Most people don't realize that under New Hampshire state law, as well federal law, you have the right to choose the auto glass shop when you need windshield or auto glass services. Under these same laws, your insurance company must honor your claims.
About your auto glass rights in New Hampshire
NH Statute RSA 417:4 XX and Insurance Department Rule Ins 1002.17 (h) prohibit insurance companies from'coercion' or 'steering'. They may make recommendations, but not pressure policyholders or claimants to have repairs made in a particular shop or by a particular concern. This applies whether:
However, insurers may limit payment for repair work based on the fair and reasonable price charged by auto glass repair shops in your area.
Insurance companies may not withhold undisputed sums that are part of a greater claim in which other elements are disputed. The partial payment must be made and is made without prejudice to either party, as provided in Insurance Department Rule Ins. 1002.07.
Make sure that you are aware of your rights! You can help yourself by reading your insurance policy carefully, talking with your agent or insurer for answers to questions about your policy, and visiting the New Hampshire Insurance Department's web-site to review New Hampshire's Insurance Statutes and the Insurance Department's Rules and Bulletins. If you are not comfortable with how your claim is being handled, you can call the New Hampshire Insurance Department's toll free consumer assistance line if you have questions or problems:
The New Hampshire Insurance Department maintains a toll free consumer line ( 1-800-852-3416 ) and a Consumer Division to respond to consumer questions and to investigate charges of inappropriate behavior by insurance companies. The Department may also be contacted and/or the referenced materials reviewed through its web site: www.state.nh.us/insurance.
Call Manchester Auto Glass if you're thinking of filing an auto glass or windshield insurance claim. Our expert team is ready to help you when you need replacement or repair services near Manchester, New Hampshire!
