Archive for January, 2010
How does the Auto Insurance Claims Process work?
January 28th, 2010 | 
Author: With any luck, you will be blessed in life to have very little experience with filing auto insurance claims. That’s O.K. If you’ve been in an accident, you don’t have to be an expert. We can help you. At Mic’s Auto Body, we’ve repaired vehicles for the past 35 years. In that time, we have helped thousands of customers work through the insurance claims process.
Below, we have outlined the high points of the claims process, the ones that most people face in a normal claim. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your customer service representative for more specific information.
| Notice of Loss or Claim | This is the point where you first make contact with either your insurance company or the insurance company of the other driver to file a claim. At this point, the insurance company will ask you for information (including a statement) about the accident and any other information they think will be necessary to handle the claim. |
| Verification of Coverage and Coverage Limits | Whichever insurance company is going to pay for the repairs, yours or the other driver’s, will first need to verify that there was a valid insurance policy “in force” at the time of the accident loss. “In force” just means that they had a binding policy on that vehicle and for that type of coverage. Part of evaluating coverages is to determine whether you have the right to a rental car under your policy provisions. |
| Assigning Liability | Next, the insurance company will want to determine for them self who is at fault, so they know if they are liable to pay for the damages. This may mean getting police reports and witness statements, in addition to the statements that they have collected from you and the other party. |
| Determine the Extent of Damage | Once an insurance company determines that they have both coverage and liability it is time for them to determine how much they are required to pay out on the claim. The insurance company can assess the extent of damage in one of several ways:
Automotive Collision Center Inc. participates as a member of many insurance company Direct Repair Programs in order to expedite repairs and get your car back to you as quickly as possible. One of the outcomes of this process may be that the car is determined to not be worth the cost of repairs. This happens in about one of every five claims. This is what is called a “total loss.” |
| Authorize Damage Repairs | Once the insurance company has determined that the car is worth repairing, they should indicate to the car owner that it is O.K. to proceed with the repairs. Often, this process is short-cut by sending that notice directly to the repair shop. |
| Authorize repair of any additional discovered damage | Most initial estimates are performed while the car is still being driven and therefore include “visual damage” only, meaning only the damages that are visible without doing any disassembly of the damaged parts of the vehicle. That means that there is almost always additional damage discovered after the car has been dropped off at the shop. These additionally-required repairs are commonly referred to as “supplements” and are added to the original repair estimate. |
| Payment | The final step is for the insurance company to make the payment for the repairs. If you are having repairs completed by a DRP shop, the insurance company may arrange to send payment directly to the shop. In many cases where you had the damage estimated by an adjustor or at a drive-in estimating office, they will have given you a check on the spot. If you did not receive a check, please check with your Mic’s Auto Body service representative to know if there is anything you need to do.This is probably a good time to discuss deductibles. A “deductible” is the amount that YOUR insurance company will deduct from their settlement for repairs. In other words, if the repair bill is $2,500 and you have a $500 deductible, the insurance company will write a check for $2,000. ($2,500 less the $500 deductible) There is no deductible when the other party’s insurance company is paying for your repairs. |
List of all Dealers and web sites
| Acura | www.acura.com | |
| Audi | www.audi.com | |
| BMW | www.bmw.com | |
| Buick | www.buick.com | |
| Cadillac | www.cadillac.com | |
| Chevrolet | www.chevrolet.com | |
| Chryslers | www.chrysler.com | |
| Dodge | www.dodge.com | |
| Ford | www.ford.com | |
| GMC | www.gm.com | |
| Honda | www.honda.com | |
| Hummer | www.hummer.com | |
| Hyundai | www.hyundai.com | |
| Infiniti | www.infiniti.com | |
| Jaguar | www.jaguar.com | |
| Kia | www.kia.com | |
| Land Rover | www.landrover.com | |
| Lexus | www.lexus.com | |
| Lincoln | www.lincoln.com | |
| Mazda | www.mazda.com | |
| Mercedes | www.mercedes.com | |
| Mercury | www.mercury.com | |
| MINI | www.mini.com | |
| Mitsubishi | www.mitsubishi.com | |
| Nissan | www.nissan.com | |
| Pontiac | www.pontiac.com | |
| Porsche | www.porsche.com | |
| Saab | www.saab.com | |
| Saturn | www.saturn.com | |
| Subaru | www.subaru.com | |
| Toyota | www.toyota.com | |
| Volkswagen | www.volkswagen.com | |
| Volvo | www.volvo.com |
The Truth About Auto Body Repair Chains
Auto Body Repair is a industry that has more variation in quality than almost any other out there. Most people have a loyal body shop that they bring their vehicle to for repair whenever there has been a accident, or they are in need of a new paint job. Custom cars and hot rod lovers have shops that they favor that may never do any collision work, but do only restoration and paint work. When the work of any one shop is compared to another, there is always a difference, some good and some bad. This is true with every auto body repair business in the world, however for years much criticism and bad press has been given to nationwide auto body repair chains.
