Many car accident victims ask themselves whether it’s worth filing an insurance claim. You might be considering paying out-of-pocket if your vehicle sustains minor or medium damage. Here are some common questions about auto insurance and auto body repair that can help you make an informed decision for your vehicle.
Is it worth filing an insurance claim?
First, get a few estimates for collision repairs. This will allow you to decide whether it is worth paying your auto insurance deductible or risking higher premiums. Different insurance companies have different thresholds. These limits will determine if there will likely be an increase in premiums. Some insurance companies won’t raise premiums if the amount received is below $1,500. This is a great time to talk with your agent. You can also ask your agent to file a claim for you. An agent wants to keep you in business, and if your premium rises they could lose your business.
Do I have to choose the preferred auto body shop of my insurance company?
After you file a claim, your insurance representative will inform you that you are allowed to use any of their preferred auto body shops. You have the right to choose any auto body shop that you like. They can legally recommend an auto body shop. Sometimes they may try to steer you wrongly and scare you into thinking that they can guarantee your auto body repairs if you choose one of their shops. Auto body shops offer warranties on repairs that insurance companies cannot provide. Reputable collision repair centers offer a lifetime labor warranty as long as the vehicle is yours. Before you commit to a collision center, do your research. Check out reviews and see how long they’ve been in business.
How can I file a claim for damages after a car accident?
You can file a claim by calling your insurance company’s claim number or downloading their mobile app. Many people believe that their agent can file claims for them. However, this is incorrect. Although you can ask your agent for assistance in filing a claim, they really are only opening a claim. The claims adjuster will need to speak directly with you and will require details about the accident.
If it is my fault, will my insurance still cover my car repairs?
If it is your fault, and you have collision and comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will cover your auto body repairs. They will determine if you have coverage based on the facts of the accident and notify you about your deductible.
Can you cash your auto insurance check?
If the check is only in your name, you can cash an auto insurance check. Sometimes, however, the insurance company may send a two-party check with your name and that of the auto body shop. To apply for your repair bill, you will need to sign the check and bring the check to the collision center. Cashing a check in your own name will only result in you paying the exact amount to the collision shop. The office will confirm the payments you have made and request the exact amount before they release the vehicle. 99 percent of the time, the repair cost is higher than the original check.
What is a collision deductible?
A collision deductible is a monetary amount that you pay to an auto body shop. Insurance companies will pay the balance of the repair costs. If collision repair costs are $2,000, and you have a $500 deductible, then the insurance company will pay only $1,500.
When choosing car insurance, it is crucial that you select a deductible you can afford. A lot of customers choose a $1,000 deductible in order to get a lower premium, but then they find themselves without the funds to pay the $1,000 deductible for an at-fault incident. The customer ends up calling around town looking for a shop that will waive deductibles. While deductible waivers are a different topic, I can quickly tell you that collision repair shops located in safe areas of town with skilled technicians and a track history of quality repairs do not engage in any gimmicks.
Questions about car insurance claims and auto body repairs can be confusing. Choosing the right auto body shop from the start will help make the auto body repair process easier to navigate. Miller Brothers Auto Repair works with all insurance companies, including Geico, but our priority is customer service and safe, proper repairs. We have a history of happy customers, master technicians, and utilize the latest equipment to return each vehicle to pre-accident condition.
Contact Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop for auto repairs and more info about auto insurance claims.
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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/
Serving Knoxville, TN, and Knox County
Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville
