It seems like a straightforward process, but for many car accident victims, getting their vehicles back on the road again can be a frustrating road to travel.
Let’s take a look at a step-by-step process that can get you back on the road again, without having to wait weeks to get your car repaired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After you move your vehicle to a safe place and exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident, call your insurance company to explain what happened. Ask the insurance company representative what you should and should not do. You need to give the representative your name and contact information, as well as your driver’s license number and a brief description of the accident.
When it is time to file a claim, you can do it online or by accessing a mobile app.
Choose Where to Take Your Car
Some insurance companies provide a list of preferred auto body shops for policyholders to take their vehicles. However, your insurance company legally cannot demand that you take your car to a specific repair shop. If you took out a car loan and you are still making payments on the loan, your lender might ask you to select an auto repair shop from a list.
Going with your insurance company’s suggested auto repair shop might save you time, but it probably will not save you money. If you have established a business relationship with an auto repair shop, take your car there for repairs and maintenance.
Here are a few tips for clients that do not have a go-to auto repair shop:
- Mechanics should be ASE certified
- Read online customer reviews
- Compare price estimates with at least three repair shops
- The shop should be affiliated with AAA
- Select a shop that specializes in fixing your make of vehicle
- Confirm repair warranties
Take Your Vehicle in for Repairs
Schedule an appointment with the selected repair shop and ask how long you can expect to be without the vehicle. If your vehicle is not in driving condition, utilize the road assistance feature of your auto insurance policy. Using AAA is another option to get your car towed promptly.
The amount of time your car spends in an auto body shop depends on the extent of the damage. Other factors that can determine how long you are without a car are the availability of parts and the schedule of the mechanic working on your car. If you expect to be without your vehicle for more than one day, consider renting a car or taking public transportation. Your auto insurance policy should include a clause that states your insurer pays for car rental costs.
Most auto insurance claims include a statute of limitations that defines how long you have to get your vehicle fixed if you want compensation from your insurance company.
Communicate with your Insurance Company and the Auto Repair Shop
Ask the representative handling your claim what documentation you need to submit to receive full reimbursement for damages. Any promises made by your insurer or the repair shop should be in writing to leave a paper trail in case you have to hire a car accident attorney. Your insurer might want you to submit an itemized list of repairs to ensure every repair is covered by your auto insurance policy. Some
auto insurance companies want to see a list of proposed repairs before work is started on the vehicle.
Lack of communication is one of the most common reasons why policyholders end up footing more of an auto repair bill than they should.
It seems like a straightforward process, but for many car accident victims, getting their vehicles back on the road again can be a frustrating road to travel.
Let’s take a look at a step-by-step process that can get you back on the road again, without having to wait weeks to get your car repaired.
What to Do If You are Not Satisfied with the Repair Work
When you get your car back and you are not happy with the quality of repair work, you should follow a few steps to get the job done right.
Take photos of the areas of the car where you are not satisfied with the quality of the repair work. Send the photos to both your insurance company and the auto repair shop. Then, ask to speak with the shop supervisor and remember to speak using a calm, measured voice. You should also contact your insurance rep and if you get nowhere with your insurer, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department.
If you feel a lawsuit is the only way for you to get your vehicle repaired properly and receive compensation from your insurer, you can hire a lawyer to help with your case.
When you get your car back and you are not happy with the quality of repair work, you should follow a few steps to get the job done right.
Take photos of the areas of the car where you are not satisfied with the quality of the repair work. Send the photos to both your insurance company and the auto repair shop. Then, ask to speak with the shop supervisor and remember to speak using a calm, measured voice. You should also contact your insurance rep and if you get nowhere with your insurer, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department.
If you feel a lawsuit is the only way for you to get your vehicle repaired properly and receive compensation from your insurer, you can hire a lawyer to help with your case.
