KEEP YOUR AUTO POLICY IN FORCE!!
"Let the rent be late, but pay the premium!"

So now your policy is in force and you have a covered loss, an accident. This is your time to become active and be sure you are in compliance with your insurers requirements and also set the stage for being indemnified.

Number one is as soon as possible report the loss to your insurer or one of their authorized agents.

Number two, protect your vehicle from further loss or damage if that is at all possible. If glass is broken and you can, have someone cover the vehicle with canvas or other material to keep the elements from causing additional damage. Do what a reasonable and prudent person would or could be expected to do.

If your vehicle appears to be repairable, secure your own estimate of damages from the repairer of your choice! You must determine your damages as estimated by an unbiased independent qualified third party! Get your second opinion first! Discuss your repair options with your choice of repairer and ask questions about restoration of structural integrity, corrosion protection, shop equipment and technical training. If you cannot get straightforward answers, you may well have selected the wrong repairer to assist you in your damage assessment.

Determine the local market value of your vehicle just prior to the accident. Vehicle condition, mileage, any old unrelated damage and what comparable vehicles are selling for in your area are factors to be considered. You need to be an informed consumer and relay your involvement early to your claims representative.

Consider the possibility of hidden and unseen damage prior to agreeing to have repairs started. Ask your repairer and also your adjuster. Remember, only you can authorize repairs. (Some states have allowed insurers to sell policies at a reduced rate, where the insurer has control of not only who will repair the policyholders' vehicle but also how repairs will be done.) This type policy is a gross injustice and another insurance company rip-off of consumers.

Advise your repairman and adjuster that you will have the completed repairs inspected by an independent and non-biased expert for assurance that your vehicle has been safely and properly restored in an acceptable way.

Trust AccidentCheck.com with your questions about auto collision repair.