Frequently Asked Questions

1. What steps should I follow after an accident?

Get names of persons involved, license numbers, insurance info, phone numbers, drivers license numbers, witness' names and numbers and pictures if you have a camera.

Contact:

• Repair shop of your choice and have them set up a tow to get the car to the repair facility.
• Insurance company responsible and let them know where the car is or going to be and ask them for a claim number.  If the insurance company wants to estimate the vehicle at your house or a claims center, you are free to do so, or you can inform the insurance company that you have a shop in mind.
• Call repair shop with a claim number

2. Do I need to get 3 estimates?

No law requires you to get more than one estimate.  Your only obligation is to take the vehicle to the repair facility of your choice.

3. Can an insurance company direct me to one of their repair centers?

No. You can take the vehicle to the repair facility of your choice.  The insurance company will schedule an adjuster to come out to your facility of choice to estimate your car.  If an adjuster inspects your vehicle accept the estimate and the check they give you.

4. Can an insurance company refuse to work with the shop of my choice?

By law, an insurance company cannot refuse your request and must work in conjunction with the shop of your choice.  It is in the interest of both parties to get your vehicle repaired and back to you in a timely manner.

5. What if there is hidden damage?

Any reputable shop should repair your vehicle to it's pre-loss condition.  Hidden damages are submitted to the insurance company after the vehicle is in the shop and disassembled.

6. Who pays the tow bill?

The insurance company that is paying for your repairs is also responsible for paying the tow bill to the shop of your choice.  If the insurance company selected a shop and you want your vehicle taken elsewhere, they are obligated to pay for the additional tow.

7. What should I look for when picking up my vehicle?

• Make sure you are provided an itemized estimate showing what was done to your vehicle.  A reputable shop will explain these items in detail.  Receive a written warranty of these repairs.
• Perform a "walk around" with the shop manager to have him go over repairs performed.
• Inspect gaps to make sure they are even and compare with other side.
• Look to see if the paint matches.  Check to see if there are any buffing swirls or dirt in painted area.
• Look for overspray on trim.  All trim should have been removed prior to painting.
• Check cleanliness of vehicle.  Make sure there is no buffing compound in gaps or dust inside.
• Take vehicle on a test drive.  It is always a god idea if the initial damage was substantial (over $3,000.00).