Pennsylvania state law has established an optional no-fault auto insurance system. When PA drivers obtain their insurance policy they can choose either full tort or limited tort. Those choosing full tort have the right to sue a driver found to be at fault for an accident but can also be sued themselves if they are found to be at fault. Drivers with limited tort or no-fault insurance recover damages from their own insurance company and can only sue in limited cases. The law is complex and when you consider out of state drivers it becomes even more complicated. This is why you should contact the police because getting a police report will help protect you against false claims and help determine fault.

The insurance company will show you a list of preferred or recommended auto body repair shops. These shops have been approved by the insurance company to make estimates and repairs on their own. This ideally means you get fixed faster. It might also mean the repair shop is looking out for the insurance company more than you. You do NOT have to use any of these shops, it is the LAW that you have freedom of choice. If you have a local shop you can use them instead of the insurance company’s chosen shop.

One of the most common concerns with insurance company preferred shops is that they are pressured by the insurance company to keep costs down. This is often most evident in the parts with which they chose to make repairs. In the industry people generally refer to three different types of parts. OEM parts are Original Equipment Manufacturer parts which mean they are new replacement parts built by the original marker to the original specifications. LKQ (Like Kind and Quality) parts refers to used, recycled, or rebuilt OEM parts. Aftermarket parts are made by a third party manufacturer and may or may not be built to the same specifications as the OEM part.

Depending on the make, style, and condition of your vehicle you should be concerned which type of parts are used. If you have a car only a year or two old you should make sure OEM parts are used because the parts being replaced were pretty new. Also if you have a luxury, import, or exotic car using OEM parts will protect the value. LKQ parts might be fine for most other vehicles but you should be discussing this with your repair shop. Aftermarket parts also have their use but you should be wary of using these especially if the repair shop is against it.

If your car is damaged in the storm remember that this is considered an “act of god” by most insurance companies and your rates will not go up by filing a claim. Remeber you can always call us first and we can handle towing your car, contacting your insurance company and giving you a loaner while your car is being repaired.

We encourage everyone to take advantage of our discount center where you can save 20% on your deductible, and 20% on towing by printing out the coupons. Lets hope your car doesn’t end up like the one picture to the right, but let us help you out if you have auto body damage from the storm.

Need an auto body shop near Broomall PA?  Get directions from our auto body Broomall page.