Dear Insurance Company: Stop Redefining "Collision" to Dodge Responsibilities
- Casey Brothers
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
So, you've mastered the art of redefining "collision" to sidestep paying for post-repair calibrations. Impressive. But here's the thing: It's not your place to reinterpret the manufacturer's guidelines.
Manufacturers Set the Rules, Not You
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are pretty clear about post-collision protocols. For instance:
Honda states that any vehicle involved in a collision must undergo specific diagnostic scans, inspections, and/or calibrations to ensure proper repair.
General Motors (GM) emphasizes the importance of following their position statements to ensure safe and proper repairs, especially concerning advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Yet, some insurance adjusters seem to think they have the authority to overrule these guidelines based on their own interpretations of what constitutes a "collision."
Your "Interpretation" Doesn't Override Safety
When an OEM specifies procedures after any collision, they're considering the vehicle's safety and functionality, not your bottom line. Attempting to downplay the severity of an incident to avoid covering necessary repairs is not only unethical but also puts drivers at risk.
Real-World Consequences
Consider this: A minor fender-bender might seem insignificant, but even small impacts can misalign sensors or damage components integral to a vehicle's safety systems. Ignoring OEM guidelines because you deem the collision "minor" doesn't negate the potential risks to the driver.
Stick to Your Lane
Insurance companies are there to provide coverage based on the terms agreed upon, not to reinterpret technical guidelines set by vehicle manufacturers. Leave the definitions and repair protocols to the experts who designed and built the vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Reevaluating your approach to post-collision procedures is overdue. Adhering to OEM guidelines isn't optional—it's essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of the vehicles on the road. Stop the semantic games and fulfill your obligations.
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