Do you know that over 34 million cars are damaged in accidents every year? If yours becomes one of them, fast thinking and hard questions can save you a lot of aggravation and money.
The repair shop--With the variety and complexity of cars today, the shop must have the equipment and experience to fix your kind of car. If the car must be towed, have it stored until you decide who will do the repairs. Don't let a tow truck operator take the car to a "friend who does great work."
The estimate--There are two reasons to keep repair costs down.
1. Your auto insurance premium may rise if you have a huge repair bill.
2. If you are sued, your repair costs may be used as an indication of the severity of the accident. Beware of the shop that asks what your insurance deductible is and offers to pad the estimate to cover it. If they are willing to break insurance fraud laws, they may cheat on their repairs as well. If there is a lot of damage, get more than one estimate. Tell one of the shops that you, not the insurance company, are paying and compare this estimate with the other.
Parts--Always ask whether the estimate is for new or used parts. If new, will they be original manufacturer's parts (OEM)? Ask if replaced parts are sold for scrap. Of so, their salvage value should be deducted from the repair costs.
Loaners--Many shops offer a free or low-cost car to use while yours is being repaired. If so, ask if there is a mileage charge. Many shop don't mention it. Also find out what the car looks like; some are gaudily covered with the shop's advertising message. If your insurance covers a rental car, it may be a better deal.
The repair shop--With the variety and complexity of cars today, the shop must have the equipment and experience to fix your kind of car. If the car must be towed, have it stored until you decide who will do the repairs. Don't let a tow truck operator take the car to a "friend who does great work."
The estimate--There are two reasons to keep repair costs down.
1. Your auto insurance premium may rise if you have a huge repair bill.
2. If you are sued, your repair costs may be used as an indication of the severity of the accident. Beware of the shop that asks what your insurance deductible is and offers to pad the estimate to cover it. If they are willing to break insurance fraud laws, they may cheat on their repairs as well. If there is a lot of damage, get more than one estimate. Tell one of the shops that you, not the insurance company, are paying and compare this estimate with the other.
Parts--Always ask whether the estimate is for new or used parts. If new, will they be original manufacturer's parts (OEM)? Ask if replaced parts are sold for scrap. Of so, their salvage value should be deducted from the repair costs.
Loaners--Many shops offer a free or low-cost car to use while yours is being repaired. If so, ask if there is a mileage charge. Many shop don't mention it. Also find out what the car looks like; some are gaudily covered with the shop's advertising message. If your insurance covers a rental car, it may be a better deal.
