Frequently Asked Insurance Claims Questions

Steve's Auto Body & Collision Centre has dealt with thousands of insurance claims, here are a few of the most frequently asked questions:

Q: I called my insurance company to report the accident and they told me to get three estimates, but I'm so busy, do I really have to?
A: No.  You can inform the insurance representative you are aware it is your RIGHT to choose the repair shop you trust and insist the repair is done at that place. (Remember it is the shop that guarantees the work, not the insurance company, so choose your shop accordingly.  Go with the collision repair shop that has a long record of professional quality repair work, likes Steve's.)  the shop will provide the insurance rep with an accurate estimate and once the repair is approved the parts will be ordered and the work will begin.  (The insurer may or may not choose to send an appraiser at that point or perhaps later on into the process.)  In the meantime since you've likely paid insurance premiums for rental coverage you'll have no hassle either way.

Q: Do I have to call police when involved in an accident?
A: Yes, if there is bodily injury or the damage is over a certain amount you must, by law, call police to report the accident

Q: If I report an accident to my insurance company will my premiums go up?

A: MAYBE.  If you are not at fault and have not been charged under the Highway Traffic Act most insurance companies will not raise rates, however, there are some exceptions.

 

 Q: Will the fact I've been in an accident de-value my vehicle?

A: No.  Steve's will restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition so it will not be worth any less (in fact it could be worth more).

 

Q:  I've seen cars where the fender and door are 2 different colours.  Can the paint colour match be invisible?

A:  YES, absolutely.  At Steve's we mix our own custom colour as needed on each individual vehicle.  Manufacturers design paints for whole vehicle purposed to be applied in factory settings, however, sometimes when painting only panels the paint colour can appear different as a result of variable circumstances.  That is why at Steve's we will custom-match and/or blend to adjacent panels when required to give the factory-like, most accurate match possible.

 

Q:  I was at fault for the accident and my insurance company says I have to pay a deductible.  I've heard that some shops will waive my deductible, should I consider those shops?

A: NO.  In essence they are saying that they will take that amount off of the repair bill inn order to get you to have them do the repair.  If their estimate is accurate, obviously they will have to cut corners and do substandard work on your vehicle in order to discount the total bill this way.  If the estimate is no a fair reflection of what needs to be done they are already over-charging.  Unfortunately, these kinds of practices give our industry a bad name.  We believe most people realize you don't get anything for nothing, using common sense is always your best bet.

 

Q: I've had 3 estimates and although 2 are similar one is quite a bit less. WHY?

A: FIRST be sure the estimates all include the exact same thing, that is, compare apples to apples.  Labour hours, Parts, Refinish Labour and Materials should all be very similar in the same area, if not check to see if there is a part missing or a whole repair may have been missed.  It has been the practice of some shops to do this in order to get the work in the door and then up-charge when the vehicle is picked-up.  Your best option is to be a savvy consumer and pay attention to the details that may affect your ultimate satisfaction.

 

A GOOD Decision is an INFORMED Decision...

"At Steve's we believe it is our responsibility to inform and educate our customers with regard to the entire process of repairing their cars.

 Experience has taught us that this practice makes for happy, loyal customers."

No matter what your level of automotive knowledge,  you should not feel vulnerable when making decisions about your car repairs or insurance claims. 

At Steve's Auto Body they will walk you through the whole process, and answer all of your questions and concerns.  They will handle the paperwork and even arrange for your rental car, or give you a lift home!

Call Steve's today for a

FREE ESTIMATE

(905)895-4881