Property Damage

Car Repair Claims

Don’t let your insurance company put their profits ahead of your safety.

OEM and Safe Repairs

Shortcuts are never a good idea when your family’s safety is at stake.

After a collision, following the direction of your vehicle manufacturer (OEM) is the best way to ensure a safe repair. This includes using OEM parts, not junkyard or aftermarket parts.

Junkyard parts and aftermarket parts are generally not tested for safety or reliability. OEM parts, however, are tested and are made by the company that understands your vehicle best.

Safety vs. Cost

Your insurer should not make you choose between the two.

Unfortunately, when you make a car repair claim, insurance companies often do not want to pay for OEM parts or procedures.

Your insurance company may make you choose between safety and cost, just so they can save money on your property damage claim.

Refused Claims

Is your insurer refusing to pay your repair claim?

If you made a collision claim or comprehensive claim and your insurance company refuses to pay for any of the following, Florida law has special protections for you.

OEM parts

Parts made by your vehicle’s manufacturer, rather than aftermarket or salvage-yard substitutes.

OEM procedures

The specific repair steps the manufacturer requires for your vehicle, including calibrations after a collision.

Labor rates

What your chosen shop actually charges per hour, rather than a lower rate the insurer prefers to pay.

Safety scans

The diagnostic scans before and after a repair that confirm your vehicle’s electronic safety systems still work.

A replacement instead of a repair

Replacing a damaged part outright when the manufacturer says that part should not be repaired.

Other collision-related damage

Damage discovered once the vehicle is disassembled that was not visible on the first estimate.

Any one of these can leave you paying out of pocket, or driving a vehicle that was never returned to its pre-loss condition.

Florida Statute 626.9743(4)
“An insurer may not require the use of replacement parts in the repair of a motor vehicle which are not at least equivalent in kind and quality to the damaged parts prior to the loss in terms of fit, appearance, and performance.”

How We Help

Restored to its pre-loss condition.

In addition, most Florida insurance policies require your insurance company to pay enough to restore your vehicle to its pre-loss condition.

At Irvin & Irvin, we assist our personal injury clients when their insurance company refuses to pay for safe and proper repairs. Whether your insurance company owes you for certain repairs requires a review of your policy, estimates, and other documentation.

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