Here at Touch Of Class Collision we are a full service facility. We will walk
you through a claim process, help you fill out all required paperwork, answer
any questions that you may have and we will always be here before, during,
and after the repair to assist you.
Auto insurance can be confusing and all insurance companies are not the same
in many ways. Because we work with every insurance company on a regular basis,
we know each one very well. We can tell you the pros and cons of each insurance
company and explain how each one will handle your claim.
We are a Direct Repairer for a select group of insurance companies. Our
guidelines to who we will work directly with are stringent on one key
philosophy- Allow us to repair the car using safety and quality as the
benchmarks with cost coming in third. There are some companies that have
different philosophies than that, while we still work with them on your behalf,
we do not have a direct relationship with them

Collision
Repair Bill of Rights
It's Your Right
To Know
Section 167C of the New York State Law states
YOU
HAVE THE RIGHT to
have your car repaired in the registered shop of your choice. Your insurance
company cannot direct you otherwise.
You
may legally designate your repair shop to negotiate a fair claim settlement with
your insurance company.
The
insurance company has six business days after proper notification to inspect
your car. If additional damage is found after dismantling, the insurance company
has two business days to re-inspect after proper notification.
Your
insurance company must negotiate in good faith. You are entitled to a prompt
fair settlement to repair your car to it's pre-accident condition. This includes
parts of like, kind and quality equal to original equipment.
If
the damages to your car are over $1,000.00 you must fill out a D. M. V. Form
104.
BY LAW
you are not
required to have your car repaired in a shop recommended by the insurance
company.
YOU ARE
NOT REQUIRED to get
one or more estimates.
YOU ARE
NOT REQUIRED to
take your car to an insurance company's drive-in claim service.
No
insurance company shall issue a check or draft in payment of claim, implying
acceptance of such as final or binding.
Anyone who estimates collision damage in New York State must be licensed by the
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Insurance Department.
Total
loss payment is calculated by averaging RED BOOK + N.A.D.A. values. Also
calculated are additions for optional and accessory items and low mileage.
Deductions for higher mileage, deleted options and certain motors are also
calculated. Up to $100.00 may be deducted as Dealer Prep charges. You may
request an evaluation work sheet.
Difference in repair estimates are common. Ask your shop to explain the method
of repair.
Ask
your shop if they are:
I-CAR Trained
A. S. E. Certified
The
New York State Insurance Department regulates the insurance industry, including
agents and brokers.
If
you have a complaint or question you may direct it to the:
New
York State Department of Insurance
212-602-0508
New
York State Department of Motor Vehicles
518-474-8943

We
also are a photo inspection station for all insurance companies. Please call us
for an appointment and while your photos are being taken we will tell you all
about your new insurance company and their claim practices.
