If you're in a crash, you can get your car repaired anywhere you want, but the North Carolina's Insurance Commissioner says that's not always happening.
WRAL recently spoke with Commissioner Mike Causey who said his office keeps getting complaints from people who say insurers are steering them to specific body shops for repairs.
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He said that's not right and if it happens to you, his office wants to hear about it.
After an accident, many rely on their insurers to help guide them through the repairs process, but Commissioner Causey says in some cases, there's a little too much guidance.
“We still have complaints about people who say insurance companies are steering me to a particular body shop for repairs or particular auto glass shop,” Causey explained.
He said drivers can get their cars fixed wherever they want and not to let an insurer persuade you otherwise.
“Many times the insurance company will say, well, you can do that, but we may not be able to start work on it or get an adjuster to even look at anything for six weeks,” Causey said. “But if you'll take it to our place down the road, we can look at it tomorrow or today. And so, if that type of technique is used, we need to know about it so we can look into it.”
In response to Causey's concerns, WRAL's 5 On Your Side reached out to the Insurance Federation of North Carolina, who is a voice for the insurance industry on legislative and regulatory matters.
Spokesperson John Hardin sent us a statement saying:
“North Carolina currently has anti-steering laws in place (N.C. Gen. Stat. 58-3-180). The members of the Insurance Federation of North Carolina take those laws seriously and I have reason to believe that if any carriers or their agents were violating North Carolina state laws that they would be held accountable for such actions.
I would also add that many, if not all, carriers train their agents and employees to inform customers of their right to choose any body shop. Often times, consumers do not have one in mind and when they inform their agent or carrier– some insurers may offer suggestions. In those instances, carriers and their agents must inform the insured that they are under no obligation to follow the suggestion and that the insured may repair his or her vehicle wherever he or she chooses.
Our carriers enjoy a great working relationship with Commissioner Causey and are always happy to sit down with him and his team to ensure that consumers across the state are protected and that the carriers I represent are strictly following the law.”
Commissioner Causey said there are about 200 companies that will write you a car insurance policy in North Carolina, so if you don't like something about your coverage, you can shop plenty of options.