Why is my insurer telling me I have to go to a certain sh...

Unfortunately, many insurance companies take advantage of their policyholders’ trust, and engage in a tactic known as “Steering”.

What is steering?

Steering is designed to direct customers to a shop that they know does cheap repairs.

When talking to your claims representative, it is a very common practice for them to attempt to steer you to their preferred body shop to have the repairs done. Steering is illegal in Michigan; however, it is still a common practice. Do not be intimidated or coerced into taking your vehicle somewhere just because the insurance company wants you to use a particular shop. By law, you have the right to have your vehicle repaired by the repairer of your choice.

Here are some FALSE things you may hear when you report a claim to your insurance company:

We will not pay for your rental.
It will take a longer time to inspect your vehicle
We can NOT guarantee the repairs (insurance companies don't guarantee any repairs - they are guaranteed by the body shop that does the repairs)
Your warranty will be void
You may have to pay extra money for the claim
We (the insurance company) have had problems with that shop before

They will say anything that may make you think you are making the wrong decision by NOT choosing their suggested insurance repair shop.

Why do they steer?

They steer in an attempt to cut repair costs at your expense
They use shops that have strict guidelines only to perform quantity of repairs not quality repairs
They control what types of parts are put on the vehicle. (the cheapest available)
They control what vendors the body shops get parts from (the cheapest available) They control the rental car company that is used
They control the amount of days it should take to repair a vehicle

How to avoid being steered

Steering can be avoided by simply knowing your rights after an accident

Call a body shop that you trust
Be adamant about having your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice
Bring your car to your shop of choice and report the claim from their office