Auto Select Collision Center has over 25 years of experience dealing with Insurance Companies. Having an accident is stressful enough and the aftermath, at times, is even worse. We would like to alleviate some of the stress by helping with your claims.
As a Collision center we are able to assist with certain aspects of your claims. We can handle transferring your vehicle from your home or tow yard to our location. We can set up a reservation for you with Enterprise, were they provide courtesy pick up from our location to theirs. When applicable, we can send photos and write preliminary estimates to get your claim started, and much more.
We are more than happy to help our customers with anything they need, so below we shared some helpful information. Auto Select Collision Center provides the following information to assist and inform consumers. This material is general and is not intended to be legal advice.
FAQ
- +What to do when you have an accident
- Stop- Though this may differ from state to state, in most cases it is against the law to drive away without stopping after an accident, even if it was not your fault. Some officials may decide you are at fault just for driving off. Hit-and-run penalties maybe severe.
- Do not move your vehicle- Unless your vehicle interferes with traffic and/or there are posted signs; do not move your car. This helps officials determine what happened during the accident and who may be at fault. Moving your vehicle may cause you to be perceived as the at fault party.
- Call the Police- Whether it is a minor dent or a massive hit, it is always better to call 911. Most insurance companies require a police report to accept liability for a claim. With a police report there is less possibility for backtracking.
- Take photos and Exchange information: Take photos of your vehicle and other vehicles involved in the accident. Take photos up close and far away, this provides a better detailed image of the accident and damage that has been done to your vehicle. Another important step is exchanging information with the other driver(s).
Grab your insurance card, your driver’s license, and your vehicle registration and exchange the following details with the other driver(s):
- Name
- Phone number
- Insurance company policy numbers and contact information
- Make, model, and year of the vehicles involved in the accident
- Contact information of any eyewitnesses.
If you do not feel comfortable giving anyone this information, please wait for Police to arrive at the scene and give them your information.
- Call you insurance provider- Call your insurance provider and report the accident. Whether or not you are at fault it is important to let your insurance company know your vehicle was involved in an accident.
- +What you may not know about Insurance Companies
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- Preliminary Estimates. Insurance Adjusters are trained to write estimates based on their Company’s policy. They are taught to write the lowest estimate possible and based on what they can physically see, this is what we refer to as a Preliminary Estimate. This estimate is only to begin the process of your claim. A Preliminary Estimate and Insurance check is your approval to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. Once your vehicle is at your desired repair facility, the technicians and estimator will evaluate the damages remove broken parts and advise the insurance company of any other hidden damages they did not include in their estimate.
- Information is key. Do not leave anything out! Always tell your repair facility how the accident happened, what damages you noticed, and how your car is driving after the accident. Sometimes Insurance Adjusters leave damaged items out and without prior knowledge your repair facility may miss them as well.
- Be mindful of your deductible. When you submit a claim with your Insurance policy you are responsible for paying a deductible. Usually these deductibles are $250.00, $500.00 or $1000.00. Deductibles are to be paid to the repair facility repairing your vehicle. Insurance Companies do not pay the deductible, this is your responsibility as the owner of the policy.
For example: You have a 2010 Honda Civic and the Insurance Adjuster writes an estimate for $1,500.00. You have a $500.00 deductible, your Insurance Company will send you a check for 1,000.00, which is $500.00 less than what the estimate was written for. When your vehicle is in repairs, you are responsible for paying the $500.00 out of pocket and the $1000.00 that the insurance paid out for your vehicle.
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- Preferred Shops/Drive in Location. At times insurance companies will advise you to go to their preferred shops, or to shops that are in their “network.” Don’t fear the word drive in locations or preferred shops. Yes, preferred shops work for the insurance companies and ultimately are bound by contract to repair your vehicle to their guidelines. But, many insurance companies use their network shops to begin the process of your claim. You are not obligated to get the work done at their facility, you can take the copy of that estimate and show it to the repair facility of your choice. If at any time this becomes a hassle to you, you can request for the insurance company to send an adjuster out to your home or to the repair facility of your choice.
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