Q.) Can the insurance company tell me where I have to take my car to have it repaired?

A.) No, the insurance company may not restrict or tell you where you can or can not have your car repaired. By Ohio law, that decision is entirely up to you.

Q.) The insurance company gave me an estimate that is less than the estimate from Tallmadge Collision Center. Will I have to pay the difference?

A.) No, you will not be held responsible for the difference. Insurance company field and drive-thru estimators are often unable to perform an in-depth inspection of the vehicle, making an accurate estimate of repairs difficult.

If additional parts and/or labor operations are required, we will point those out to the insurance company and they will pay the difference. If the differences are due to subjective issues, we will adjust our price.

Q.) Who will pay if additional damage is discovered after the repair process has been started?

A.) If additional damage is discovered, we will notify the insurance company and they will issue a check for the additional damage through a repair supplement.

Q.) I was in an accident where the other party was at fault. Do I have to pay for a rental car while my car is inoperable?

A.) The at-fault party is responsible for providing alternative transportation while your vehicle is disabled. Be careful about renting a car before the at-fault party's insurance company acknowledges responsibility. If it turns out that the other party did not have insurance in effect at the time of the accident, you could get stuck with the car rental bill.

Q.) I was hit by a driver who provided proof of insurance to the police officer at the scene, but his insurance company is dragging its feet about repairing my car. What can I do to expedite the repair of my car?

A.) You can have your own insurance company repair your vehicle under the collision coverage of your own policy. You will have to pay the deductible amount set forth in your policy. Your insurance company should then pursue reimbursement by the other party's insurance company.

If and when the other company reimburses your own insurer, your own insurer should then reimburse you for the deductible amount that you paid.