Tuesday, July 29, 2014

What is a total loss?


When the cost of repairs exceeds 75%(in most cases) of the value of your vehicle, the insurance company declare it a "total loss".

If your vehicle has been in an accident, and is not drivable,  a wrecker service has likely taken it to their secured storage lot. DO NOT ALLOW THEIR CLAIMS REPRESENTATIVE TO MOVE YOUR VEHICLE BEFORE YOU AGREE ON A SETTLEMENT! This may be the only leverage you have over the them to pay you what they rightly owe you, as accruing storage fees ensure the adjuster will be more prompt with a settlement. Don't fall for the scare tactics, they cannot make you release your vehicle until you have reached a reasonable settlement.


The insurance company owes you the retail value  based on the condition of your vehicle. Don't let them use their scare tactics to pressure you into settling for a lowball offer. Do your research  at Edumunds, Kelly Blue Book, and NADA. Find out what comparable vehicles in your area are selling for. Remember, they arelooking for the cheapest way to settle your claim. If you feel their settlement offer is not reasonable, make sure you offer is not reasonable, make sure you use the appraisal clause.

Monday, July 7, 2014

In 1963, Attorney General Robert Kennedy and his staff had completed a lengthy investigation into antitrust violations by the insurance industry.


In 1963, Attorney General Robert Kennedy and his staff had completed a lengthy investigation into antitrust violations by the insurance industry. The U.S. Justice Department found that throughout the ’50s and early '60s, the entire collision repair industry had been manipulated by several insurance associations. The prices were "fixed," and the plans (forerunners of DRPs) were set up to steer repairs toward favored repair shops. Meetings were held to discuss how the insurance associations could further control the collision repair marketplace. Discounts were demanded. Labor rates were set and controlled. And body shops that attempted to work outside the plan were boycotted and victimized. Intimidation replaced the free enterprise system as the consumer’s right to choose was manipulated in such a fashion that nobody understood whose rights were being undermined.


Only half a century later, we are dealing with the exact same scenario. The industry has permitted itself to be subjected to the exact same corporate greed.

Insurance companies, through their vast resources, have attempted to protect themselves from antitrust penalties by separating into many smaller companies operating under the umbrella of their corporate structures.

The insurance industry claims their exemption from the McCarran-Ferguson Act gives them an authority to control prices beyond the business of insurance. But recent consolidation efforts between these giants of insurance should be attracting the watchful eye of our Justice Department. Still, most politicians are careful not to interfere with insurance issues, since political action committee (PAC) fund donations are utilized to finance campaigns. Unfortunately for consumers, the insurance industry has developed tremendous lobbying power that’s difficult to compete with. Over a decade ago, three trillion dollars a year was spent by insurance companies trying to control the marketplace and government. That number is likely even larger today.

Some say the industry today is worse than it was in the 50's and 60's. Not only are they controlling body shops, but they are forcing those same shops to help them cheat people out of what they are rightfully owed in many cases. It makes you wonder what our world would be like today if only we could have better protected the Kennedy administration.

Monday, June 30, 2014

You have the right to choose where to fix your vehicle. Your auto insurance company cannot require you to go a particular auto body repair facility.



Welcome to Patrick Flynn's Collision & Frame


Patrick Flynn's Collision is a full service auto body and frame repair facility. We accept all insurance carriers and guarantee our work for as long as you own your vehicle.

We give free estimates and can coordinate with your insurance company and handle all of the paperwork for you. We know dealing with an accident is a stressful time and we will work to make your experience as pleasant as possible. Call or stop by today and we can get you on the road to repair.


With over 100 years of combined experience Patrick Flynn s is a leader in the auto collision repair industry. We offer a fast, reliable repair option that stands above the competition. Our state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained staff are committed to safe, quality repairs and customer convenience. Come see why our customers say they would refer us to family and friends.