Get Auto Body Repairs Covered: Navigating Insurance Claims

Being in an auto accident can be traumatic, and there are many decisions to be made in the aftermath. One of the most important things to do is to prepare for what needs to be done after the accident. It is important to know your rights and obligations when dealing with insurance companies and auto body shops. You are not required to take your car to a facility chosen by the insurance company, nor are you obliged to travel an unreasonable distance to get the damage estimated. You are also not required to obtain multiple estimates, although it is a good idea to get a few to help you decide if it is worth paying your deductible and risking an increase in your premium.

Know your insurance coverage

Knowing your insurance coverage is crucial when it comes to getting auto body work done. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this process:

Understanding Your Insurance Policy

Firstly, it's important to understand the two main types of auto insurance coverage that pertain to auto body repairs: comprehensive and collision insurance. Comprehensive insurance covers damages resulting from incidents other than collisions, such as vandalism, natural disasters, or theft. On the other hand, collision insurance covers repairs for damages caused by collisions with other vehicles or objects. It's important to review your policy to determine if you have either of these coverages and what specific types of damages they include.

Deductibles and Premium Increases

When utilizing your auto insurance for body repairs, you'll typically need to pay a deductible, which is your portion of the repair cost. The amount of the deductible will depend on your chosen plan. Additionally, filing a claim may lead to an increase in your insurance premium, especially if the accident was your fault. It's important to weigh the cost of repairs against the potential increase in premiums to make an informed decision.

Coverage for Different Types of Damages

Different types of auto body damages require different types of insurance coverage. For instance, repairing a dented bumper, suspension damage, or rear-end damage typically falls under collision coverage. On the other hand, issues like deep paint scratches or a cracked windshield are usually covered by comprehensive insurance. Understanding what your specific policy covers for each type of damage is essential.

Choosing a Repair Shop

While insurance companies often recommend preferred auto body shops, you are not obligated to use their suggested options. You have the right to choose the repair shop that best suits your needs. However, preferred shops may offer quicker repairs due to their existing relationship with the insurance company. It's important to weigh your options and select the outcome that aligns with your preferences and circumstances.

Getting Repair Estimates

Before initiating repairs, it's advisable to obtain multiple repair estimates from different body shops. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you're getting a reasonable price. You can start by speaking to your insurance agent about their network of approved body shops and then expanding your search to other recommended shops. When contacting these shops, provide detailed information about the damage to get accurate estimates.

Filing an Insurance Claim

When you're ready to file an insurance claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible, even from the scene of the accident. Provide them with all the necessary information and documentation, including photos of the damage. Your claims adjuster will then determine the size of the claim and how much your insurer will cover. Remember that if you were at fault and have collision coverage, your premium may increase as a result of the claim.

Finalizing Repairs

Once you've chosen a repair shop and agreed on a price with them and your insurer, you can proceed with the repairs. Before authorizing the work, make sure to obtain a guarantee for the repairs from the shop. Most reputable shops will offer a warranty for a certain period, ensuring their workmanship. Additionally, if you choose one of your insurer's preferred shops, they may also guarantee the work.

You don't have to use the insurance company's body shop

After an accident, your insurance company will likely recommend a specific body shop for repairs. However, it's important to know that you are not required to use their preferred option. Here's why you don't have to accept their recommendation and can choose your own body shop:

You Have the Legal Right to Choose

In most cases, by law, the choice of which body shop to use is yours as the consumer. This means you are not obligated to accept the insurance company's offer or use their suggested repair shop.

Potential Drawbacks of Insurance Company's Recommendation

Insurance companies often have contracts with certain shops and benefit financially when policyholders use these shops, as they have negotiated lower labour, parts, and material costs. Claims representatives may also have quotas to meet regarding the number of claims that go to these contracted repair shops. As a result, they may try to persuade you to use their preferred shops, claiming that your claim will take longer or that they cannot warranty the repairs if you don't. However, reputable auto body shops typically provide written lifetime warranties on repairs, so don't let this sway your decision.

Benefits of Choosing Your Own Shop

When selecting a body shop, it's essential to consider your best interests. Look for a shop that provides timely written estimates, offers lifetime warranties on repairs, works directly with your insurance company, has lot-security measures, and provides repair-time and cost estimates. Additionally, if you have a unique or classic car, you may want to choose a body shop that specialises in such vehicles.

Flexibility in Repairs

If you decide to use a body shop outside of your insurance company's network, you have the flexibility to choose a shop that you trust and feel comfortable with. This is especially important if you believe the insurance company's estimate doesn't cover all the necessary repairs. By choosing your own shop, you can ensure that all damages are addressed to your satisfaction.

Direct Payment to the Body Shop

When you use the insurance company's preferred shop, they can work directly with the insurance company, and payment is typically handled directly between them. However, if you choose your own shop, the insurance company will likely send you a check, and you will be responsible for forwarding it to the body shop. This can result in delays if there are issues with the estimate or additional repairs are needed.

In conclusion, while it may be more convenient to use the insurance company's recommended body shop, you have the right to make your own choice. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option and select a shop that will best meet your needs and ensure your vehicle is properly repaired.