Aside from the thousands of independently owned auto body shops worldwide, there are a few corporate owned auto body repair chains. The most famous of these chains are probably Maaco and Earl Sheib, both which have been in business for decades. These body shops, often dubbed “Home of the $200 dollar paint job” are often given bad reviews and frowned upon by the car enthusiast communities. The truth however is quite the contrary and here is why:
- Value Auto Body Repair chains are able to produce quality work at a cost that a local, independent body shop can usually not come any close to matching. This comes from the sheer buying power of a large corporation and the savings are often passed onto you, the consumer. A typical paint job, without any body repair can cost anywhere from just a couple hundred bucks on the low end, and over a thousand dollars on the high end. This is perfect to freshen up a daily driver, prepare a car for a quick sale, or even fix damage to a lease vehicle before it is returned. Dollar for dollar, it cant be beat.
- Quality This is where most people find a problem with chain auto body facilities. Everyone has heard a horror story from someone about how a paint job went horribly wrong at a budget paint shop, or how the car looked worse after the body work was done then before it came in. Some people even claim that the paint just “flys off” the car as they drive! Most people who have made these claims have never even been to a chain auto body repair facility. The simple fact is that almost all of the corporate auto body repair chains are franchises, owned and operated by a independent business man. The quality of one chain shop is completely different then the next, just like ANY other auto body repair shop. I personally had my previous car, a 1989 Pontiac Trans Am painted by a local Maaco. I paid a little over $900 fix a few dents, strip and prep the car, then paint it. The results were amazing! I may not be able to say anything for other chain body shops, or even independent ones, my experience with this one in particular was great, and that’s not the best part yet!
- Warranty The best part of the whole deal is a warranty that a independent auto body repair facility simply can not offer! Most auto body repair chains offer a multi-year warranty that is valid nationwide. You can have your vehicle painted on the east coast, move out west, and if something happens to your paint in the warranty period, you can have it taken care of by a local branch of the chain. It can not be beat!
Posted in Auto Body Shop, Auto Collision Repairs, auto paint shop | 
Tags: $200 paint job, accident repair, auto body repair, auto body repair chains, budget friendly, car enthusiast communities, cheap body repair, collision work, custom car, earl sheib, hot rod, lease return, local chain, maaco, nationwide warranty, paint flys off, paint job, paint work, quality, quality variations, restoration, value, warranty | 
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Important Steps To Follow If You Are In An Auto Accident
In 2005, there were approximately 6,420,000 reported auto accidents. Chances are you might have been involved in an accident or know someone who was. But of those who have been in an auto accident, how many of us knew offhand the correct steps to follow in this situation? Many auto insurance consumers may not know the quickest and easiest route to filing a claim with your insurance company.
As an educated auto insurance consumer, you should know the basic steps involved in filing a car accident claim. Accidents are always unexpected, hence the name “accident.” While you can’t foresee getting into an accident, you can always be prepared for the worse case scenario.
