Nov. 7, 2014—Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt issued a warning on Thursday to consumers regarding the practice of “steering” by auto insurance companies.
According to an announcement, Pruitt is looking into reports that certain insurers are coercing Oklahomans into using auto body repair shops that may use salvaged parts or other substandard materials to make repairs, while claiming to use new parts or materials made by the automobile manufacturer. In many instances, it voids automobile manufacturer warranties. Such parts also may not meet manufacturer specifications and potentially could fail in the future.
Pruitt is concerned that some insurance companies may be crossing the line, making dishonest statements in the steering of consumers, and knowingly guiding consumers to repair shops that make substandard repairs.
“It is important to the safety of Oklahomans that insurance companies and repair shops are honest and upfront with their customers about the repair process,” Pruitt said in a statement. “As a consumer, you have the right to know what repairs are being made to your vehicle and the origin of the parts that are being used to repair it. A majority of auto body repair shops and insurance companies are reputable, honest and respect the difficulty of having a vehicle repaired. However, my office will hold accountable any shops or insurance companies who would seek to defraud Oklahomans through the illegal practice of steering. I encourage anyone who feels they have been a victim of such deceptive practices to contact the Attorney General’s Office immediately.”
The attorney general’s Public Protection Unit urges consumers to consider the following tips when having their vehicle repaired:
To report suspected fraud, contact the attorney general’s Public Protection Unit at 405.521.2029 or 918.581.2885 or e-mail [email protected].
