Five Myths about Auto Insurance When Getting Auto Body Repair
Myth #1: The insurance company chooses the body shop
In the state of California the insurance company cannot require you to take your car to any body shop. The insured can have their car repaired in the shop of their choice. Many Insurance companies do however, have preferred shops and may give you additional benefits for using them. For example, the insurance company may give you a lifetime warranty to use the shop they prefer. This usually gains them a discount and a little more control of the repair process.
Myth #2: The insurance company’s estimate is all they will pay
Often an insurance company will do an initial estimate to get the claim started and document their files. This is just a starting point. The insurance company expect that when the vehicle is disassembled that there will likely be further damage. However, they can’t address this until the damage is found. When it is, the shop will simply bill the insurance company for the remainder of the damage.
Myth #3: Comprehensive insurance coverage protects me from everything
If you are in an accident, caused by you, and only have comprehensive insurance, you are not likely covered. Usually, comprehensive only covers damage that is NOT caused by a collision, like damage from vandalism, fire, hail, or a limb falling on your car. For coverage for an accident, you will need to have collision coverage added to your policy.
Myth #4: My insurance won’t go up if I didn’t cause the accident
This may or may not be true. You need to read your policy. Often, no fault insurance, where the other party doesn’t have insurance, will cause your rates to increase. Prior to turning in a claim, you should sort this out with your agent.
Myth #5: Collision insurance coverage will pay for damages caused in any accident
Collision insurance is to cover your car if you cause the accident. If you don’t have collision coverage and you caused the accident, you may be responsible for your own auto body repair. Liability insurance should cover costs incurred to the other driver and their car. If the driver is uninsured or under-insured and you have an uninsured motorist endorsement on your policy, you should be covered.
Understanding Your Car Insurance
Before you buy car insurance you should research the definitions, of a few basic terms. You have to make sure you understand what you are buying and why. It’s common to not understand how your insurance works when getting auto body repair, do your homework and make sure you buy what you need.
Finding a Local Body Shop Auburn, Chico, Woodland, Paradise or Red Bluff
If you are in an accident in Auburn, Chico, Woodland, Paradise or Red Bluff stop by a Collision Pros and we will be happy to help you with your claim.
What to Do if You’ve Had an Accident
To learn more about what to do if you are in an accident review our previous article on what to do if in an accident.
