In the automotive industry, First Party Insured and/or Third Party Claimants are directed by the insurance company to or away from specific repair facilities or providers.  Insurance companies will tell you that you have to use a particular repair facility or provider in order to receive a "guarantee" that the repairs will be done.  In an attempt to drive policyholders to shops in their preferred network, insurance companies exchange high volume referrals for shops to agree to use aftermarket, imitation, or junk yard parts in place of OEM (genuine) parts.

     Steering happens when you contact the insurance company and file a claim. They then inform you that you have to choose a repair facility on their "list" to get an estimate and have the repairs completed.  

Here is a list of false claims you may hear when filing a claim:

• The insurance company or the repair shop can NOT guarantee repairs
• Your warranty will be void
• You will have to pay out of pocket for supplemental repairs
• Your rental car may not be covered

     It is against the law for an insurance company to tell you who you can & can not use!  TN Code Ann. 56-8-105.  If you know which repair facility you want to use, tell the insurance company that is who you want to repair your vehicle. You have that right.  Check their websites, they provide this information directly or give them a call today.