Collision center started repair without authorization - what are my options?
I was involved in an accident last Saturday. I was not at fault so the insurance company will take care of the cost of all the repair. Following the advice by the insurance company, I brought my car to one of their preferred body shop for an assessment. I have gotten back the estimates from the body shop through my insurance company on Monday. The estimate clearly noted that the body shop must obtain my authorization before the repair will start.
After doing some research on the body shop on Tuesday, I have decided that I would feel more comfortable to have my dealership to carry out the repair instead. I should also note that I have not given any authorization to the insurance preferred body shop to start the work.
So, today (Wednesday) I notified my insurance of my decision; the insurance company agreed to tow my car to the dealership. A few hours later, my insurance called me and told me that their preferred body shop has already started the repair (note I have never given my authorization to the body shop). My insurance further tried to convince me to let them complete the repair. Now I felt like I am being pressured into continuing with the car repair. The fact that they would start the work just made me feel even more uncomfortable now.
Has anyone had similar experience? What was the outcome?
After doing some research on the body shop on Tuesday, I have decided that I would feel more comfortable to have my dealership to carry out the repair instead. I should also note that I have not given any authorization to the insurance preferred body shop to start the work.
So, today (Wednesday) I notified my insurance of my decision; the insurance company agreed to tow my car to the dealership. A few hours later, my insurance called me and told me that their preferred body shop has already started the repair (note I have never given my authorization to the body shop). My insurance further tried to convince me to let them complete the repair. Now I felt like I am being pressured into continuing with the car repair. The fact that they would start the work just made me feel even more uncomfortable now.
Has anyone had similar experience? What was the outcome?