Insurance Claims — We Handle It For You

No Florida statute forces you into a specific shop. Insurers do steer — that is what a direct repair program is — and there are real conveniences to it, but it is a choice, not a requirement. And under Fla. Stat. §626.9743(3), if an insurer does specifically require a particular shop, that shop must restore your vehicle to its pre-loss performance and appearance at no additional cost to you beyond your policy terms. Bring us the paperwork and we will read it with you. If you want a lawyer’s read on your specific policy, get one — we are a body shop, not your attorney.

Under Fla. Stat. §626.9743(4), an insurer may not require replacement parts that are not at least equivalent in kind and quality to what was on the car before the loss, in fit, appearance and performance. And under Fla. Stat. §501.33, if aftermarket crash parts are used, the written estimate has to identify each one and carry a specific disclosure notice. You are entitled to know what is going on your car.

No — and this is the single most common misunderstanding we hear. Florida PIP is medical coverage. Property Damage Liability pays for damage you cause to someone else. Your own car’s damage is paid by optional Collision coverage, or by the at-fault driver’s Property Damage Liability if you were not at fault.

A supplement is an updated estimate written after the car is taken apart and hidden damage is found. It is normal on real collision work. We photograph and document it and submit it to your adjuster for approval before additional work begins.

You do, to the shop, as part of the repair — that is how the policy is written. Be careful with any shop that offers to make your deductible disappear; that is not a discount, and it creates a paperwork problem you do not want your name on.