Got into an accident! Now what? 4 things to know in filing an auto insurance claim for my collision damage.
You’ve made it through the initial phase of a car accident, hopefully without a scratch. But, now you’re dealing with repair needs and the insurance company. What are the steps involved in filing a claim? Mannes Body Shop is here to help you!
01
BE SURE TO COLLECT INFORMATION AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE
As confusing and overwhelming as things can immediately feel following a crash, its vital that you gather details. Always give priority to medical aid. Ensure everyone is safe. Then, call the police to make an official report. While waiting for the police to arrive, exchange information with the other driver. (Include their license number). And get contact details with any witnesses. Take as many pictures as possible, and note any special factors like weather or surrounding circumstances that may have contributed to the accident.
02
CONTACT YOUR AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY
Once you have a chance to catch your breath, call your insurance company. Depending on the cause of the crash, the other driver’s insurance may be paying for your repairs. But until this is determined, your carrier should be fully apprised of the details. (This is why its important to gather details at the accident scene), Depending on your company, you may be able to file a claim by phone or online. You may also be asked to submit this information to the other driver’s insurance company.
03
WORK WITH THE CLAIMS ADJUSTER and BODY SHOP OF YOUR CHOICE
You will be assigned a claims adjuster to handle the accident. Most of the interaction involves a few phone calls and sending a document or so. The adjuster’s job is to determine how much the insurance company will pay to repair your vehicle. While a professional adjuster concentrates on customer service, It’s helpful to be aware that their main focus is getting good work done for as little money as possible. Mannes Body Shop’s focus is to repair your vehicle in the safest and most effective way possible. Mannes Body Shop uses your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended methods to instruct our protocol and process. Your insurance company is not the repair-expert; they are the repair-payer. The expert is your vehicle manufacturer, who designed and made your vehicle, and those who understand the process of fixing their inner working mechanics and repair-layers. Our technicians are highly trained and Gold Class certified in fixing vehicles. Mannes Body Shop issues a 100% lifetime guarantee for your repair work. Our team is industry-leading and only willing to work with correct parts and procedures for your repair need.. We believe safety and effective repair for your vehicle is your desire too. Be warned this is not the nature of all insurance companies.
04
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CLAIM PROCESS AND THE REPAIR-WORK
During your initial conversation with the insurance company, review what your coverage actually includes.
How much is your deductible?
Is a rental car paid for, if so, how long are you allowed to use it for?
What is my insurance company willing to cover in the event of a repair need vs what I am responsible to pay?
This part can feel confusing. Insurance companies sometimes have preferred relationship with certain collision-centers. The biggest question to ask is why? Is it because the body shop is reputable and each company exhibits a respectful mutual working relationship? Or is it because the body shop is willing to compromise quality and ethics for the sake of appeasing an insurance company who is willing to profit at the expense of your safety and quality repair service? Both realities play out in this industry. Do your research and know who is repairing your vehicle and how they are repairing it. Know you are NOT REQUIRED to use one of your Insurance recommended providers. Under MI law, you have the right to choose your trusted preferred body shop for your car’s best repair after its accident.
Your insurance company is legally obligated to pay for a safe and correct repair.. It can sometimes feel frustrating if they make it seem otherwise. Remember YOU are the paying agent. You pay for your auto-insurance, and your insurance company is supposed to be working for you. Mannes Body Shop is here to advocate for your safest and most excellent repair-work. Let us know how we can help! We deal with insurance companies every day, and know how yours operates. We’re here to help guide the process and make sure you are getting the safest and most excellent service.
We are happy to help inform your agent and agency of why our repair plan is built the way it is for your vehicle need. One accident is bad enough, don’t let faulty service become another.
