Eye on the Tropics

Action 9: Beware of car repair companies that try to take over your claim, expert says

ORLANDO, Fla. — When Brian Rivera heard a loud crash outside his Conway Road home during Hurricane Irma, he feared the worst.

When he looked outside to see what had happened, his fears became a reality.

One tree had fallen on two cars.

“That’s mine and that’s my wife’s right here,” Rivera said. “It’s unfair, but part of the game, right?”

Fortunately, Rivera had full coverage on both vehicles, so after the $500 deductible, he and his wife should be fine.

Read: New Florida Keys photos show paradise destroyed

However, damage victims like Rivera need to be careful; there are some repair companies that may seek an assignment-of-benefits contract, which gives the company full control of the insurance claim.

In those cases, some disreputable companies will inflate replacement costs by hundreds of dollars, which is passed on to other insurance customers in the form of higher premiums, experts said.

And, since the policy owner no longer has control, if the repair company doesn't complete the work, the customer has no recourse.

Todd Ulrich

Todd Ulrich, WFTV.com

I am WFTV's Action 9 Reporter.