Your Rights

Sonny's Collision would like you to know that as an insured driver you are entitled to certain rights when involved in an automobile accident. To better protect your rights, familiarize yourself with these laws pertaining to New York State Insurance:

Know Your Rights!

• You have the right to have your car repaired in the registered shop of your choice.

• Your insurance company cannot require you to have your vehicle appraised or repaired in a shop that they have recommended.

• You are not required to take your vehicle to an insurance company's drive-in-claim center, even if the vehicle is drivable.

• You are not required to get one or more estimates.

• You are entitled to a prompt, fair settlement to repair your car to its pre-loss condition.

• Your insurance company has six days after proper notification to inspect your car.

• You may legally appoint your repair shop as your "Designated Representative" to protect your interests and negotiate a fair claim with your insurance company.

The insurance companies leads you to believe that only the repair facility with the lowest estimate is allowed to repair your vehicle, when in reality a cheaper estimate just means a cheaper job. You, the customer, have the right to choose your repair facility. At Sonny's Collision Specialists we do not work for the insurance companies as part of any "direct repair program"....we work for you!   At Sonny's Collision we are here to get you back on the road quickly, doing the highest quality work, with no inconvenience to you.

In Case Of An Accident

What to do and what to avoid in case of an accident:

• Do not discuss responsibility with the other driver.

• Do not discuss the circumstances of the accident with anyone except the police or insurance company representative.

• Do not sign any paperwork at the scene. Be cautious of paperwork that authorizes repairs by signing a towing release. 

• Do not allow your vehicle to be towed to a repair shop you are not familiar with.

• Do not be fooled by the "lowest estimate" (a low estimate probably reflects an incomplete job).

• Do not accept a check for repairs of your vehicle until you are sure it covers all necessary repairs.

• As the owner, you are the person who is responsible for having your vehicle repaired. Choosing a quality repair shop is an important decision. 

Sonny's Collision will protect you at the scene of the accident, and help you avoid the scams...just give us a call.