Most insurance companies have repair contracts with body shops. And after you’ve been in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you can bet the at-fault party’s insurance company will want your car in their recommended shop.
Should you follow this recommendation? Below, we examine some important aspects about this key area of post-accident recovery.
Dig for More Information
Take some time to learn about the body shop recommended by the insurance company. Do they have the right certifications? Do they have experience in repairing your car’s make and model? Do you know anyone else (friends, family, or colleagues) who have used this shop? Review websites like Angie’s List and Yelp.com provide fast access to reviews from actual customers.
By making sure the recommendation is valid beforehand, you could be saving a tremendous amount of time and hassle in the future.
The Lifetime Warranty Trick
And if you choose to take your car to a different shop, they’ll try to change your mind. One of the most common ways they do so is by stating they can’t offer a warranty on the repairs if a non-recommended shop performs them.
Don’t let this intimidation tactic affect you. Any reputable shop will give a lifetime warranty for the work performed, no matter who is paying the bill.
Handling the Claims Process Deadlines
If you get an estimate from the insurance company’s shop and think it’s too low, you have the choice to take it somewhere else and get another estimate. But this can take time, and it may take more than one estimate to prove the low-ball insurance offer.
So be careful of the deadlines set in your claims policy. If you don’t submit your estimates before the stated date, the insurance company may not be required to consider them.
Summary
If you are the victim of a car accident, the claims adjuster for the at-fault party will always try to minimize the size of your payout. Car repair costs are a major factor in this area. Insurance companies may have recommended shops, but you have the final decision on where the repairs get done. Don’t just sit back and accept the insurance company’s recommendation. Ask the right questions and make the best decision for your car and your recovery.
For victims of car accidents in the Philadelphia area, my law firm can help with all aspects of your recovery, including an analysis of the car repair costs. Contact us today for a free consultation.