Get multiple repair estimates

Getting multiple repair estimates is a good way to ensure you get the best deal for your auto body repairs. In the past, it was customary to get three estimates before deciding on a repair shop. While this is no longer required, it is still a good idea to get multiple estimates to compare prices and services offered.

Keep in mind that the cheapest estimate may not always be the best option. Repair estimates can be inaccurate, and the final cost of fixing a car is often higher than the initial estimate. In addition, one repair shop might provide a quote for fixing a part, while another might quote for replacing it entirely. These are not comparable services, and just because one is cheaper, doesn't mean it's the best option for your car.

When getting multiple repair estimates, be sure to choose reputable repair shops that have experienced personnel. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family, or check online reviews to get an idea of the quality of work and customer service offered by different shops.

By getting multiple repair estimates, you can make an informed decision about which shop to choose for your auto body repairs, ensuring you get the best value for your money and a quality repair that meets your needs.

Understand the repair process

Understanding the repair process is key to getting your car back to its pre-accident condition. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the auto body repair process:

Step 1: Know Your Insurance Coverage

Firstly, it's important to understand your insurance policy. Collision coverage will cover repairs if your car has been damaged in an accident, while comprehensive coverage includes damage caused by other events such as fire, theft, or natural disasters. Remember that your insurance will only cover repairs related to the incident and will not fix pre-existing issues.

Step 2: Report the Accident

If you've been in an accident, it's crucial to report it promptly to your insurance company. Exchange insurance details with the other party and contact your insurer to provide them with information about the crash. If there are injuries, seek medical attention first, and then report the incident. In some states, you are legally required to report all accidents, especially if there is significant property damage or if it was your fault.

Step 3: Choose a Body Shop

You have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. Your insurance company may recommend preferred auto body shops, but you are not obligated to use their services. Weigh your options by considering factors such as convenience, cost, and the quality of repairs. Remember, you can get estimates from multiple shops to help you decide.

Step 4: Get Estimates and Appraisals

Obtain repair estimates from your chosen body shops and share them with your insurance company. They will likely send an adjuster to appraise the damage and determine the necessary repairs. The appraisal may not cover all damages, especially those that are not visible, so be sure to communicate any concerns you have.

Step 5: Agree on Repairs and Pricing

Once you've selected a body shop, they will work with your insurance company to agree on the repairs and pricing. Make sure to get a guarantee for the work done, as most shops offer a 30-day guarantee. Using a preferred shop may result in a smoother process as they have an existing relationship with your insurer.

Step 6: Monitor the Repair Process

During the repair process, it's important to stay informed and address any concerns. Communicate with the body shop and your insurance company about any additional repairs or issues that arise. Remember, you can request the use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts if you prefer, but insurance companies may specify the use of used or aftermarket parts to reduce costs.

Step 7: Final Inspection and Payment

Before accepting the repairs, perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. Check for proper dent and rust removal, corrosion protection, and paint quality. Take the car for a test drive to ensure it functions as it did before the accident. If you notice any issues, document them and discuss them with the body shop and your insurance company. Once you are satisfied, the insurance company will typically pay the body shop directly, and you will only be responsible for any deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses.

Know your rights

Knowing your rights is essential when dealing with auto body repairs and insurance companies. Here are some key points to be aware of:

The Right to Choose Your Auto Body Shop

You have the right to choose the auto body shop that will repair your vehicle. Insurance companies may try to steer you towards their "preferred" shops, but it is illegal for them to force or pressure you into using a particular shop. It is your decision, and you should choose a shop that meets your standards for quality and service. Visit the shop, speak to the manager, and ensure they understand that they are working for you, not the insurance company.

The Right to a Written Estimate and Detailed Invoice

Before any repair work begins, you are entitled to receive a written estimate of the costs. After the work is completed, you should receive a detailed invoice outlining the work done and parts supplied. This is important for transparency and ensuring you are only paying for necessary repairs.

The Right to Return of Replaced Parts

If you request it when placing a work order, you have the right to receive any parts that have been replaced during the repair process. This can be helpful if you want to inspect the replaced parts or for your own records.

The Right to Be Informed of Progress and Supplemental Damages

You should be kept informed about the progress of your vehicle repairs at every step of the way. This includes being notified of any supplemental damages found or any issues that arise with the insurance company.

The Right to Rental Vehicle Coverage or Loss of Use Payment

If your vehicle is being repaired due to an accident caused by another party's negligence, you are entitled to a replacement rental vehicle or payment for the loss of use of your vehicle. This coverage typically lasts from the date of the damage until you pick up your repaired car.

The Right to Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

You have the right to reimbursement for various out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the accident. This includes costs such as police reports requested by the insurance company, mileage, and time expenses related to obtaining repair estimates and dealing with the claim process.

The Right to Payment for Diminished Value

If your vehicle has been repaired due to an accident, you may be entitled to payment for the diminished value of your vehicle. This is because a vehicle with a history of repairs and damage is often worth less than one without such a history. In the United States, the state of Georgia recognizes this right, and in other states, you may be able to collect diminished value if you are making a claim against the uninsured motorist property damage coverage.

Remember, your specific rights and coverage may vary depending on your insurance policy and the laws of your state or country. Always review your policy carefully and consult with your insurance agent or broker if you have any questions or concerns.

Frequently asked questions