Can Someone Choose Where a Car is Repaired After an Accident?  

By law, you can have your car repaired wherever you want if you file an insurance claim after an accident.  

Section 2610 of the Insurance Law states:  

“Whenever a motor-vehicle collision or comprehensive loss shall have been suffered by an insured, no insurer providing collision or comprehensive coverage therefor shall require that repairs be made to such vehicle in a particular place or shop or by a particular concern.”  

Relatedly, an insurance company cannot, “unless expressly requested by the insured, recommend or suggest repairs be made to such vehicle in a particular place or shop or by a particular concern.” In fact, according to that provision of the Insurance Law:  

The insurer shall provide (other than a claim solely involving window glass) a copy of its repair estimate to the insured that includes the following disclosure, plainly printed in no less than 12-point type:  

“PURSUANT TO SECTION 2610 OF THE INSURANCE LAW, AN INSURANCE COMPANY CANNOT REQUIRE THAT REPAIRS BE MADE TO A MOTOR VEHICLE IN A PARTICULAR PLACE OR REPAIR SHOP. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE YOUR VEHICLE REPAIRED IN THE SHOP OF YOUR CHOICE.” 

If you need your vehicle repaired after an accident, you can use the William Mattar website to find an auto-repair shop in your area. If you were injured in the accident, we may be able to help you with your bodily injury claim, too—and the initial consultation is free. 

New York State Right-to-Repair Law 

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Repair Shop Act provides consumers with certain rights: 

• A repair shop must give a written estimate of the parts and labor necessary for each specific repair, if requested. 
• A shop may not perform services unless given permission.  
• Consumers are entitled to the return of all replaced parts, except warranty and exchange parts, provided they ask for them in writing before work is done.  
• The shop must provide a detailed invoice listing each repair performed, each part replaced, the cost for each and the cost of labor when repairs are completed.  
• There is a right to inspect the vehicle at the shop before paying for repairs.  
• A shop is not required to guarantee its work, but if it does, then terms and time limits of the guarantee must be listed on the invoice. 

Injured in an Accident? Call William Mattar, P.C. 

A number of insurance claims can be made after a car accident. After the property damage claim is closed, someone injured in the accident may also look to assert a bodily injury liability claim, which allows the injured person to recover maximum compensation for pain and suffering. If you are looking to assert a claim for pain and suffering, the experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys at William Mattar, P.C., can review your case and help determine your options moving forward. You can contact us 24/7 by submitting a contact form online, or by calling 844-444-4444.