Q. What should I do after an accident?
A. Get the name of the person(s) driving the other vehicle(s) involved along with their phone
number, driver's license, vehicle license, insurance information. Also try to obtain any witness' name and number.
Note the location, time and date. And, if you have a camera, take pictures. IMPORTANT: If the person(s) driving
the vehicle(s) involved is unwilling to provide this information or if they do not have a driver's license and insurance,
then you have a problem, and you should notify the police and your insurance agent immediately.
Contact PAT'S AUTO
BODY and we will set up a tow or appointment to get your vehicle in the shop. If you need alternative transportation and have
rental coverage or the other party's insurance is paying the bill, ask us to set up the rental for you.
Contact the
Insurance Company responsible and let them know where the vehicle is and/or where it is going and ask for a claim number.
If the Insurance Company wants to examine your vehicle at your house or in their claims center, you have the choice of doing
this, or you can inform the Insurance Company that you are dropping the vehicle at the shop of your choice and they can see
the vehicle there. Remember, you're free to choose.
Call PAT'S AUTO BODY and give them the claim number. From this
point on, we will negotiate on your behalf to insure that your vehicle will be returned to pre-loss condition.
Q. Will my vehicle be the same?
PAT'S AUTO BODY is the kind
of facility that has the equipment, personnel and training to restore your vehicle to pre-loss condition within industry
standards. However, your vehicle will be esthetically and structurally equal to its pre-accident condition.
Q. What do I do if my vehicle is totaled?
A.
The Insurance Company responsible for your claim must pay for the cost of an equal replacement vehicle or provide you with
a replacement vehicle. It is their choice.
The Insurance Company may offer you a dollar amount for your vehicle (less
the pre-agreed upon amount of your deductible). If you do not feel this is an adequate amount, you will need to substantiate
your claim for a higher dollar amount with independent written evidence showing the worth of a similar vehicle (year, model,
mileage, condition and options) in the same market area. The market area may be local or regional depending upon the number
of vehicles for sale in the area.
Remember, upon extension of their offer to you, the Insurance Company has fulfilled
its obligation and can at that time stop payment for rental car expenses. If your vehicle is totaled, visit your local dealerships
or go online and obtain information that substantiates your claim of what you believe your vehicle is worth.
Q. What should I do if the insurance company refuses to pay for a pre-loss repair?
A. Bring your vehicle to PAT'S AUTO BODY. We can negotiate for you to have your vehicle repaired
to pre-loss condition. Pay for the difference in the repair bill yourself. Obtain a written statement from the body shop detailing
any denied procedures and take your bill to Small Claim's Court. You may have to file against the individual who caused the
accident. We recommend consulting an attorney for specifics.
Q. What
if an insurance company refuses to work with the shop of my choice?
A. By
law, an insurance company cannot refuse your request and must negotiate with the shop of your choice. It is in both parties'
best interest to get your vehicle repaired and back to you as quickly as possible, without charging you extra. The Insurance
Commissioner does not tolerate delaying the repair through unlawful practices.
Q.
Can the insurance company make me go to their claims center for an estimate?
A.
No. You can drop the vehicle off at the shop of your choice and they will schedule an insurance adjuster to come out. If you
do go to their claims center, accept the estimate and the check they give you.
However, do not sign anything that states
you accept their check as payment in full. The insurance company realizes the repair shop may call with additional damage
costs.
Q. Who pays the tow bill?
A.
The Insurance Company responsible for paying for your repairs is also responsible for paying the tow bill to the shop of your
choice. If the Insurance Company selected a shop and you prefer to go elsewhere, they are still obligated to pay for the additional
tow.
Q. When is alternative transportation provided?
A. If you are an insured, check with your insurance provider. Generally speaking,
if your vehicle is legal and safe to drive, scheduling to have your vehicle repaired will insure that you will not incur any
of the costs.
If you are a third party claimant and your vehicle is legal and safe to drive, scheduling your vehicle
for repairs will insure that you will not incur any rental charges.
If your vehicle is unsafe or illegal (it may be
ticketed) to drive due to the accident, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle immediately upon being issued a claim number. Pat's
Auto Body will be able to take care of all the above to as part of their service and as a convenience to you. You are
responsible for insurance coverage you purchase from the rental company.
