Frequently Asked Questions

🛠️ After an Accident: What Are My Options?

If you've been in an accident, your first decision is whether to pay out of pocket or file an insurance claim.

• Not Your Fault? You can file with the other driver’s insurance or your own (if you have full coverage).

• Full Coverage? You may choose to file with your own insurance if:

• The other insurer is difficult to work with.

• The other driver lacks sufficient liability coverage.

• No Coverage or Prefer to Avoid a Claim? You can pay out of pocket, but be aware that hidden damage may increase repair costs once work begins.

The industry average is approximately 20 days, but timelines vary based on:

• Insurance approval delays

• Parts availability or backorders

• Extent of damage uncovered during disassembly

Insurance companies often write estimates based on photos alone, which miss critical damage details. These initial estimates are typically low because:

• They hope you'll accept a payout and skip repairs.

• They avoid paying for full restoration to pre-accident condition.

No. The initial estimate is just a starting point.

• Once your vehicle is in the shop, we perform a tear-down inspection.

• Any hidden damage or broken parts are submitted to insurance as supplements.

• This process continues until the repair is complete and all damage is addressed.

Absolutely not. This is called steering, and it’s illegal under the 1963 Federal Consent Decree.

• You have the right to choose any repair shop.

• “Approved” or DRP (Direct Repair Program) shops often give insurers discounted rates in exchange for referrals.

• Insurance companies may claim they can’t guarantee repairs unless you use their shop—but only the body shop guarantees the work, not the insurer.

No. You are not required to:

• Get multiple estimates

• Use a DRP shop

• Submit any estimate yourself

We can handle the estimate submission directly with your insurance company.

A vehicle is considered a total loss when repair costs exceed 70% of its fair market value.

• Older vehicles with lower value are easier to total.

• A total loss is a mathematical calculation, not a reflection of repairability.

Insurance must offer a fair market settlement, allowing you to purchase a similar vehicle with:

• Comparable mileage

• Similar options and condition

• Retail value

They may deduct for prior damage or poor condition. We recommend researching comparable vehicles before accepting any settlement.

Yes. You can buy back your vehicle by accepting a reduced settlement (minus salvage value).

However, repairs will not be covered, and you’ll be responsible for all costs. For most people, buying back is not recommended.

• Child Car Seats: Must be replaced after an accident, even if unoccupied.

• Rental Car: Provided by the at-fault driver’s insurance during repairs.

• Loss of Use: If you decline a rental, you’re still entitled to reimbursement.

• Diminished Value: You can request compensation for reduced resale value due to accident history.

Every insurance policy is different, and laws can change. It’s your responsibility to understand your coverage before repairs begin.