I see too many people get cheated because they simply don't know their rights as a motorist involved in a collision. A customer came in today wishing to repair their vehicle with us, unfortunately it was towed by force (by a police officer's actions believe it or not) to a facility that they didn't want to go to. Yet again I've gotta fight with another body shop to release the vehicle to us. It's a messy affair, and it costs everyone in the end. (Excessive storage and towing fees)

Hopefully the following will save you some time and money!

1. NO ONE, including insurance companies / brokers / adjusters, tow operators, police officers or government agents has the right to tell you where to repair your vehicle. It is actually ILLEGAL for any agent or company to recommend a repair facility unless you specifically ask them for a recommendation. It's your vehicle, and you have the final say when it comes to where your vehicle will be repaired.

Would you take your son / daughter to some shady doctor operating out of a basement just because your insurance company told you to do so? I don't think so, same deal goes for your vehicles.

Do your research, ask for samples of work and to see the back of the shop, and go to at least 3-4 body shops and compare them. (Price is not always the best determining factor, quality work and a lifetime guarantee should always be first - if you have to repair something twice it will cost you more in the end, remember that.) Often body shops will say that they specialize in your make of vehicle to put your mind at ease and to trust them - ask to see the back! We are BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Porsche specialists for example, at any given time I have about 5 of those types vehicles in the back, make them prove what they say!

2. Never sign anything at the scene of a collision!!!! You never need to sign "towing authorizations" etc. Many towing companies have forms that they make to look like city of Mississauga forms for example, but are actually start work orders - so as soon as they get the car back to their shop they start tearing down the vehicle to trap you into repairing your vehicle with them. ALWAYS look at any forms before you sign them!

3. It's your choice when it comes to which tow operator / company tows your vehicle. Be very careful, sometimes police will need to clear your vehicle from the road because it is impeding traffic, and they'll ask whichever tow truck that arrives first to move it, but then the tow operator has to charge a hookup fee - and guess who has to pay that? They waive the hookup fee of course if you choose to tow your vehicle to their facility, yet another manipulative way to get your money. If they must hookup and move your vehicle, make sure they know your intention is to tow your vehicle to your preferred repair shop. If possible I always recommend to ride with them, because I've seen instances where some tow operators "forget" your wishes and tow to their own facility anyway.

When you get out of your vehicle after a collision most of the time you are either very angry, stressed out, scared, or disoriented. Many people take advantage of this kind of situation because often you can't think clearly. If you are in doubt about anything, the best thing to do is tow your car to your house and think about it when your head clears up.

Also you may call us at 905-670-3300 and we can give you free advice if you are unsure of what to do. Even if it's after hours we have an emergency phone number (my direct line) on our answering machine, don't be afraid to give me a call at 4 AM, I get those all the time, and I'll be glad to help.

Moral of the story - you're always in control, don't let anyone over rule your wishes because you have the right to choose!

I'd also like to mention the issue of "Preferred Insurance Repair Facilities".

A customer of ours (who is a lifelong customer of 14 years) had been rear ended and wanted to repair his Audi with us, and was concerned because his insurance agent was strongly advocating their "Preferred Shop" and when our customer stated his wishes to repair his vehicle at a facility of his choosing, (and without even mentioning the facility's name) his insurance agent began to try to talk him out of it - in his words, "quite vigorously". The preferred shop the insurance agent was recommending has a very bad reputation and he definitely didn't want to go there.

The agent stated that if he chose to repair his vehicle at a facility other than the one that was preferred that they would not guarantee the work. I can understand a policy like this, as a large amount of work that comes into my shop is body work that was done incorrectly, and rust issues or paint coverage (peeling, cracking) problems occur. (There's a massive amount of bad body shops out there, which I'm sure you're well aware) That's one of the reasons why we provide a lifetime guarantee on our work.

Now we are a preferred repair facility for a number of insurance companies, including the recently amalgamated TD Meloche Monnex, so I completely understand their reasoning, but I disagree with anyone trying to pin you in and not give you a choice. You are ALWAYS in control and you ALWAYS have a choice!

Bottom line is, it's your car, and it's your choice where you want it repaired. Don't let your insurance push you around, but at the same time (if you don't want to take your vehicle to their "preferred" shop) make sure the facility you choose has a proven quality track record and guarantees their work.