AG warns residents of scams by insurance, shops

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Attorney General Scott Pruitt is warning Oklahomans to be aware of the practice of "steering" – where insurers strongly push consumers to auto body repair shops that may provide substandard service to consumers.

Pruitt’s office said Thursday that it’s looking into reports that certain insurers are coercing Oklahomans into using 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, the use of so-called "after-market" parts voids automobile manufacturer warranties.

His office also says such parts may not meet manufacturer specifications and potentially could fail in the future.