Automobile Repairs - Selected Shops

[LOGO] State of North Dakota Office of the Commissioner of Insurance J. O. Wigen, Commissioner State Capitol Building Bismarck, North Dakota 58505 Phone: (701) 224-2440 BULLETIN 83-2 TO : ALL PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANIES ADMITTED TO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA FROM: J. O. WIGEN, COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE RE : AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS - SELECTED SHOPS DATE: January 19, 1983 It has been brought to our attention that some insurance companies may be in violation of the North Dakota unfair insurance practices act, specifically in the area of boy- cott, coercion and intimidation, in the manner in which they are directing the owner of a damaged automobile to have repairs made by a specific body shop. The insurance company is obligated to make an adjustment on the basis of the policy contract. The matter of repairs is strictly between the automobile owner and the repair shop. It is entirely proper for adjusters to assist the owner in selecting a repair shop, but it is not within their authority to require that repairs be accomplished by a designated shop. JOW:pas