What If My Car Is Not Fixed Right After a Claim
You can go back to the shop, your insurer, or an appraiser, and you don't have to accept work that didn't fix the damage.
You have the right to ask for the repair to be done correctly
A repair shop's work is usually guaranteed, and if the car isn't fixed right, the first step is to bring it back to that shop and point out exactly what's wrong. Most shops will redo the work rather than deal with a complaint to your insurer or a review.
If the shop won't fix it, or you no longer trust their work, your insurer is the next call. Insurers want to avoid paying for the same repair twice, and they often have a process for disputed repairs, including sending an appraiser to look at the car independently.
Whether the shop was chosen by you or recommended by your insurer
If you used a shop your insurer recommended or guaranteed, you're usually in a stronger position. Many insurers back the work of shops in their network, meaning they'll cover the cost of getting it redone somewhere else if the original shop won't make it right.
If you picked your own shop, you're dealing with that shop directly, and your insurer may be less involved in fixing the problem. You still have recourse, but it runs through the shop's own warranty on its work, not your insurer's guarantee.
Either way, check whether the repair came with a written warranty. Most legitimate shops give one, and it should say what's covered and for how long.
If the shop refuses to stand behind its own work, your state's consumer protection office or attorney general's office handles complaints about auto repair shops, and that's a real option if talking to the shop and your insurer doesn't get anywhere.
What 'not fixed right' actually means for your claim
If the problem is something you can point to, like a panel that doesn't line up, paint that doesn't match, or a noise that wasn't there before, document it with photos and in writing before you go back to anyone. A clear, specific description of what's wrong gets taken more seriously than a general complaint that the car 'doesn't feel right.'
If you suspect something deeper, like frame damage or a safety system that wasn't properly recalibrated, it's worth getting a second opinion from a different shop or an independent appraiser. Insurers generally allow this, and it carries more weight than your word alone.
Keep every receipt, estimate, and piece of correspondence about the repair. If this turns into a dispute with the shop or your insurer, having a paper trail of exactly what was promised and what was delivered matters more than anything else.
Questions people ask about this
Can I take my car to a different shop to get it fixed correctly?
Yes, you can usually choose a different shop for a second repair. Check first whether your insurer requires you to use a shop in their network for the warranty to apply, since that affects who pays for the second round of work.
Will my insurance go up if I complain about a bad repair?
Complaining about a repair shop's work isn't the same as filing a new claim, so it shouldn't affect your premium on its own. If the shop or insurer has to reopen the original claim to fix the problem, ask them directly whether that changes anything on your record.
What if the shop says the problem isn't related to the original repair?
Ask them to explain specifically why, and get it in writing. If you disagree, an independent appraiser or a second shop can give an opinion on whether the issue traces back to the original damage or repair.
Can I get my money back instead of having it repaired again?
This depends on your insurer and the specifics of your policy, so ask your insurer directly whether that's an option. Some will offer a cash settlement for the difference in value, but this isn't something you can assume is available.
How long do I have to report a bad repair after a claim closes?
This depends on the shop's warranty terms and your state's rules, so check the paperwork from the repair and ask your insurer directly. Waiting too long can make it harder to connect the problem back to the original repair, so it's worth raising concerns as soon as you notice them.
If this kind of dispute has you rethinking your coverage or your insurer, it's worth seeing what else is out there.
Write down exactly what's wrong with the repair, take photos, and bring the car back to the shop first. Ask for everything in writing, including what they agreed to fix and by when. If the shop won't make it right, call your insurer and ask about their process for disputed repairs, including whether they'll send an independent appraiser. Keep every document from the original claim and the repair, since you'll want them if this goes further. If you hit a wall with both the shop and your insurer, your state's consumer protection office can tell you what options you have.
