KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
WHY
You might ask, “Why would a body shop so passionately help me to receive and protect my rights?”
My name is Clay Hobrecht, and believe it or not, I started Best Body Shop with no intention to do collision repair. My background revolved around hot rods and restorations. I dreamed of building a hot rod shop.
The focus quickly changed when we found out how corrupt and misleading the collision repair business can be to the general consumer.
We just couldn’t turn a blind eye to the insane amount of Kansas consumers that were being taken advantage of every day.
When we started to advocate for the consumer, many insurance companies and body shop competitors tried to persuade us to give up… they said what would be successful, that things will never change, that insurance companies have too much money and will put us out of business.
“This is the way it’s always been and the way it will always be.”
This was the moment my wife and I made the most important decision for Best Body Shop… that we would rather run our business into the ground by doing the right thing than be successful by doing the wrong thing.
One thing that those insurance companies and body shops highly underestimated was the power of the consumer.
Not only do they want, but they DESERVE, a safe and proper repair for their vehicles.
Best Body Shop has had unbelievable success doing what others said would be “impossible.”
We stand by our position that if we offer collision repair, then it will be the most safe and proper, high-quality repair.
We refuse to cut corners when it comes to the performance of our repairs.
We understand that life and business might be easier if we just conformed and “got in line” with other shops… but we believe YOU deserve better than that.
You deserve the BEST.
WE ARE YOUR SERVICE PROVIDER
Here at Best Body Shop, we know and understand that we are simply a professional service provider.
We have very little, if any, power over insurance companies or body shops that make you, the consumer, their #1 priority.
However, we have spent an unparalleled amount of time, energy, and resources becoming highly educated about the repair process, as well as the ins and outs of insurance claims settlement processes… so that we may pass on that education to you.
“The Achilles heel to an insurance company is an educated consumer.”
— Barrett Smith, CEO of Auto Damage Experts
When you become educated about your rights, on top of knowing the rules that body shops and insurance companies are required to follow when processing repairs and/or insurance claims, it becomes very challenging for anyone that wants to take advantage of you to become successful.
It is our intention to empower you with the correct information involving the repair to your vehicle.
If educated decisions involving the repair to your vehicle are your priority, it is our passion to serve consumers in Wichita to get the most safe and proper repairs they deserve.
THE UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT ACT
Did you know that there are a set of rules and regulations in every state that outline an insurance company’s responsibilities in settling a claim?
With Kansas Unfair Claims Settlement Act in the right hands, this information can help a consumer protect their rights and ensure a claim is being handled properly and legally.
1ST VS 3RD PARTY CLAIMS
The way an insurance claim is handled can be significantly impacted by whether you are using your insurance (1st party) or another person’s insurance (3rd party).
Each option has its pros and cons, so when the option is available to you, here are some things to think about:
1st Party Claims
When you are using your own insurance policy to cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle, this option is typically a contractual obligation.
The insurance company has to abide by the terms of a good faith agreement.
There are laws and rules that protect you as a consumer, and how the insurance you paid into is used when it comes to your repair.
3rd Party Claims
When you use another person’s insurance policy to cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle, this is usually only an option when you are involved in a collision that is not your fault.
A 3rd party claim can have its risks because, if there are challenges or problems, there is no contract to protect you.
In this situation, the contract is owned by the person that is the at-fault party, and you have no rights to it.
YOU CAN PICK YOUR OWN SHOP
In the state of Kansas, you have the right to choose who repairs your vehicle.
No one can force you to go to any specific repair facility.
Most insurance companies have shops they are in contract with that involve certain agreements between the body shop and insurance company.
Best Body Shop will NEVER join these kinds of agreements because they are made to benefit the insurance company… not the consumer.
The best repair facility should be solely focused on the consumer and not be distracted by any agreements or promises made to the insurance company.
WHAT IS DIMINISHED VALUE
Simply stated, diminished value is the loss in market value of a properly repaired vehicle due to it having a history of damage.
Diminished value may be attributed to various types of properties.
This loss in value sometimes can be indemnified through a diminished value claim.
RIGHTS TO A RENTAL VEHICLE
According to the Kansas Insurance Department website:
“If you are in a motor vehicle accident and the other party is determined to be at fault or legally responsible for your damages, you are entitled to a rental motor vehicle or the reasonable compensation for loss of the use of your motor vehicle while it is being repaired.”