According to Florida Statute § 626.9743(3), an insurance company can require policyholders to use a collision damage repair shop it specifies. However, if it does enforce that requirement, the chosen repair company must restore your vehicle “to its physical condition as to performance and appearance immediately prior to the loss at no additional cost to the insured… other than as stated in the policy.”

In other words, if your insurance company makes you choose a shop from its preferred list, the auto shop must repair your vehicle to its pre-accident condition no matter what it costs the insurer.

It is important to note that only your insurer can impose this requirement, and only if your policy allows it to do so.

If you prefer to decide where to get your car fixed after an accident, the insurance company will likely require you to obtain multiple damage estimates.

Per Florida Statute § 626.9541, your car insurance should not go up after an accident unless you were “substantially at fault.”

The statute states that insurers cannot raise liability, personal injury protection, medical payments, or collision premiums “solely because the insured was involved in a motor vehicle accident unless…the insurer in good faith determines that the insured was substantially at fault.”

Essentially, if another driver hits you and your insurer raises your rates for using your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, it has broken the law, unless it can prove that it, in good faith, determined you were substantially at-fault.

If you have suffered a motor vehicle accident, an insurance adjuster has probably contacted you about your injuries.  You may have been asked to sign an authorization for the release of medical records, giving the insurance adjuster the right to access your medical bills and records. Do not authorize the insurance company to access your medical records until you speak with a lawyer first.

By signing a blanket release, you give an insurance company access to all of your charts, notes, x-rays, etc. This access also includes information unrelated to the accident. Your medical records would presumably include any statements you (and potentially anyone who accompanied you for treatment) made to your health care providers in the course of obtaining treatment.

These requests can seem invasive, unnecessary and unnerving. How should you proceed?

If you cause a wreck in your personal vehicle, you are liable for your damages and the other party or parties’ damages.

However, if you were driving as part of a work-related task at the time of the accident, your employer might also have liability. That does not take away your liability, however.

After any car accident, no matter who is at fault and whether you were driving for work or personal business, you should speak with an attorney. A car accident lawyer can advise you of your rights, help shield you from liability, and work with you to pursue compensation for your damages.

Among the factors that affect the value of your car accident claim are the nature and severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, and whether you have any contributory negligence for the accident.