Don't be steered into another accident by your insurance company or the other parties insurance company. Did you know some insurance companies have ownership in some shops? Makes you wonder who the customer really is. Schertz Auto Service does not participate in many of the repair networks because of the concessions or stipulations in the contracts which generally leads to a lower cost/lower quality repair. We believe we have a responsibility to the vehicle owner who is ultimately our customer not the insurance company.

Here is what the state says:

By law, you have the right to select where your motor vehicle is repaired and the parts used for repairs. However, an insurance company is not required to pay more than a reasonable amount for such repairs and parts. your rights concerning motor vehicle repairs are explained in the insurance code, article 5.07-1, a copy of which will be mailed to you within 15 business days on request.

Section 5.501 was adopted to become effective August 17, 1998

Know your rights... Know these facts:

1. By law, you may have your car towed to and repaired at any repair facility you choose.
2. Only one estimate is required to determine the amount of damage.
3. Check with your agent to determine if a rental car is available under your policy.
4. Make sure that the insurance company pays for all covered repairs.
5. Choose a repair shop carefully. Your future safety depends on quality workmanship today.

An insurer may not directly or indirectly limit the insurer's coverage under a policy covering damage to a motor vehicle by specifying the brand, type, kind, age, vendor, supplier, or condition of parts or products that may be used to repair the vehicle; or limit the beneficiary of the policy from selecting a repair person or facility to repair damage to the vehicle.

It appears that a majority of auto insurers in the State of Texas have forgotten the basic rules and the Texas Attorney General issued a bulletin to Auto Insurance companies reminding them of their responsibilities to claimants regarding vehicle damage. SEE BULLETIN

Choose a body shop carefully. Ask as many questions you have, until you are comfortable with the body shop.

Call your insurance company and tell them where you would like to have your vehicle repaired.

If you have any doubts about what to ask your insurance company feel free to contact contact us. We will explain the common procedures of your insurance company. Insurance companies use carefully crafted word tracks because the state does not allow insurance companies to "direct", "steer" or "refer" customers to a particular shop (or they are not supposed to, and that's the reason the Attorney General had to issue a bulletin reminding them of this), so they have come up with the following word tracks to intimidate the customer into thinking they have to do what the insurance company says, or they will not pay the claim. Some companies also have bonus programs for employees that steer claims to the networks, so don't think that they have your best interest in mind. Most of these claims people have never seen a particular shop, nor have any knowledge of any of the staff, they are just directing claims to whoever their company has a "deal" with so that they hit a bonus quota.

Whether you choose to use us or another repair shop. Don't be manipulated by insurance companies word tracks.