AUTO BODY CONSUMER BILL OF RIGHTS

State of Michigan Department of State

YOUR RIGHT TO CHOOSE

You are entitled to choose where your vehicle will be repaired. Your insurance company may provide you with a list of possible repair facilities. The repair facility you choose should meet the requirements listed below.

WHAT YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR

Under Michigan law, repair facilities that perform collision repairs are required to be registered (licensed) by the Department of State. The registration and a consumer information sign must be posted in a prominent location within the facility. The consumer information sign advises you of your right to a written estimate from the facility before repairs begin and to a final invoice upon completion of repairs. Further, mechanics who repair collision-damaged unitized body vehicles are required by law to be certified in the category of Unitized Body Structural Repair. The mechanic’s certificate must be posted in a conspicuous location. Look for the facility’s registration, the mechanic’s certificate and the information sign. If you do not see them, ask the service manager or owner about them. If they cannot be shown to you, take your vehicle elsewhere. Only do business with a repair facility that is registered and can demonstrate that it has properly trained, certified mechanics who will work on your vehicle.

REPAIRS TO BE PERFORMED:

When you receive a written estimate for the work that will be done, be sure you understand the extent of repairs that will be performed and the type of parts that will be used. The abbreviation “LKQ” stands for “Like Kind and Quality” and is another way of saying the part is used and not new. Never allow a repair facility to install used safety items, such as a supplemental inflatable restraint system (an air bag). Michigan law requires a collision repair facility to inform you in writing if the replacement parts used to repair your vehicle are not OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer, the company that manufactured your vehicle). Parts not produced by the vehicle manufacturer may be of a lesser quality and, if used, may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Before authorizing collision repairs, make sure you inform the repair facility and your insurance company if you only want the repair completed with OEM parts.

WILL THERE BE A WARRANTY?

Before allowing the repair facility to begin repairs, find out if the facility provides a warranty on its work. A repair facility is not required to provide a warranty. If a warranty is provided, the terms and any exclusions must be in writing. If you are told the repair to your vehicle will be warranted, make sure you receive a written copy of the warranty.