Your Rights as a Body Shop Repair Customer in New York State
The Goldstein Collision Center adheres to many laws and regulations while repairing the vehicles in our shop. We also recognize that you, as a consumer, have protections as well, when choosing a vehicle body repair shop such as ours. This is called "Section 2610" in New York State - your rights as a customer when choosing the repair shop of your choice.
New York State Insurance Law helps collision repair customers by eliminating a tactic known as "steering." Specifically, Section 2610 spells out your rights as a customer of ANY body shop in New York, including The Goldstein Collision Center in Albany, New York.
This is intended to provide general information about your rights as a customer of a body shop in New York State. Please find out more about your rights, starting with this New York State website or consult with your attorney for complete information regarding Section 2610.
What is "Steering," and Why Is It Illegal in New York State?
If your insurance company insists or recommends that your vehicle repairs are only done at a specific repair shop - this may be "steering." If your insurance company directs you AWAY from the body shop of your choice - this may be "steering."
You may want to choose a particular repair shop, a place recommended by family or friends, such as The Goldstein Collision Center. This is why "steering" is not legal - your choice matters when choosing a collision repair center to get your car, truck or SUV back on the road - just like new.
How To Recognize "Steering"
"Steering" may start from the moment you file a claim to repair your vehicle. Some items to watch out for:
- Is your chosen repair shop on "their list?"
- Suggestions that their recommended shop is faster.
- Suggestions that you will pay the difference if you choose a different shop.
- The insurance company controls what parts go on your vehicle, which may be the cheapest non-quality parts.
- The insurance company controls what vehicle you can rent while you wait for repairs.
- Threatening language that your repairs may not be guaranteed unless you choose their recommended service center.
- The insurance company claims they've had issues before with the shop of your choice.
- And other tactics that may limit your choice of a vehicle repair center.
What Are My Rights When Choosing A Vehicle Body Repair Shop?
New York has strong consumer protection laws that require insurance companies to expedite appraisals within specific time frames. Insurance companies are required to negotiate in good faith with any registered collision repair facility on the proper cost to repair the vehicle to pre-accident condition. You pay insurance premiums and contract to pay a specific deductible in the event repairs are required. In effect, you’ve already paid for proper repairs. Don’t be intimidated. Steering is illegal in NEW YORK.
The Goldstein Collision Center works with insurance companies, which makes the process of repairing your vehicle less stressful.
How Can I Protect Myself From Insurance Company "Steering?"
- Steering can be avoided by simply knowing your rights after an accident.
- Call a body shop that you trust. You can call the Goldstein Collision Center in Albany at 518-464-1448. Please, ask us questions!
- Be adamant about having your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice.
- Bring your car to the shop of your choice and report the claim from their office.
- You can direct your tow truck driver to bring your vehicle to 1669 Central Avenue in Albany.
TRUST Your Collision Repair Shop!
The Goldstein Collision Center has earned an outstanding reputation. So much so, that we built our 25,000 sqft facility and hired more talented staff to handle all the incoming requests for body shop repairs. We are an I-CAR Gold Class Certified shop, which means our shop and our team members provide safe repairs to the standards of this important certification.
The GOLDSTEIN Collision Center Guarantee!
The Goldstein Collision Center stands by our work with The Goldstein Lifetime Warranty on Our Workmanship. The Goldstein Collision Center also features our Lifetime Warranty on Our Refinish Work on any panels we refinish for as long as you own your vehicle. We us all Axalta refinish products with the Axalta Certified Refinish Technicians on our team. Ask your Goldstein Collision Center Advisor for complete details of our Warranties on Workmanship and Refinishing. We believe you'll drive away with a smile... and give us 5-Stars!
Find out more about body shop repairs to your car, truck or SUV of any make or model. Call the Goldstein Collision Center at 518-464-1448.