AutoBodyFAQ's

After evaluating the damages to your vehicle, your insurance company has the option of repairing your vehicle, replacing your vehicle, or reimbursing you for the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV). Actual cash value is the amount your vehicle would have sold for on the date of the accident. Your insurance will elect to replace your vehicle or reimburse you for the ACV in those instances where the vehicle is economically impractical to repair. A vehicle is considered economically impractical to repair, or a total loss, if the cost to repair the vehicle equals or exceeds the vehicle’s ACV on the date of the loss. In many instances an insurance company will total a vehicle if the ap Read entire post...

If the accident or claim is not my fault, do I go through my insurance company or the other person’s insurance company? Report the crash to your insurance company immediately or within the time specified by your policy along with a copy of any police reports or supporting documents. Then report it to the other insurance company. Typically each company will have its own way of handling a claim. The majority of the time, if it is not your fault, the other insurance company will process the claim. Just keep on top of them to insure your case is being handled promptly and to your satisfaction. Read entire post...

Once the insurance company has the information about the accident including a police report, they will set up an appointment with either a field appraiser or a Direct Repair Auto Body Shop to write the repair estimate. Read entire post...

All insurance companies have different procedures and policies on reporting an accident. Check with your insurance carrier and request the proper steps. Read entire post...

Accidents are almost always unexpected and very stressful. It’s important to keep as calm as possible. Being prepared in the case of an accident is also important. Keep an emergency kit in your trunk or under a seat with a set of collapsible cones, warning triangles or even emergency flares. Make sure you also have a PEN and a card with relevant medical information for you and your family. Keep a disposable camera handy to take pictures, especially one that has a flash in case the accident is at night. Most disposable cameras are fairly durable and can survive the heat of a car, especially if stored away from direct sunlight. Replace it every two years to be sure the film is fresh. Wh Read entire post...

Getting unbiased opinions on how to get your vehicle repaired after an insurance claim is often hard work. Between the insurance company pulling you one way and the body shop telling you to go another way, you often feel like you are playing tug of war. AutoBodyFAQ.com hopes to dispel some of the uncertainties and give you some real world scenarios on dealing with the stressful experience of getting your vehicle repaired to pre-accident condition. Hopefully we can answer any questions you might have that we haven’t already covered in our extensive FAQ. Read entire post...