Navigating Insurance Repairs: A Guide To Auto Collision Restoration

If you've been in a car accident, you might be wondering how to go about getting your vehicle repaired. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Get to Safety: If you're involved in an accident, your first priority should be to move out of the way of oncoming traffic if possible.

2. Call for Help: It is legally required to call the police, especially in some states, regardless of the severity of the collision. The responding officer will create an accident report, which you may need for your insurance claim.

3. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, lighting on the road, and any visible injuries. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, if applicable.

4. Avoid Admitting Fault: It's important not to admit fault at the scene, as it is up to the insurance companies to determine who is at fault.

5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don't have visible injuries, it's advisable to get checked by a medical professional, as injuries may not always be apparent immediately after an accident.

6. Contact Your Insurance Company: Get in touch with your insurer to start the claims process and understand the next steps. They may provide you with a list of preferred auto body shops, but remember that you have the right to choose a shop that you're comfortable with.

7. Choose a Repair Shop: Visit the body shop and ensure they have the proper equipment and trained technicians. Confirm that they offer a warranty on their work and will keep you informed throughout the repair process.

8. Estimate and Approval: The auto body shop will assess the damage and provide an initial estimate, which they will submit to your insurance company for approval.

9. Vehicle Drop-off and Repairs: Once the estimate is approved, bring your vehicle to the repair shop. They will disassemble it, create a blueprint of the repairs, order replacement parts, and perform the necessary structural and mechanical repairs.

10. Painting and Reassembly: After the repairs, the vehicle will be painted to restore its finish. All the pieces will then be reassembled, and the vehicle will undergo detailing, including vacuuming and cleaning.

11. Final Inspection and Delivery: The quality control department will inspect the vehicle to ensure it meets their standards. Once approved, you can pick up your vehicle and resume driving safely.

Know your rights: you can choose your own repair shop, not just the insurance company's preferred one

After a car accident, it is important to know your rights. You may be stressed, but it is crucial to remain calm and make the right decisions for yourself.

Firstly, it is important to note that you are not required to use the auto body shop that your insurance company recommends. While they may offer a list of preferred shops, it is your choice where you take your vehicle for repairs. You have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the auto collision shop of your choice. It is illegal for an insurance company to pressure you into using a particular shop, even if it is your own insurance company.

When choosing a repair shop, it is recommended that you visit the shop and speak to the manager to ensure they understand that they will be working for you, not the insurance company. You should also ensure that the shop has the proper equipment and that the technicians have the proper training. Additionally, the shop should provide a warranty on all work performed, including paint, and keep you informed of the progress of the repairs.

If you choose to use an insurance company-recommended repair shop, you may save time and money as you won't need to get an estimate or wait for an inspection. The shop will also handle any additional costs that come up during the repairs, so you won't have to pay upfront or wait for reimbursement. However, if you have an established relationship with a repair shop that is familiar with your vehicle, they may be better able to determine the amount of damage your vehicle sustained in the accident. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you should choose the shop that you feel most comfortable with.

Get multiple repair estimates: this will help you find the best cost and quality

When it comes to auto collision repairs, it's essential to make informed decisions that address not just the issues at hand but also your finances. Obtaining multiple repair estimates is a crucial step in this process. Here are some reasons why getting multiple repair estimates is beneficial:

Compare Prices and Services

By obtaining multiple repair estimates, you can compare prices across different auto repair shops. This allows you to find the best cost for your budget. Repair shops may have varying labour rates, parts markups, and additional charges, so getting multiple estimates helps you identify any significant discrepancies. For example, a dented bumper repair can range from $400 to $1,500, depending on the shop and the extent of the damage.

Understand the Scope of Repairs

Multiple estimates provide insights into the scope of repairs needed. Different shops may identify varying issues with your vehicle. By comparing these findings, you gain a comprehensive understanding of your vehicle's overall health, helping you prioritize repairs accordingly.

Evaluate Reputation and Expertise

Not all repair shops are the same. By obtaining multiple estimates, you can research and evaluate the reputation and expertise of each shop. Read online reviews, check for certifications, and ask for recommendations from your trusted network. This ensures that you entrust your vehicle to a reputable and skilled repair shop.

Assess Quality of Services

Getting multiple estimates allows you to interact with different technicians and repair shop representatives. Through these conversations, you can assess their professionalism, knowledge, and commitment to customer satisfaction. This ensures that you choose a repair shop that delivers quality workmanship and stands behind their services.

Negotiating Power

Having multiple estimates gives you leverage when negotiating with repair shops. With information about competitive pricing and alternative options, you can discuss estimates with your chosen repair shop and potentially negotiate a lower price or additional services.

Remember, when obtaining multiple estimates, start by researching reputable auto repair shops in your area. Use online resources or seek recommendations from friends and family. Provide them with the relevant details of your vehicle's issues and request a detailed, written estimate that includes a breakdown of costs. While some shops may charge a small fee for providing estimates, the benefits of having multiple options usually outweigh the minimal cost.

By obtaining multiple repair estimates, you make informed decisions that protect both your vehicle and your finances.

Understand your insurance policy: know what is covered and what is excluded

Understanding your insurance policy is crucial when dealing with auto collision repairs. The coverage provided by your policy will dictate what repairs are covered and what expenses you may need to pay out of pocket. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to know about your insurance policy:

Types of Coverage:

Your insurance policy may include different types of coverage, each offering specific protection. The most common types of coverage are:

• Liability Coverage: This is the minimum coverage required by most states. It covers damage to another person's property and injuries caused by an accident for which you are at fault. Liability coverage does not pay for repairs to your vehicle or your medical expenses.
• Collision Coverage: This type of coverage pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. It covers a wide range of scenarios, from single-car rollovers to accidents involving trees or fences.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters like hail or fallen trees. It also includes coverage for collisions with animals.
• Medical Payments/Personal Injury Protection: This coverage takes care of medical bills and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses resulting from an accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This protects you if you're in an accident with a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance to cover the costs.

Exclusions and Limitations:

Standard auto insurance policies typically have several exclusions and limitations that you should be aware of:

• Wear and Tear: Insurance policies generally do not cover repairs related to normal wear and tear or routine maintenance. This includes replacing items like windshield wipers, brake pads, or spark plugs.
• Mechanical Failures: Mechanical breakdowns due to transmission issues or engine problems are usually not covered by standard insurance. For this, you would need separate mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) or an extended warranty.
• Vehicle Value: If your vehicle is totaled in an accident, your insurance company may opt to pay you the book value of the car instead of covering the repair costs. This is because the cost of repairs may exceed the vehicle's value.
• Rental Car Coverage: While some policies include rental car reimbursement during repairs, there are often limits on the amount per accident, per day, and the maximum number of days covered.
• Preferred Repair Shops: Insurance companies often have a network of preferred or approved repair shops. Using these shops can simplify the claims process, but you are not required to use them. You have the right to choose any repair shop you trust.

Additional Coverage Options:

Depending on your needs, you may want to consider adding optional coverage to your policy:

• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI): MBI covers mechanical issues that a standard policy doesn't, such as transmission or engine problems. However, it is usually only available for newer cars with low mileage.
• Roadside Assistance: This coverage can help with on-the-spot repairs, towing, flat tires, and other issues when you're stuck on the road.
• Rental Car Reimbursement: This optional coverage helps pay for a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired after an accident or covered event.
• Accident Forgiveness: This add-on ensures your insurance rates won't increase after your first at-fault accident.

Remember, it's essential to carefully review your insurance policy, understand the coverage limits, and be aware of any exclusions or additional coverage options that may apply to your specific situation. Knowing what is covered and what is excluded will help you make informed decisions when dealing with auto collision repairs.

File a claim: contact your insurance company and provide details of the accident

After an auto collision, it is important to know what you are entitled to. Insurance company adjusters may not tell you everything you are entitled to in order to save the company money. They will also generally try to convince you to have the damage repairs completed at a shop on their "preferred list". However, it is your right to have your vehicle repaired at the auto collision shop of your choice. It is illegal for an insurance company to pressure you into using a particular shop, even if it is your own insurance company.

When filing a claim, it is important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible, regardless of who is at fault. They will be able to give you an idea of the next steps and what to expect from the process. You will need to provide them with details of the accident, including:

• Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver's license numbers of all drivers involved
• License plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers
• Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of other passengers and any witnesses
• Photographs of the damage, the accident scene (including traffic controls and visual obstacles), and other drivers' insurance ID cards
• Dashcam footage
• Police reports

Once you have filed a claim with your insurance company, they will contact you for more detailed information regarding the accident and may take a written or recorded statement. As part of the investigation, they may also contact other drivers and witnesses. If you have medical payments or an uninsured motorist claim, you must provide documentation of your loss, including injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.

Handle communications: let your repair shop deal with the insurance company directly

After an auto collision, it is important to know your repair rights. While insurance company adjusters will often try to convince you to have the damage repaired at a shop on their "preferred list", citing that the insurance company has "approved" the shop and "guarantees" the repair rights, you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the auto collision shop of your choice. It is illegal for an insurance company to steer, force, require, or pressure you into using a particular shop.

In fact, insurance company/body shop agreements only exist to benefit the insurance company financially, which can result in lower-quality repairs that may lead to cosmetic imperfections or serious structural integrity issues that can affect the vehicle's ride, stability control, and safety. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit the body shop, meet the manager, and ensure they understand that they work for you and not the insurance company.

By choosing a repair shop that deals directly with the insurance company, you can avoid the hassle of acting as a mediator between the shop and the insurance company. This can increase the speed and efficiency of the repair work, as the shop will handle all communications and directly request approval for additional costs from the insurer if further damage is found during the repair process.

Additionally, by allowing the repair shop to communicate directly with the insurance company, you can be confident that all necessary repairs will be completed to the highest standard, ensuring the safety and integrity of your vehicle. This direct communication can also help prevent issues related to cosmetic imperfections or structural integrity that may arise from lower-quality repairs.

Overall, letting your chosen repair shop deal with the insurance company directly can save you time, stress, and potential safety hazards. It ensures that all repairs are properly authorized, additional costs are approved, and your vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition without compromising your rights as a customer.

Frequently asked questions