Auto Insurance Claims: auto insurance/body shops, insurance advisor, optional coverage

Question
Hello,
Is there a time limit to how long a body shop can take to fix your car?  They tried to return it once saying it was finsihed but it was not, and we returned it 5 days later. So far this has taken since 1-18-08.  We are making payments on a car we don't even get to drive.  If the body shop had done what they were supposed to in the beginning we wouldn't have had to return it and would be enjoying our new vehicle.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Cindy

Answer
Hi Cindy-

I usually always encourage my clients to take their cars to the body shop that the insurance company recommends. They monitor and help control the length of time it takes and the quality of the work in those body shops and can help add pressure when it doesn't work out well.  

It also helps to add the usually optional coverage of original manufacturer parts to your auto policy so they are not constantly trying to make after market body parts work.  

For the short term, the only thing I can suggest is to call the insurance company and see if they can offer any suggestions.  

If you are in the Sacramento area and want an insurance advisor that can help you avoid these types of problems let me know.

Sheldon Maughan
yourfarmersoffice.com