Is there some sort of "bill of rights' for consumers when it comes to auto repair in California?

Think you have no rights? Think again! California now developed a special "bill of rights' that will let you carry your rights in tow. After an accident, these rights really come in handy.

All auto insurers in the state of California were informed about this change by Harry Low, California Insurance Commissioner. The proper name for this new set of laws is named, "Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights.' The California Department of Insurance (DOI) developed this news set of rights. It will inform policyholders of their rights when they take their car to an auto body shop after an accident.

The bill of rights was developed by Low in order to assist consumers who might run into dilemmas with body shops after having auto accidents. The bill of rights is required to be provided by insurers after an accident has been reported and after a consumer applies for an auto insurance policy.

Here are some of the rights that this new set of laws includes for consumers. They are allowed to:

• Make educated and informed decisions about coverage for towing services. The insurer must pay all reasonable charges of the towing company used, unless the insurance company has provided an insured with a specific towing company to use. 
   
  Choose which body repair shop their automobile will be repaired at. The insurance company of the policyholder cannot require the repairs to be done in a specific body shop. However, the consumer can only choose the body shop from a certain variety of body shops that the insurance company will provide them with.

• Receive the completely accurate information about the coverage and protection on the policy. Insurers should provide information about the rights to applying to a rental vehicle if one is necessary.

• Be informed about where and how to report complaints and suspected frauds regarding auto body shop repairs.

• Get an accurate and itemized written estimate for auto body repairs. An itemized list of parts should be included in the estimate and invoice. They should also be able to identify all parts as aftermarket, new, used, rebuilt or reconditioned.

These rights must be practiced by all auto insurers in California. If you have a complaint regarding the repair of your vehicle by an auto body repair shop, you should call the California Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 952-5210.