Consumer Rights

What should I do first if I have an accident? Make sure everyone involved is alright. Call 911 to alert the police to the accident and let them know if you need an ambulance. Then, identify yourself to the other driver(s) and exchange your driver license, insurance company and registration information with each other. This information also must be shared with the police if they are present. It is also advisable to write down the details of the accident as soon as possible and take photos of the scene if you have a camera.

What am I required to do by law? If you are in an accident, you are required by the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law to stop and exchange information with the involved driver(s). If the accident caused property damage only, then exchange information regarding your driver license, insurance, and registration with the involved driver(s). If a parked vehicle or other property is damaged, or if a domestic animal is injured, you must locate the owner or contact the police. ◦If the property damage of any person is $1,001 or more, all the involved drivers are required by the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law to file form MV-104 (Report of Motor Vehicle Accident). File form MV-104 with the DMV no more than 10 days after the accident. The DMV can suspend your driver license if you fail to report an accident.

If a person is injured or killed, you are required by the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law to immediately notify the police. All the involved drivers and the police must file an accident report with the DMV. It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident that causes personal injury or death.

My Vehicle is not drive-able or not safe to drive, what should I do? Find a collision repair facility that will repair your vehicle to pre-loss condition. Have your vehicle towed to the facility, and then contact your insurance company and notify them as to where your vehicle will be for inspection. Do not allow your vehicle to be towed to a facility you don’t know, and do not authorize repairs by signing a towing release unless it is the facility of your choice.

If I am asked for a statement from the other driver’s insurance company, what do I do? Do not give a statement or make a phone recording with the other insurance company. This could be used in court against you.

Can I take my vehicle to the repair shop of my choice?
YES! According to Regulation 64 of NYS Insurance Law, specifically section 2610, states that “an insurance company cannot require that repairs be made to a motor vehicle in a particular place or  repair shop. You have a right to have your vehicle repaired in the shop of your choice.” However, be prepared to be strongly encouraged by your  insurance company to utilize a repair shop within their network that may or may not be TACS Auto body and Service. Please remember that any auto body or collision repair completed at TACS automatically comes with a lifetime guarantee for as long as you own your vehicle.

Do I need to present more than one estimate? No, you will never be required to present more than one estimate for repair.

If I am not at fault in the accident, should I use my policy or try to collect from the other driver? It is always worth it to try and collect from the other driver’s policy directly. If you are able to collect, you will not have to pay a deductible and the accident will not be charged against your policy.

Why do estimates vary so greatly from one shop to another? There are many reasons that this might be the case. A low estimate might reflect an incomplete or inferior repair job. If key repairs are not done, such as an alignment, the results can be dangerous for future passengers. If there is heavy structural damage and some of it is overlooked or ignored, the vehicle may not have its original safety integrity. It also may be because either the insurance company or shop estimator is not able to see all of the damage until the car enters the “tear down phase” and they are able to examine beyond the exterior damage. 9 out of 10 repairs additional internal damage is found once the exterior damaged parts are removed!

Who is liable for the safety and quality of the repairs? All parties involved may have liability to varying degrees depending on each particular situation. The repair may be guaranteed by the repair shop and in some cases by the insurance company.

The insurance adjuster gave me a check for the repairs after he inspected the vehicle. Should I cash it? NO. If you cash the check, you may not be reimbursed for additional damage that is uncovered during the “tear down” step in the repair process.

The brothers and folks at TACs provide service and attention that earns them the loyalty of every customer. Almost anybody and repair shop can fix cars but these TACs folks care about their business, their reputation and their customers. Terrific place to go to when car troubles take over your life.

Chuck Naylor, Customer

The guys at TACS are real! They’re all super sweet, honest and just awesome people! If you’re looking for an excellent experience without any hassles this is the place for you. They did great work on my brands new vehicle and I’m happy to say I’ll be telling everyone about it.

Colleen Hasselback, Customer

This business does not just deal with cars… it deals with people. Not only does my car get fixed when I bring it there, but I get treated with respect and kindness. The prices are fair, the work they do is great, and the way they accommodate their customers is a breath of fresh air. Bring your car to TACS.

Paddy MeBoy, Customer

Not your average body/mechanic shop. These guys at TACS are honest and care about their customers. I was told from dealership that I needed all new brakes – easy sale…but they confirmed I only needed front pads. I won’t go anywhere else. I’m bringing all of my car needs to TACS – and spreading the word to friends in town. Even out of town. Very trustworthy, family business.

Emily Martin, Customer

Friendly and quick, yet incredibly thorough. I live in Clifton Park and refuse to bring my cars anywhere else. It’s my only recommendation for all of my friends who need assistance with their cars.

Alyssa Cukerstein, Customer

This is one of the best places to bring your car in the Capital District. I have been a loyal customer of theirs for a few years at this point. I came to them because I needed some body work done on my car and not only were they a pleasure to deal with, the repair was done perfectly and on time. It was easy to work with them and my insurance company. I was more than thrilled when they started to expand their business to take mechanical work as well. I brought my next car purchase to them to have them look over it before making a decision to purchase and have brought it to them for everything from oil changes, to more complex issues. The nice thing is, they are not out to get your money like most places, only once have they advised me to take my vehicle somewhere else because they did think it was in their wheelhouse (issue with transmission that was handled by the dealership). They are truly an A+ company!

Thomas Nolan, Customer

Unbelievable service. The guys at TACs are always so helpful. I pulled in 15 minutes before closing and they serviced my car right then and there. They take the time to explain everything – such as the difference between synthetic and regular motor oil and why I should be using the less expensive product for my car (based on mileage and other factors). They’ve won a lifetime customer through integrity and good intentions.

Todd Porter, Customer

Great people there. Honest. I have actually gone there more for advice or to help me with little things since I like to fix my car myself as much as I can and they have helped me in their parking lot and never charge me. If I ever did get in an accident that I couldn’t fix I would go to them for sure.

Shay McGlynn, Customer

My experiences at TACS have been great. My parents used to go to a different body shop when I was growing up… once I started going to TACS my whole family followed suit and we have all been beyond satisfied with the service. If you go into the waiting room at TACS you won’t find a single frown. The owners and employees treat everyone with so much respect and professionalism that it fills the shop with positivity. If you take your car TACS, you will find yourself smiling, too.

Patrick Farley, Customer