Approximately 20,000 car accidents occur each day in the United States. There is a good chance that all drivers will be involved in at least one car accident during their lifetime. When an accident occurs, the driver plays an important role in making sure the auto body shop and the insurance company are on the same page. Regardless of who is at fault, there are steps that can be taken to reduce out-of-pocket costs and inconvenience.
Exchange information with the other driver
Insurance companies need as much detail as possible before they will pay an auto body shop for your accident repairs. If there are no injuries and everyone is safe, both drivers should exchange names and numbers. It’s a good idea to write down the name of the other driver’s insurance company, as well as the policy number if possible. Also note the make, model, and license number of the other car involved in the accident. Your insurance company will ask you for this information when you file your claim.
File an accident report
If there are injuries involved, the police should be dispatched immediately. An on-site accident report will be completed and a copy of the report can be faxed to the insurance company. Minor accidents may not require a police response, but a report can still be filed. A state vehicle accident report form is available through the police department or the DMV. In some areas, the necessary documentation can be found online. The sooner the insurance company has the report, the sooner your claim can be processed.
document everything
As mentioned, insurance companies want to know as much as possible about an accident before working with the body shop to repair a vehicle. In addition to the other driver’s information and an accident report, also take notes on exactly what happened, the location, weather conditions, and any other details related to the accident. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the damage to both cars and keep documentation of all future conversations.
Contact the insurance company
A claim should be filed with the insurance company as soon as possible. It is best to make the phone call before you leave the scene of the accident, if possible. Once the claim process is started, the adjuster can help determine the best approach to complete the repairs. Keep in mind that a driver is not required to use their insurer’s preferred shop in most states. Also remember to take some notes about the conversation for your records.
collect estimates
Most insurance companies require multiple repair estimates if a driver wishes to use a body shop outside of the company’s network. It is a smart move for more than one body shop to independently agree to damages. Have at least 2-3 shops prepare detailed estimates of the parts and labor required to repair the vehicle. The claim adjuster should receive copies so that a decision can be made to go forward with the repairs.
When the insurance company has the details it needs, it’s easier to work with an auto body shop to quickly repair accident damage. The claim can be paid directly to the body shop or it can go to the insured. Whatever the case, be sure to get the details in writing. The most important thing is to keep in touch with the insurance company, as well as the body shop, throughout the entire process.
