Being involved in a car accident can be a terrifying experience – and what follows after the incident can be very stressful. In case your car has sustained damages, you will need to file an insurance claim, but what next?
Finding a good and reliable auto repair shop as you handle the insurance claims process might seem like too much of a hassle. But getting your car repaired after an accident shouldn’t be as difficult as it seems.
Typically, you can either choose an auto repair shop from your insurer’s network of approved shops or choose your own preferred auto body shop to do the repairs.
It is important to note that while some of the high-tech features available in your car make it better to drive, they may also make the repairs more complicated and costly.
The following are some of the things you need to consider before making this decision.
Reasons to Choose an Insurance Company-Recommended Body Shop?
There are many benefits to choosing an insurer-approved auto repair shop. Your insurance company is prepared to help you get your car fixed, but your specific situation will determine which is the better option for you.
Saving You Time and Money
Selecting an insurance company-approved body shop can significantly help save you time and even money since you don’t have to worry about searching for the shop, waiting for an inspection, or getting an estimate. Your insurer has already committed to working with the shop. Since working with an approved shop helps you to save some time on the front end, it will help you get your car back much sooner.
Reduced Paperwork
As well as saving you time, using a recommended auto repair shop can help eliminate the hassle of handling paperwork as required by the insurance company. What’s more, the insurance company will, in most cases, require the approved shop to provide a guarantee for their workmanship. This helps to save you costs in case a problem arises later on, for as long as you own the car. But, on the contrary, when you choose to use your own shop, you will have to handle any future on your own.
Potential Discounts
Some insurance providers offer a reduction in your deductible if you use an approved auto repair shop. A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for repairs. As a matter of fact, the option of using a recommended shop is meant to reduce your worries during this stressful period.
Regardless of if it is an approved shop or not, you should be provided an initial estimate from the repair shop. But when you choose an approved shop, the shop works directly with your insurer to handle any extra costs that may arise in the course of repairs. Thus, you won’t have to worry about pre-paying for other items that may come up and then wait for reimbursement from the insurance company.
Rental Car Coverage
You will most likely need some alternative transportation as your car is being fixed. Certain insurance policies will have rental car coverage for exact situations. In case you have selected a recommended auto repair shop, and the repairs end up taking longer than expected due to some hidden damages, the insurance company will normally work closely with you to prolong your rental car plan. Refer to your policy to see what is covered in terms of rental cars during repairs.
