Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights.

For a free PDF Source click the following link provided by the department of consumer affairs:  https://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/autobody_inspection.pdf

10 CCR § 2695.85

§ 2695.85. Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights.

(a) Every insurer that issues automobile liability or collision insurance policies shall provide the named insured(s) with an Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights either at the time of application for an automobile insurance policy, at the time a policy is issued, or following an accident or loss that is reported to the insurer. If the insurer provides the insured with an electronic copy of a policy, the bill of rights may also be transmitted electronically. If the insurer provides the bill of rights following an accident or loss, the insurer shall also provide the bill of rights to the particular insured filing the insurance claim. If the insurer provides the bill of rights at the time of application or policy issuance, all named insureds that have not previously received the bill of rights shall be provided with a copy upon renewal of the policy.

(b) The requirements set forth in subsection 2695.85(a), above, shall apply to all automobile liability and collision insurance policies issued in California including commercial automobile, private passenger automobile, and motorcycle insurance policies.

(c) The Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights shall be a separate standardized document and plainly printed in no less than ten-point type. An insurer may distribute the form using its own letterhead, but the language of the Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights shall be developed by the California Department of Insurance and shall read as follows:

 

Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights a Consumer is Entitled To:

1. SELECT THE AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP TO REPAIR AUTO BODY DAMAGE COVERED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. AN INSURANCE COMPANY SHALL NOT REQUIRE THE REPAIRS TO BE DONE AT A SPECIFIC AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP.

2. AN ITEMIZED WRITTEN ESTIMATE FOR AUTO BODY REPAIRS AND, UPON COMPLETION OF REPAIRS, A DETAILED INVOICE.       THE ESTIMATE AND THE INVOICE MUST INCLUDE AN ITEMIZED LIST OF PARTS AND LABOR ALONG WITH THE TOTAL PRICE FOR THE WORK PERFORMED. THE ESTIMATE AND INVOICE MUST ALSO IDENTIFY ALL PARTS AS NEW, USED, AFTERMARKET, RECONDITIONED, OR REBUILT.

3. BE INFORMED ABOUT COVERAGE FOR TOWING AND STORAGE SERVICES.

4. BE INFORMED ABOUT THE EXTENT OF COVERAGE, IF ANY, FOR A REPLACEMENT RENTAL VEHICLE WHILE A DAMAGED VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED.

5. BE INFORMED OF WHERE TO REPORT SUSPECTED FRAUD OR OTHER COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS ABOUT AUTO BODY REPAIRS.

6. SEEK AND OBTAIN AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR ESTIMATE DIRECTLY FROM A REGISTERED AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIR OF A DAMAGED VEHICLE, EVEN WHEN PURSUING AN INSURANCE CLAIM FOR REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE. COMPLAINTS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

 

Complaints concerning the repair of a vehicle by an auto body repair shop should be directed to:

 

Toll Free (866) 799-3811

Bureau of Automotive Repair 10949 North Mather Blvd.

Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

 

The Bureau of Automotive Repair can also accept complaints over its web site at: www.autorepair.ca.gov

 

Complaints within the jurisdiction of the California Insurance Commissioner

Any concerns regarding how an auto insurance claim is being handled should be submitted to the California Department of Insurance at:

 

(800) 927-4357 or (213) 897-8921

California Department of Insurance Consumer Services Division

300 South Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

 

The California Department of Insurance can also accept complaints over its web site at: www.insurance.ca.gov