At The Scene of the Accident
First, stop your vehicle. State laws require persons involved in an accident to stop and exchange information. Call 911 for police and/or medical assistance. Even if an accident seems minor, assistance may be needed to clear the accident scene, handle traffic, and file an accident report. You may also have stress injuries that come on after the shock wears off.
Once the officer and/or medical personnel have finished, try and collect information about the accident. You may be able to get a copy of the report filled out by the police officer.
This information should include time and place of accident, weather and road conditions, and other circumstances of the accident; as well as names, addresses, telephone numbers, driver’s license number and insurance information of those involved, including contact information for any passengers and/or witnesses. You also want to note vehicle information for all cars involved including make, model, year, color and license plate number. Also get the department and badge numbers of the responding police officer.
Filing Your Car Insurance Claim
Call your car insurance company and/or agent as soon as possible. The quicker you report a claim, the quicker the process can get started. Think about it; how many of us can be without our cars for a just a week, not to mention longer? You want to get the insurance process going and repairs done as quickly as possible. Also, the insurer may deny payment of your claim if you do not report the accident within a reasonable period. Make sure you read your policy for more details on such a time period.
Repairs and Your Car Insurance Policy
Make sure your insurance company agrees to pay your claim before you start getting any repairs. They may need to send out an adjuster before approving your claim. You can choose which repair shop to go to unless otherwise stated in your insurance policy. Some insurance companies require you go to repair shops approved by them, and may in turn offer you a discount to do so. Check all repairs after they are completed, and keep all receipts associated with the repairs, including an itemized list of exactly what was repaired.
If you are involved in an accident and your auto insurance rates drastically increase, it may be a good time to search for a different auto insurance company.
Posted in auto accident, insurance |
Tags: auto body repairs, auto collision, insurance |
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Management Tip for Auto Body shop owners Going LEAN?
A fundamental concept of Lean production for collision repair is to diagnose ALL the damage BEFORE the insurance appraiser shows up to do his thing. The goal is to eliminate the time consuming and expensive process of supplements the insurer is going to have to complete due to inaccurate damage appraisals.
Many shop are under the false assumption that they can not disassemble a vehicle until the insurance appraiser has seen it. Not true. At least not true to the extent that you have a signed authorization from your customer. How do you get your customers authorization for repairs when your not sure of the cost? Have them sign an authorization to disassemble and diagnose the damage only. Most customers will authorize a few hundred dollars to get an accurate picture of the damage. After a detailed and accurate repair plan and cost is completed they can authorize the repairs.
Here is the part you need to know:Determination of Damage and Cost of Repairs. The appraiser shall specify all damage attributable to the accident, theft, or other incident in question and shall also specify any unrelated damage. If the appraiser determines that preliminary work or repairs would significantly improve the accuracy of the appraisal, he or she shall authorize the preliminary work or repair with the approval of the claimant and shall complete the appraisal after that work has been done.
Some insurers have tried to claim that this regulation requires the approval of the insurance appraiser, as well as the claimant. Not true again. The same regulation defines the word Appraiser.
Appraiser – means any person licensed by the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board to evaluate motor vehicle damage and determine the cost of parts and labor required to repair the motor vehicle damage.
Claimant
- means any person making a claim for damage to a motor vehicle for either first or third party damages.
Caution: Don’t perform any repairs until the insurer has viewed it. They do have the right to confirm the damages.
Best Practice: The regulation clearly gives the shop the right to perform preliminary work (i.e. disassemble and diagnostic evaluation) with the consent of the vehicle owner in order to significantly improve the accuracy of the appraisal. Take advantage of that to improve your shop operations. And oh ya, don’t forget to sign it!
Posted in Auto Collision Repairs |
Tags: Auto Body Shop, auto repairs, government regulations |
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How to Avoid Auto Repair Rip-Offs
Rip-Off #1 – The Estimate Game
Many believe the first step in having their vehicle repaired is visiting a number of shops to obtain the lowest estimate.
Untrue. No law or moral standard says you must have your vehicle repaired at the “cheapest” place.
