INSURANCE & YOUR RIGHTS
You have more control over your collision repair than your insurer wants you to know. Here's what the law says.
YOUR RIGHT TO CHOOSE YOUR SHOP
Michigan law gives you - the policyholder - the right to choose which repair shop fixes your vehicle. Your insurer cannot legally force you to use a specific shop.
Insurance companies operate Direct Repair Program (DRP) networks - preferred shop lists. Shops in these networks agree to price concessions in exchange for referrals. The insurer saves money. The shop cuts corners to stay profitable. You are the one whose car is repaired at the lowest cost the insurer can negotiate.
Commerce Collision is not in any DRP network. We answer to you, not to an insurance company. We negotiate directly with adjusters to make sure all legitimate damage gets covered.
WHAT INSURER STEERING LOOKS LIKE
If you hear any of the following, you are being steered - and you have the right to decline:
"We can only guarantee the repair if you use one of our preferred shops."
"We'll need to inspect it first - take it to [their shop]."
"Our preferred shops have faster turnaround times."
"We can't guarantee the rental coverage if you go elsewhere."
"That shop isn't on our approved list."
Your response to any of these: "I am exercising my right to choose Commerce Collision at 3080 E Oakley Park Rd, Commerce Township, MI 48390."
HOW WE HANDLE YOUR CLAIM
We communicate directly with adjusters
You don't have to play phone tag between us and your insurer. We submit estimates, photos, and supplements directly.
We document hidden damage
Full teardown reveals damage that's not visible in a surface inspection. We document and photograph everything before submitting to your insurer.
We submit supplements
When hidden damage is found during repair (it often is), we write and submit the supplement claim. We fight for the full scope of repair.
You pay only your deductible
For covered repairs, your out-of-pocket cost is your deductible. The insurer pays the rest directly to us.
MICHIGAN MINI-TORT
If you were struck by a driver who was at fault and you don't have collision coverage (or you're stuck with a deductible), Michigan's mini-tort law allows you to sue the at-fault driver directly for vehicle damage up to $3,000.
To pursue mini-tort, you'll need:
- Documentation that the other driver was at fault (police report helps)
- A written repair estimate from a licensed shop (we can provide this)
- Proof the other driver is not covered under your own policy
This is not legal advice. For specific legal questions, consult a Michigan attorney. We can provide the documentation needed for your claim.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CLAIM?
Call us. We've seen every tactic insurers use and we know how to handle it.