1. CAR TO THE SHOP OF MY CHOICE?        
YES-You may select the repair facility of your choice unless your insurance policy specifies otherwise.

2.  SHOULD MY INSURANCE COMPANY BE NOTIFIED BEFORE REPAIRS?
YES- Your insurance policy generally states that, if requested, you must file a sworn proof of loss, exhibit the damaged property, and submit to examination under oath.

3.  DO I NEED TO CONTACT MORE THAN ONE SHOP FOR AN ESTIMATE?           
NO - Generally, one estimate from the shop of your choice is required, unless your insurance policy specifies otherwise.  California State Law requires you to be given a written estimate before starting repairs.

4.  AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS?      
YES- You are usually responsible to the repair facility for payment of repairs unless your insurance policy specifies otherwise.  Ordinarily, if you are insured, your insurance policy states that the insurance company will pay for the loss, less any applicable deductibles or depreciation.  Any arrangements for payments by your insurance company are your responsibility.

5.  IS THE REPAIR FACILITY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS PERFORMED ON MY CAR?YES- The Automobile Repair Act of 1971 requires all repair dealers to be registered with the State of California and to post a sign.  This Act (Section 9884.7(1)(g)) states that the Department of Consumer Affairs may invalidate the registration on the repair dealer for a number of causes, including: making any statement written or oral which is untrue or misleading; causing a customer to sign any work order which does not state the repairs requested by the customer; failing or refusing to give a customer a copy of any document requiring his or her signature, as soon as the customer signs such document; any other conduct which constitutes fraud; any willful departure from or disregard of accepted trade standards for good and workman like repair.

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