When it comes to vehicle repairs, it’s important to know your rights and the laws in your state. In Georgia, the Vehicle Repair Rule (Rule 120-2-52-.04 Vehicle Repairs) requires that repair shops or insurers provide a written estimate before starting any repairs. This estimate must include the details of the work to be done, the cost of parts and labor and any additional charges that may apply.
It can be difficult to decipher the legalese to discover what this law actually says and how it protects you. Wreck Check Atlanta offers a simplified explanation of the Georgia Vehicle Repair Rule to help you understand it better. For specific questions or circumstances where the rule may apply to you, contact Wreck Check Atlanta and speak with one of our specialists.
The Georgia Vehicle Repair Rule Explained
Whenever we get into an accident, we rely on our insurance policy to help us cover the costs of repairs. But what happens when the estimate provided by our insurer is not enough to fix the damage to our car? Here is the GA Vehicle Repair Rule paraphrased in more understandable terms.
Section 1
If the insurance company’s estimate is not enough to cover the necessary repairs, you can request a copy to compare with one that you obtain. If you find that your estimate is higher, you can request your insurer to review it. They will either provide you with the name of a repair shop that will make the repairs according to your estimate or pay the difference between the two estimates.
Section 2
Sometimes, the amount that you claim from your insurer may be reduced because your car has depreciated in value. This is called betterment and it can happen when the condition of your car was already poor before the accident. The insurer will itemize and specify the reasons for the reduction, and it should not be more than 20% of the market value of the car before the accident.
Section 3
No insurance company can force you to supply parts for replacement.
Why Is Understanding the GA Vehicle Repair Rule Important?
If a repair shop or your insurance company violates any of the provisions of the Georgia Vehicle Repair Act, you may file a complaint with the Georgia Consumer Protection Division. The division will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action to ensure that the repair shop complies with the law.
If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to proceed. One of the most important things Wreck Check Atlanta can do is negotiate with the insurance adjuster and body shop on your behalf. This means we’ll work to establish what repairs are necessary and what parts should be used in those repairs. This is especially important because it can help protect your vehicle manufacturer’s warranty in many cases.
We understand that the repair process can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you’re not familiar with all the technical details. That’s why our Wreck Check appraiser can speak directly with the body shop and insurance adjuster so you don’t have to worry. Once the repairs are completed, we’ll inspect your car to ensure the workmanship is of the highest quality.
So, if you need car repairs after an accident, don’t hesitate to contact us at Wreck Check Atlanta — we’re here to help!
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