AG HOOD, AUTO REPAIR TASK FORCE RELEASE CONSUMER GUIDE FOR INSURANCE AND AUTO BODY REPAIR
Attorney General Jim Hood announced the release of the Consumer’s Guide to Insurance and Auto Body Repair.
The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office convened the Mississippi Auto Repair Task Force in August 2016, in an attempt to give consumers some guidance on navigating the relationship between the collision repair and insurance industry. The Consumer’s Guide to Insurance and Auto Body Repair addresses what consumers should expect from their insurance companies and auto body repair shops, how to choose a shop, and the different types of repair costs and warranties.
“Our Consumer Protection Division receives complaints from consumers about disputes between insurance companies and collision repair shops,” said General Hood. “Due to the lighter space age materials used in newer model cars, the repair procedures, machines, and training for collision repair technicians are very technical and expensive. In order to place a vehicle back in its pre-accident condition, some body shops have to buy expensive machines or tools and have their technicians trained and certified on the repair procedures for certain makes of vehicles. Some collision repair shops which do not obtain these certifications and tools, may offer to do a repair cheaper. The goal of the insurance companies is to keep repair prices as low as possible. Therein lies the conflict for consumers to navigate. Our goal is to help consumers be aware of issues and understand their rights in the repair process.”
The Mississippi Auto Repair Task Force includes the Mississippi Insurance Department, auto body repair shops, insurers, auto manufacturers, aftermarket parts manufacturers, and other industry representatives. That group met to find common ground on best practices for the future and discuss concerns and desires to better meet the needs of consumers.