Would you select a surgeon based on price? Of course not! … You would choose a surgeon based on their skill, service, knowledge, and reputation. The same is true when it comes to auto collision repair. Low estimates often leave off important operations necessary to properly restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition.
Rip-Off #2 – The Direct Repair Game
A few insurance claims offices or agents will attempt to influence your decision when selecting a repair shop. They often try to refer you to a shop of their choice — one “preferred” by them.
Why?
Many Insurance companies with “referral” or “preferred shop” programs have approached repair shops and, in exchange for discounts, use of non-original parts and other cost-cutting techniques, promise to send repair work to the particpating shop to be on the insurer’s “list.”
Many have contracts in place with these repair shops. The problem? The repair shops participating in these programs are, in essence, working for the insurance company — not you, the vehicle owner.
Rip-Off #3 – The “Approved List” Game
If you choose a shop that doesn’t “participate” in these programs, you’ll likely be told (by the insurance company) that your selected shop is not on their “approved list” or that they may not be able to as “efficiently handle” your claim due to your selection of shop.
Don’t be intimated by these intimidating steering tactics!
Be aware of your rights. Contrary to what you may be told — it’s your car and YOU choose who repairs it.
5 Costly Misconceptions About Auto Collision Repair
Misconception #1: The Insurance Company is Responsible for Selecting the Shop to Repair Your Vehicle
False. Insurance agents and adjusters have no authority in telling you where to have your vehicle repaired. It is YOUR investment and YOUR responsibility to select a competent collision repair facility to properly restore your vehicle to pre-loss condition.
Misconception #2: The Insurance Representative Said the Shop You Selected Isn’t On Their “Approved” or “Preferred” list, and You Should Choose a Shop From Their “List”
False. In an effort to influence your decision process, some insurance companies use this “preferred shop” technique (under a number of interesting names). By them doing so, many uninformed consumers end up at repair shops who have agreed to repair the vehicle using procedures and imitation parts dictated by the referring insurance company.
You are NOT required to visit these shops. Doing so could put you at a disadvantage in settling your claim and receiving a high-quality repair to your vehicle!
Misconception #3:You Must Obtain Multiple Estimates
False. There is no law requiring you to get more than one estimate. This is often the reason one ends up with substandard repair work. You see, buying auto collision repair isn’t like buying a sweeper. It’s easy to compare features among sweepers, but difficult to compare levels of quality when it comes to auto collision repair. A repair can look good after the paint finish is applied, but it’s the underlying repair that determines the longevity of the repair.
With multiple estimates in hand, the insurance company will likely pay for the repair based on the lowest estimate.
The problem?
The lowest estimate is often the most incomplete estimate. Here’s an example:
Shop A writes an estimate including a number of operations necessary to properly restore your vehicle. These operations could include a wheel alignment check, corrosion protection (rustproofing), aiming of the head lamps, paint blend operations, etc.
Shop B prepares an estimate and overlooks the above mentioned operations from their repair estimate.
The insurance company pays for the repair based on Shop B‘s estimate. The vehicle owner mistakenly assumes they have done so because Shop B is “cheaper” than Shop A. Because of these omitted operations, the vehicle is returned to the owner with mismatched paint, could exhibit premature tire wear, or begin to rust.
Who loses? The vehicle owner.
Misconception #4: All Repair Shops Are Basically the Same
Not true. There are substantial differences among repair shops. Some have made considerably large investments in equipment and training. Many have not. Always do your homework when selecting a repair repair facility. Ask friends for recommendations.
Some vehicle owners assume the dealer must do the repairs to maintain their vehicle manufacturer’s warranty. This is also untrue. The manufacturer warrants only the parts used in the repair process. This warranty is in effect with independent repairers as well.
Furthermore, independent repair shops specialize in collision repair only, where dealers must also focus attention on selling new and used cars, servicing trade-ins, operating parts departments, etc. Independent facilities use the same, manufacturer-warranted parts as the dealer. If you have any questions about the parts warranty, just ask.
