Your car was not fixed properly after a claim? Here’s what you should do in Canada

Have you recently made an insurance claim to repair your car, only to find the shop didn’t fix it properly? You’re not alone. This frustrating situation happens to many Canadian car owners, but there are steps you can take if you face this predicament. Let’s dive in.

Understanding Car Insurance Claims in Canada

Before going deep into the article, it is vital to have a basic understanding of car insurance claims in Canada. So, what does an insurance claim in Canada involve? Essentially, you report the incident to your insurance company, which assesses the damage and covers the cost of the repairs, less any deductible you owe based on your policy.

However, making a car insurance claim in Canada is not as straightforward as it may seem. There are several steps and considerations that both the policyholder and the insurance company must take into account.

First, once you report an accident to your insurance company, they will assign a claims adjuster to your case. The claims adjuster will be responsible for investigating the claim, which may involve gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and assessing the damage to your vehicle.

Once the investigation is complete, the claims adjuster will determine the extent of the damage and the coverage your policy provides. This may include coverage for repairs and any other damages related to the accident.

Signs Your Car Was Not Fixed Properly

If you’re not a car expert, it can be hard to determine if your car’s been fixed properly after a repair. But no worries! There are telltale signs that can alert you to any problems.

When it comes to the safety and performance of your vehicle, it’s essential to ensure that any repairs done are of the highest quality. Unfortunately, there are instances where a repair may not have been completed correctly, leading to potential problems down the road.

Mechanical Issues Post-Repair

Mechanical issues are often the most significant sign your car isn’t repaired correctly. You could experience strange driving noises, dashboard warning lights, or a breakdown shortly after the repair.

Imagine you’ve just picked up your car from the repair shop, relieved that your car repair issues have been resolved. However, as you start driving, you notice an unusual rattling sound under the hood. Your heart sinks, and you immediately wonder if the shop repaired your car correctly.

These mechanical issues can be alarming, as they indicate that the problem was not fixed correctly and can also put your safety at risk. Ignoring signs like this can lead to more damage and potentially expensive repairs in the future.

Taking action immediately is vital if you notice anything unusual with your vehicle after its repair. Contact the repair shop, explain the situation, and request a thorough inspection to identify and rectify any lingering issues.

Aesthetic Problems After Repair

Aesthetically, if the repaired area looks uneven, there are visible gaps between body panels, or if the paint seems low quality – it’s a cause for concern.

Suppose you had a minor fender bender, and the repair shop assured you they would make your car look as good as new. However, upon closer inspection, you notice that the repaired area doesn’t quite match the rest of the vehicle. The paint colour seems slightly off, and there are noticeable gaps between the panels.

These aesthetic problems not only affect the visual appeal of your car but can indicate a need for more attention to detail during the repair process. It’s essential to carefully examine your vehicle after repairs, paying attention to the quality of the work and overall aesthetics.

Remember, your car is not just a means of transportation but also an investment. Ensuring that any repairs are done correctly, both mechanically and aesthetically, is crucial for maintaining its value and your peace of mind.

Steps to Take if Your Car Was Not Fixed Properly

What’s next if your car shows signs of improper repairs after an accident claim? Here are some practical steps.

Document the Issues

First, take notes and photographs of any issues to provide comprehensive evidence of the problem. This step can be beneficial when dealing with your insurance company or the repair shop. You should get a copy of the invoice that itemizes all the work the shop said they did.

While documenting, be as detailed as possible. Date, time, and other related specifics should be recorded.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If the repair shop doesn’t resolve the problems, contact your insurance company and discuss the issues. They might dispatch an adjuster to reassess your vehicle or ask you to return to the repair shop to evaluate your vehicle’s repairs.

Remember, having constructive dialogue and maintaining your composure will make resolving the issue easier.

File a Complaint With Your Insurance Company

You can escalate the complaint with the company if your insurer refuses to address or resolve the problem. Find the company’s complaint officer and fill out the necessary forms in as much detail as possible. Keeping copies of all communication and proof of poor workmanship, such as photos, is essential.

Escalate Your Claim to the General Insurance Ombudservice (GI0).

Your insurer may refer you directly to the GIO. The GIO provides independent dispute resolution for home, auto and business insurance customers as long as the insurer is a member of the GIO. Their dispute resolution process is fair, free and impartial.

Contact the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)

In Ontario, for example, if you believe your insurer breached the Insurance Act and did not refer you to the GIO, you can further escalate your complaint to the FSRA. You must provide documentation of your complaint so they can investigate it and determine an outcome. Each province has their own insurance regulator that you can contact.

Consult with a Third-Party Mechanic

If you’re dissatisfied with your insurance company’s response, get a second opinion. A third-party mechanic can independently verify the quality of the repairs and provide an unbiased report.

While this will cost extra, it could be worth every penny for peace of mind and correcting any issues.

Legal Rights and Protections for Consumers in Canada

You must know your rights as a consumer. In Canada, various laws and regulations protect consumers and allow you recourse if you’ve been mistreated.

Understanding Your Rights

The right to demand quality service and to complain about unsatisfactory services is fundamental. In addition, there’s a legal framework in Canada for recourse if your rights have been infringed.

The Canadian Consumer Handbook provides powerful guidance about what to do if you’re unsatisfied with a car repair job. You should familiarize yourself with the policies outlined in the handbook.

Legal Recourse Options

If the repair shop or the insurance company doesn’t fix the issues after you’ve raised them, the next step is to seek legal action. You can hire a lawyer, explore mediation, or take the case to small claims court.

Never feel helpless. Remember, the law is there to protect consumers like you!

Preventing Future Issues with Car Insurance Claims

While preventing these issues before they happen is better, encountering them can be a steep learning curve. But the good news is that you can prevent further problems.

Choosing a Reputable Repair Shop

One major preventive measure is selecting a reputable repair shop. How to recognize one? Look at their reviews, ratings, years in business, affiliations, and certifications.

Remember, a quality repair shop will stand behind its work. If they don’t offer a warranty on their repairs, it’s a red flag.

Using Your Insurer’s Preferred Shop

Many insurers have auto shops they work with. Working with your insurer’s preferred shop can benefit you because the insurer should have investigated the shop to make sure they do quality work. These shops also have a good working relationship with the insurer. They understand the insurance company’s processes, which can lead to faster service. Preferred shops want to maintain their relationship with your insurance company so they may diligently do quality work.

Understanding Your Insurance Policy

A sound understanding of your car insurance policy helps you know what to expect if an accident happens. Make sure you are fully aware of your policy’s coverage and any deductibles.

In addition to coverage, you should check how the insurer handles car repairs. Your policy may state that they will restore your car to the same condition before the damage. It may also state that there is a lifetime guarantee on repairs if you use one of their preferred shops.

Your insurer’s claims department should be willing and able to explain any terms you don’t understand. If you don’t feel your insurance policy meets your needs, you can do comparison shopping to find the right one.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Lastly, regular maintenance and inspections are essential. These actions can help you detect potential issues earlier on. Allowing a trained mechanic to inspect your car regularly can help keep it in good working order over its lifespan.

The Bottom Line

Navigating car insurance claims in Canada might seem daunting, but knowing the signs of a poor repair job, the subsequent actions, and preventive measures can empower you as a car owner. Remember that legal avenues are available if you have an improperly repaired car following an insurance claim. Don’t hesitate to seek justice.