Got Into An Accident? 4 Tips To Make The Process Go Smoothy
Posted on: 21 April 2021
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After getting into an accident, the first step is to file a claim with your insurance company so you can start the process of getting the money you need to repair your vehicle. Fixing your car after an accident requires planning and prep for the process to go smoothly.
Tip #1: Talk with Your Appraiser
After an accident, the insurance company will have an appraiser come and look at your vehicle. Although you don't have to be there for this process, it can be helpful to be there. Allow the appraiser to do their work, but you should also talk to them. Be sure to ask them to consider hidden damage and the cost for repairing hidden damage, such as to the frame. You want to ensure they identify all damage and are willing to fight for you with the insurance company to get them to pay for all necessary repairs.
Tip #2: Choose a High-Quality Repair Shop
You get to pick where you get your car fixed. Your insurance adjuster can recommend shops that the insurance company has had positive experiences working with; however, they can't control who you go to. You have the right to take your vehicle to any shop that you choose to get things fixed up.
Tip #3: Choose a Shop That Looks Beyond the Visuals
When you choose a shop to fix your vehicle, you want to choose a shop that will look beyond the visuals. You want to work with a shop that is going to repair the damage that isn't visible. You want a shop that will fix damage to the undercarriage, for example, with as much vigor as they fix your damaged body panel. When your vehicle is involved in an accident, you want the whole vehicle inspected and repaired, not just the body panels.
Tip #4: Ask About Warranties
When you get your vehicle fixed after an accident, the work warranty will come directly from the auto collision repair center you work with. That is why you are going to want to find out what their warranty policy is. You should get a written warranty from the shop, so you have written proof of what repairs need to be done if there are any issues.
After being in an accident, start by reporting the accident to your insurance company. Then, work with the appraiser to determine the damage to the vehicle. After that, choose a high-quality repair shop that provides a warranty for their work and will look beyond the visual damage to the structural damage of the vehicle.
For more information, contact a local auto collision repair shop today.