The Four Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Shop
Mistake #1: Failure to Select a Qualified Repair Shop
Don’t rely on your insurance company to make this selection for you. You must do your homework . Select a repair facility that will represent YOUR best interests by repairing your vehicle to pre-accident condition and provide you with a written warranty on the repair.
Mistake #2: Choosing a Shop Based on the “Lowest” Price
Estimates are seldom written “apples-to-apples.” If a few necessary labor operations are excluded from an estimate, one could assume the shop is “cheaper” than an estimate prepared with these operations included.
Truth is, the consumer doesn’t receive these necessary operations during the restoration process.
Mistake #3: Allowing the Insurance Company to Make (or Influence) Your Decision When Selecting a Repair Shop
Some insurance companies insist you have your vehicle repaired by a shop on their “preferred” shop list. You are not required to do so. Instead, like any purchase, choose a repair facility based upon reputation, quality and workmanship guarantee.
Mistake #4:Failure to Understand Your Responsibility in the Repair Process
Always remember: It’s YOUR car. It’s YOUR choice.
From the selection of the repair facility to securing payment from the insurance company, you are ultimately responsible for the proper and safe repair of your vehicle.
Posted in Auto Body Shop, Auto Collision Repairs, auto paint shop, insurance |
Tags: auto repairs rip-offs |
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Auto Body Shop and Auto Collision Center Keywards List
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Auto Body Shop Repairing and Painting
If you have been in an accident, or just want to revamp your old vehicle, then you should seek out an auto body shop that specializes in repairing and painting. An auto body shop employs trained mechanics that can do a variety of services to bring your car to perfect working condition. Whether you are seeking to make the exterior of your car shiny with a custom paint job or need work done to your engine, these professionals can help.
An auto body shop can offer many different services for your needs. Some specialize in customizing vehicles by using special painting techniques, while others use repair kits to hid damage. Your classic car or new truck can get a whole new look with a new acrylic paint kit in powder blue, fire red, or midnight black. Also, you can do work to the interior of your car by replacing the old vinyl. If you have been in a collision, these mechanics can also fix your bumper’s tip to make it look like nothing ever happened.
Whatever work you are seeking, it is important to do some research about what services your car may need beforehand. Start by going online and searching by what it is that you would like to repair on your car. For instance, if you have a worn out paint job, seek out what is involved with getting a new top coat applied. Make sure to know what you are seeking before heading to an auto body shop.
Posted in auto paint shop |
Tags: auto paint, auto painting, car painting, complete paint, paint job, paint work |
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Repairs Done by an Auto Body Shop
Auto body repairing and painting services provide detailing and repairing services to vehicles and cars, utilizing exterior paint, acrylic, wax, and powder coating. Auto body repairing and painting shops may also offer interior cleaning, custom paint jobs, car repairs, car painting, paint techniques, custom color combinations, and body repairs. Any vehicle can be detailed and painted, from a car or van, to a truck or SUV. Some auto body repairing and painting services specialize in a few different makes and models of vehicles and cars, while others offer services on a wide range of vehicle makes and models. Auto body repairing and painting services can be part of an auto dealer business, or an independent service. Some services may also provide custom automobile restorations, custom car painting, paint tips and techniques, custom paint jobs, acrylic paint jobs, custom color combinations, and vinyl work. Restorations or custom jobs can include painting, customizing, new upholstery and seat covers, auto body work, electronics and sound system upgrades, and accessories. You can find auto body repairing and painting services by checking your local phone book or trying a directory search online to find a shop near you. Be sure to choose an auto body repairing and painting shop that specializes in what you need. If you’re looking to restore your vehicle or auto, shop around at a few different automobile restoration shops to get price quotes and ideas on interior and exterior restoration. If you simply want your vehicle spruced up a bit with detail work and paint, contact an auto body repairing and painting service. Whether you want a wax, body repairing, custom paint job, vinyl restoration, tips and techniques, auto painting, powder coating, exterior paint, body service, or truck and car repairs, auto body repairing and painting services can help.
Posted in Auto Body Shop |
Tags: auto collision center, auto repairs, collision repairs, dents removal, frame repairs, mechanical repairs, paint work |
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