Insurance Steering: It’s Illegal , and the #1 Way to Stop It
Your car is one of your most significant investments. When an accident happens, you expect your insurance company to help you restore that investment to its pre-loss condition. Unfortunately, many drivers encounter a deceptive tactic known as insurance steering.
What Exactly is Insurance Steering?
Insurance steering occurs when a claims adjuster pressures or coerces you into using a specific repair shop, usually one of their “preferred” or “network” providers. They might frame it as a “recommendation,” a “faster option,” or even claim they won’t guarantee the work unless you go to their shop.
The truth is simple: Insurers push these shops to keep their own costs down. Often, this happens at the expense of the quality and safety of your repairs. In many states, this practice violates anti-steering rules and consumer protection laws. You have the legal right to choose where your vehicle is repaired, and you should never feel bullied into settling for less.
The #1 Strategy to Shut Down Steering Fast
If you want to stop steering dead in its tracks, you need accountability. The single most effective tool at your disposal is recording the phone call.
When an insurer starts pushing you toward a particular shop, politely ask for permission to record the conversation. A recorded call accomplishes three vital things:
- It creates a factual record: It documents exactly what the adjuster promised or threatened.
- It changes the tone: Adjusters often think twice before misrepresenting your rights when they know they are being recorded.
- It provides evidence: If the insurer violates the law, you have a powerful piece of evidence for a formal complaint.
Note: Always ask for permission first to ensure you comply with state privacy laws.
5 Practical Steps to Protect Your Rights
Beyond recording the call, follow these steps to maintain control over your vehicle’s repair process:
1. Request Everything in Writing
After any phone conversation, ask the adjuster to send their “recommendations” via email. Secure the adjuster’s full name, claim number, and employee ID. Having a paper trail prevents the insurer from “forgetting” what they told you later.
2. Assert Your Right to Choose
You do not need an adjuster’s permission to pick a shop. Simply state: “I have chosen Sharp Auto Body for my repairs.” Legally, the insurer cannot force you to use a specific facility.
3. Document Every Pressure Tactic
Save every voicemail, text message, and email. If an adjuster implies that choosing your own shop will delay your claim or cost you more money, save that evidence. These are classic steering tactics that state regulators want to see.
4. Don’t Fall for the “Guarantee” Myth
Insurers often claim they only guarantee work at “preferred” shops. In reality, reputable body shops provide their own lifetime warranties. At Sharp Auto Body, we stand behind our craftsmanship because our loyalty lies with you, the customer, not the insurance company.
5. File a Formal Complaint
If you believe you are being misled, contact your state’s Department of Insurance. Officials take these complaints seriously, and your report helps protect other drivers from the same predatory tactics.
Stand Your Ground for Your Safety
Your car’s structural integrity and your family’s safety depend on a proper repair, not a cheap one. If an adjuster tries to push you around, be firm. You are the vehicle owner, and you hold the power.
By recording calls, getting agreements in writing, and choosing a shop that prioritizes safety over insurance company profits, you ensure your car returns to the road in peak condition.
Don’t navigate the insurance maze alone. Call Sharp Auto Body today at (847) 526-1343 or visit www.sharpautobody.com. We are here to advocate for you and ensure your vehicle gets the expert care it deserves.
