Information Links:

Collision Consulting of the Carolinas, or Collision Consulting of Mississippi can help you with nearly every aspect of an insurance claim, whether you're the claimant (the other party's insurance is paying for the repairs), or the insured (your insurance is paying). Don't settle for second rate repairs - you have the right to have your vehicle restored to "pre-loss" condition. Collision Consulting will work with you and your repair center to ensure the insurance company involved upholds their end of the contract/policy. After the repairs, you may be entitled to additional compensation for "Diminished Value". Collision Consulting can help you with this settlement as well.

CBS News has recently exposed deception and fraud in the used car industry involving the rebuilding of previously wrecked (totaled) vehicles, how the poor repairs contribute to serious injury and death in future wrecks, and the nondiscloser of any damage history by dealers, or inability of online reporting companies like CarFax to report the damage history.

Consumer Alert! "Across America, cars that should go straight to the junkyard are instead being rebuilt and resold, to unsuspecting consumers, like Gerri Nash's daughter, Connie." ATLANTA, April 29, 2004
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/04/29/eveningnews/consumer/main614819.shtml

"But, critics say when it comes to many accidents, online reporting companies fall short. A class-action lawsuit against Carfax claims the company doesn't have access to police accident data in 23 states." "Next time, she says, she'll make sure to get her own inspection, before she buys." CLEVELAND, Ohio, April 30, 2004
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/04/30/eveningnews/consumer/main614995.shtml

Quite possibly the BEST internet resource for consumer protection, the Insurance Consumer Advocate Network site has a wealth of information. J.D. Howard, former insurance adjuster and independant appraiser created this site to be a national support network for insurance consumers. This page offers information regarding which insurance coverage consumers should have, insurance company rates and complaints, state insurance departments and much more. A very informative and educational site - YOU SHOULD CHECK THIS WEBSITE.

Another premier site dedicated to educating shops on how to empower the consumer. The CCRE (Coalition for Collision Repair Excellence) is an inter-industry organization whose efforts are focused on eliminating inferior parts and inferior repairs. There are pages with indepth information on Diminished Value, news media articles, and an excellent list of state insurance departments (where to send insurance related complaints to).

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Use of Factory-Authorized Parts in Collision Repair Has a Strong, Positive Effect on Customer Satisfaction With Insurance Companies and Body Shops
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2002 WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.—Consumers who have had collision repair work completed on their vehicles overwhelmingly prefer the use of factory-authorized parts by the body shop, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Collision Repair Customer Satisfaction Index StudySM

Ford Motor Company study results of aftermarket parts testing.

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Consumers Express Higher Satisfaction with Insurance Companies When Fewer Restrictions are Imposed in Selecting Body Shops for Collision Repairs
Consumers who use an auto insurance provider that requires a vehicle to be taken to one of its "preferred provider" body shops for collision repairs or body work are less satisfied overall than those who are able to choose their own repair shop, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Collision Repair Satisfaction Index StudySM released today.

Article on Diminished Value

Discussion forum where several Diminished Value Professionals network together. (Sponsored by I-CAN)

Governmental Agencies and Information:

North Carolina Department of Justice the State Attorney General's Web Site. Working hard to protect the people of our state from crimes and scams. This web site includes information on those topics and many others that I hope you will find helpful.

North Carolina State Statutes regarding the business of insurance.

The section of the North Carolina Administrative Code pertaining to Third Party claimants rights in insurance (you must click "Next" and go to page 15 - see section 04.0421(4) and 04.0421(5)) Adobe Acrobat required.

State Insurance Department consumers' services division. Printable/downloadable complaint forms.

(SECTION 38-59-20. Improper claim practices)

Victim Assistance {see SC Department of Public Safety Traffic Accident Victim Advocate (TAVA)}

Consumer Complaint Form (printable/downloadable) {requires Adobe Acrobat}