If your vehicle was recently damaged as the result of a car accident, you will likely require the services of a reputable auto body shop in order to have this damage repaired and get you back on the road again. However, before you rush to the nearest body shop in search of repairs, there are a few facts that you should know. Taking the time to review these facts can help to ensure you enjoy a successful insurance claims process and ultimately help to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
Fact #1: Only You Have the Right to Authorize Repairs to Your Vehicle
It is quite common for hidden damage to be discovered after your vehicle is dismantled at the auto body shop. This hidden damage can have a huge impact on the overall cost of repairing your vehicle. However, before the body shop is able to proceed with any additional repairs, they will first need to obtain your consent. This consent cannot be given or denied by the insurance company, even if you have filed a claim regarding the damage.
If after evaluating all of the costs associated with repairing your vehicle, you choose not to proceed with the recommended repairs, you may still be entitled to a payment from your insurance company in the amount of the approved repairs. This payment can then be used to help with the purchase of a new vehicle.
Fact #2: You Cannot Be Penalized for Choosing a Particular Auto Body Shop
Many people believe that they will be penalized if they choose not to take their vehicle to the auto body shop which their insurance company recommends. In some cases, individuals are even led to believe that they will be unable to use their insurance coverage if they fail to use an approved auto body shop. However, the truth is, the law provides you with the right to choose any licensed body shop that you want without the fear of losing your insurance coverage as a result.
Fact #3: All Out-Of-Pocket Expenses Must Be Paid before Your Vehicle Is Released
If your insurance policy includes a deductible, you will be responsible for paying this amount directly to the auto body shop that performs your repairs. You will also need to cover the cost of any betterment fees and other out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by your insurance company.
All of these costs will need to be paid in full before your vehicle can be released to you. If you are unable to pay these costs promptly, additional storage fees and interest may be added to your account for the extra time your vehicle remains at the shop. Therefore, you should never take your vehicle in for repairs unless you are absolutely sure that you can pay the final bill once the repairs are complete. Furthermore, you will want to avoid relying on any payments from the insurance company in order to cover these costs as you may incur additional fees as the result of any delay in these payments. Talk to a professional like Collision One for more information.
Share17 April 2015
