How to Work with Your Insurance Company After an Accident

Let’s face it.  NONE of us wants to be in an accident.  We faithfully pay our premium for our insurance policies, month after month, year after year, hoping against hope that we won’t have to call on them.

But the stats are against us.  Research shows that each of us will be involved in some sort of automobile accident once every eight years.  When we do, we’re put in the uncomfortable position of having to deal with our insurance company.

And we’re at a disadvantage there.  After all, all our insurance company does all day long is deal with folks like us that have a claim.  They know what they’re doing.  We don’t even know what questions to ask or what our real rights are.  Until now.

Here are some important things to consider when dealing with your insurance company after an accident:

• Obtaining three repair estimates is not necessary, unless it is stated in your policy.
• You can go to any body shop, unless your policy specifies a list of body shops to visit.  Learn what to look for in a body shop here.
• Before work is done to your vehicle, you should be presented with an estimate to know what is being repaired on your vehicle, unless a policy states otherwise.
• When you do choose a shop, the shop management should contact the insurance company and advise on damage. You should also notify your insurance company to confirm your vehicle’s location.
• Unless stated by your policy, it is not necessary to take your vehicle to a drive-in claims service. Usually, the vehicle can be examined by a claims person at the body shop.
• Whether your insurance company is paying the shop directly or you are paying the shop, unless payment has been made to the repair shop, your car will not be released to you.
• Insist on having your vehicle restored to its most original condition.
• Do not let price be the determining factor of where your car gets repaired. Lower prices may not always mean quality work.
• Ask for a copy of your shop’s code of ethics, which is designed to protect you and your property.
• If you are having problems with either your insurance company or the other party’s insurance company, a lawyer, though costly, will often speed up processes.

And if you are not getting satisfaction from working with your insurance company, check out the Consumer Insurance Bill of Rights on GarageFly.  There are links at the end of the article that may help you get some help.

Let’s be careful out there!

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