www.insurance.ca.gov .