Been In An Accident? What To Look For When Having Your Car Repaired
If you've been in a car accident, you want to make sure that your car is taken care of. The last thing you want is to be left with problems long after the insurance company has signed off on the repairs. Here are some tips that will help you avoid problems when getting your car repaired after an accident:
Don't Settle on the Shop Your Insurance Sends You To
If you're trying to get your car repaired after an accident, your insurance company may try to tell you that you need to work with a repair shop that they've authorized. That's not correct. When it comes to getting your car repaired, you have the right to go to a body shop of your choosing. You need to know that you're comfortable with the shop that will be conducting the repairs. Before you choose a shop for your auto body repairs, make sure you're comfortable with the selection. Go ahead and visit a few different shops, and get several estimates. Talk to the repair crews about the work that will be done to your car.
Protect Your Existing Warranty
If your car is still under manufacturers warranty, don't agree to any work until you're sure that it won't jeopardize your warranty. In some cases, using after-market parts, or having other shops work on your engine, could void your manufacturer's warranty. Before you sign a contract for repairs, talk to the repair shop conducting the repairs, and the service department at your local dealership. They'll be able to work together to protect your warranty while making the necessary repairs to your car.
Take Care of Your High-End Car
If you've got a high-end car, you want to choose a body shop that has the experience to restore your car. When choosing a body shop, ask them about their area of expertise. This is particularly important if you own an exotic or foreign car. You don't want your car being repaired by someone who isn't familiar with it.
Get Promises in Writing
If your insurance company has made you specific promises regarding the repair of your car, be sure to get those promises in writing. Insurance adjusters may make promises that the insurance company generally won't abide by, or that isn't standard practice, such as paying the total cost for rental cars or guaranteeing absolute restoration to the condition your car was prior to the accident. If the promises being made by your insurance adjuster don't sound like the information you've found in your policy, be sure to get everything in writing before the work begins.
Contact a company like Exoticar Paintworks Inc for more information and assistance.