Winter is here. It’s a season of joy, but it also increases the likelihood of car accidents. Canada actually has a higher number of winter accidents than other countries that have icy climates. You can save your life by being prepared for winter driving.
For information about car collision repair, please refer to the following tips if you are in an accident aftermath.
The Police can help
These situations are handled by police officers who have been specially trained. Let them help you.
After an accident, people can get extremely excited. Do not let your emotions get the best of you. Let the police officer mediate any dispute. You may also feel a bit shocked after an accident because your adrenaline rushes and you might be in shock. This can make it difficult to register that you are injured.
To ensure safety, an officer will examine you and all others involved in the accident. The police will also be able determine if there is any fraud in the accident.
You won’t regret having an officer on the scene.
Contact us for information about insurance and sharing
Make sure you exchange contact information and insurance information with other drivers. You may be unsure what information you should request.
Fault shouldn’t be discussed
It is important that you don’t discuss who was at fault for the accident. Do not admit to anything, or make general statements about the accident. Let the insurance company analyze the accident to determine who is at fault.
Once the officer has assessed the situation and all information have been exchanged, it is time to stop communicating with the other driver. There is no need to continue communicating with the other driver.
Your insurance company can contact the other driver if necessary.
Take pictures
Photograph the accident if you can. As many angles as possible are helpful. This will help you with your insurance claim as well as in collision repair.
This should only be done if you feel safe.
Claim
It is important to contact your insurance company immediately after an accident. They will often require that a claim be filed within 24 hours. Some adjusters may be called to assess the damage depending on the circumstances.
Get Collision Repair Estimates
Your insurer and you will need to agree on the price of repairs in order to move forward with the repair.
Your insurer may be happy to give you an estimate if you just go to a shop for a quote. They may ask you to assess the vehicle’s damage before you take it to a shop. They are entitled to give you an estimate before you bring it in to a shop. A representative from insurance may want to meet with shop managers to assess the needs. How well you repair your car can affect its value. You might consider joining the meeting with your auto body shop and insurance.
Only one estimate is required. You may also want to obtain a second opinion. You can get a second opinion to compare the prices and costs of different shops. Compare estimates with care – sometimes the lowest price does not necessarily mean the best quality repair.
The following should be included in your estimate:
- A complete list of repairs
- Parts will be replaced
- If the replacement parts for damaged or worn-out items are not available,
- If the repair shop will use OEM parts or generic ones
- Select a quality body shop
A strong reputation and written guarantee are the best ways to ensure top-quality collision repair.
Although insurance companies might recommend repair shops, it is your decision. It is up to you to make sure that your repairs are of high quality and last a long time. This is not the responsibility of insurance companies. Any warranty or repairs issues are between you, the shop and the contract you signed with them. It is important to vet shop and ensure that you choose a trusted, reliable business.
Once you’ve chosen a shop to buy, notify your insurance company.
Work with the Repair Shop
The shop will issue you a work order that authorizes them to work on your vehicle. Verify that the estimate includes all details. Make sure you include any additional repairs or pricing adjustments in your work order.
Talk to your insurance before the shop begins to work on your vehicle. Your insurance company is responsible for paying a portion of your repairs bill. You should be aware that mechanics might need to do additional work while they are working on your car. Make sure to understand your insurance policy regarding extra repairs if this happens.
After all repairs have been completed, you should thoroughly inspect the work. Discuss any issues with the shop manager. Contact your insurance if you’re still unhappy with the condition of your vehicle. After you have paid your deductible, and received confirmation from the shop that your insurance will cover the rest of the cost, your car will be returned to you.
Knowledge is power
Car accidents can be very stressful. It’s easier to make things simpler if you have the right car collision repair information and resources. Communicate effectively and promptly with your insurance company. Know your rights. It’s crucial that you choose a trusted collision repair shop – this is the most important decision you will make during this process.
Contact us if you need collision repair. We are here to guide and assist you in this difficult time.