KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Make the best choices for for a safe, high quality repair.

Your Rights as the Vehicle Owner After an Accident

Exercising your rights as a vehicle owner will ensure that your vehicle will be repaired properly, completely, and safely.

If you’ve been in an accident, a few things will help you make a better choice during the repair process.

At GW & Son, while we work with all insurance companies, we refuse to be a part of any insurance company “direct repair” referral agreements that expect us to cut corners. In some cases, these insurance companies will tell you anything to discourage you from choosing a quality shop like GW & Sons in order to protect their own profit margins.

Know Your Rights sign
Know Your Rights sign
YOUR CAR YOUR CHOICE
  • Choosing the collision repair facility where your vehicle will be repaired is your first critical decision; in most cases, you have the right to make that decision. Unfortunately, not all body shops have the same capabilities or customer service philosophy. Many do not have properly trained technicians or have the right equipment to fix your vehicle according to strict manufacturer guidelines, so do your research.

    Your insurance company may suggest you use one of its “direct-repair facilities”—these are shops with which the insurer has a contractual agreement. Sometimes, they consider the insurance company’s needs a higher priority than the vehicle owner’s. The industry has seen, time and time again, that substandard repairs can result from this kind of repair philosophy, as DRP shops cut corners to meet insurance company demands.

    Remember, the body shop is fixing YOUR vehicle for YOU, and you must be comfortable with your chosen shop. If you’re making an insurance claim, your insurer pays the bill, but most states prohibit the insurer from requiring you to use a particular shop—ultimately, no matter what you hear, the body shop is YOUR CHOICE.

  • Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts

    As a consumer, you have the right to request that your vehicle be repaired only with Original Equipment (OE) collision replacement parts. These parts are produced by the original vehicle manufacturer and ensure proper fit, function, and, most important – safety.

    Two factors influence whether your request will be honored: your insurance policy limitations and local (state) laws and regulations regarding collision repair. Check your policy for information about whether or not yours specifies original parts or specifies alternative parts of “like kind and quality.” At GW & Son, we will always advocate on your behalf for the use of original parts.

    In Oklahoma, the law states that the consumer must be advised if the insurer intends to specify non-original equipment manufacturer aftermarket crash parts: 

    No insurer shall specify the use of non-original equipment manufacturer aftermarket crash parts in the repair of an insured’s motor vehicle, nor shall a repair facility or installer use non-original equipment manufacturer aftermarket crash parts to repair a vehicle, unless the consumer is advised in writing. In all instances where non-original equipment manufacturer aftermarket crash parts are intended for use by an insurer:

    1. the written estimate shall clearly identify each such part; and

    2. a disclosure document containing substantially the following information in ten-point type or larger type shall appear on or be attached to the insured’s copy of the estimate: “This estimate has been prepared based on the use of crash parts supplied by a source other than the manufacturer of your motor vehicle. Warranties applicable to these replacement parts are provided by the manufacturer or distributor of these parts rather than the manufacturer of your vehicle.”

gary wano jr.

Our owner Gary Wano has been a passionate consumer advocate in the collision repair industry since the late 1980s, winning nationwide recognition from various consumer advocacy organizations.

He has had leadership roles at the Collision Industry Conference, Anti-Fraud/Ethics Committee, National Auto Body Council, Society of Collision Repair Specialists, the Automotive Service Association’s Oklahoma chapter,  the Repair Advisory Panel of the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association, the Fellowship of Concerned Repairers, and the Oklahoma Auto Body Association. He has been inducted into the Collision Industry Hall of Eagles and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Collision Repair Specialists for contributing to the industry throughout his career.

Always work with a repairer like GW & Son, who prioritizes you, the vehicle owner. We will provide you with all the information you need to know to make the best choices for the safety and value of your vehicle.

Allow us to review your claim and provide you with a no-cost consultation, and see if we are the repairer for you!

gary wano jr.

Call (405) 751-1337 or fill out our form for a Free Estimate.

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    From Our Customers…

    G W & Son Auto Body did an excellent job on my Tesla Model S. They made sure I dropped it off with my charger and over the time they had it they charged it twice. I kept an eye on the battery because of other Tesla reviews, but they never let it fall below 100 miles. My insurance company was being very difficult through the whole process but Gary handled everything for me. I honestly can’t tell it was in an accident. they communicated throughout the whole process so I was never left out if the loop.
    Adam Filer
    This is the best body shop in town. If you have a specialty car it may be the only one certified for you. But even with standard cars they provide the best restoration service I’ve experienced. It often takes a little longer with their repairs. I think because they are meticulous. And, they have even saved me money and time on a repair the insurance’s “preferred” shop didn’t realize was less severe. I was able to pay out of pocket and save my deductible. Great staff. I’ve been using them for 15 years and will keep coming back.
    Matthew Jared
    Top of the line family and crew. They repaired my Jaguar to top condition after a minor scrape up where someone was allowed to operate a vehicle without any sense. Unfortunately, it happens; and if it does happen you can count on an honest evaluation and top quality workmanship from Gary & the crew at GW & Son Auto Body Shop. We’re back for more already ugh.
    Stacie Harper