Why Choose Hulsey Auto Colors for Your Vehicle Repairs?
At Hulsey Auto Colors, we understand that getting your car repaired after an accident can be a stressful experience. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing transparent, high-quality repair services that you can trust. Unlike some shops that are part of an insurance company's Direct Repair Program (DRP), we prioritize you—the customer—over the insurance company’s bottom line. We guarantee all our work just like any other network body shop, and we proudly work with all insurance companies to ensure your repair process is as smooth as possible.
Choosing the right repair shop is crucial to ensuring your vehicle is repaired correctly and safely. At Hulsey Auto Colors, we are dedicated to providing you with the best service, the highest quality repairs, and a stress-free experience from start to finish. Trust us to restore your vehicle with care and precision. Contact us today to schedule your repair and experience the difference.
Let's Talk About Steering
O.C.G.A. § 33-34-6 (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this Code section, no insurer shall represent to a person making a claim under a motor vehicle insurance policy that the use of or the failure to use a particular repair facility or particular repair facilities may result in the nonpayment of a claim.
(b) No insurer shall require a person making a claim under a motor vehicle insurance policy to use a particular repair facility or particular repair facilities in order to settle a claim if the person making the claim can obtain the repair work on the motor vehicle at the same cost from another source.
Yes, "steering" is illegal in all 50 states, including Georgia. Steering refers to the practice where an insurance company attempts to direct a claimant to a specific repair shop, often one with which they have a prearranged agreement, by implying that failing to do so could result in nonpayment or by using other coercive methods.
In Georgia, under O.C.G.A. § 33-34-6, it is prohibited for insurers to:
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Imply nonpayment: Insurers cannot tell you that using or not using a particular repair facility could affect the payment of your claim.
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Require specific repair shops: They cannot force you to use a particular repair shop to settle your claim if you can get the repair work done at the same cost elsewhere.
However, insurance companies may still attempt to steer claimants by using misleading statements like:
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Suggesting that non-preferred shops may delay the process.
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Implying that repairs done outside their network could result in lower-quality work.
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Claiming that using their preferred shop ensures quicker claim handling or a smoother experience.
These types of misleading tactics are a form of "soft steering" and, while not directly violating the law, can still manipulate consumers' choices. It's important to remember that you have the legal right to choose your repair shop.
How Hulsey Auto Colors Helps You & Why Steering Happens
At Hulsey Auto Colors, we believe in giving you the freedom to choose where to get your car repaired. Here’s what we do to help:
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Quality Work: Our team provides top-notch auto body repairs and paint services. We use the best materials and equipment to make sure your car looks as good as new.
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Personal Service: As a local, family-owned business, we treat you like family. We listen to your needs and make sure your car is taken care of just the way you want.
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Honesty and Transparency: We give you clear information about what your car needs and how much it will cost. No surprises!
Why Steering Happens
Sometimes, insurance companies try to "steer" you toward their preferred repair shops. Steering happens because:
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Cost Savings for Them: Insurance companies often have deals with certain repair shops, which may give them discounts. They might try to push you toward these shops to save money.
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Control Over Repairs: Insurance companies might want to work with shops that do the repairs exactly how they want, which can help them control costs. But that doesn't always mean it's the best choice for you.
Remember, it’s your car, and you get to choose where it gets repaired. At Hulsey Auto Colors, we work for you—not the insurance companies.