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Careful, or you might miss the turn to our shop!
What are collision, comprehensive and liability coverage?Insurance policies are contracts designed to protect people in one of three ways-liability,collision, and comprehensive. All states require the owner to carry some form of liability coverage. This type of coverage pays for damages you may do to someone else or their property. It does not cover damage to your property. You may purchase optional forms of coverage such as collision or comprehensive, to protect yourself or your property. Collision coverage will repair or replace your covered vehicle in the even it is damaged in an accident even if the accident is your fault. Comprehensive coverage covers such perils as fire, theft, and vandalism. Both collision and comprehensive coverage typically require the owner to pay the first portion of the claim, called the deductible. Back to Top
What are the claimants and insured?You are the insured when your policy is paying to repair your vehicle. Your deductible will usually apply. You are the claimant when someone else's insurance is paying your claim. Your should not pay a deductible, and may be eligible for personal injuries to you and your occupant(s), and loss of use or rental reimbursement while your vehicle is being repaired. Back to Top
Can the shop help bury my deductible?No. When you purchased your insurance policy, you signed a contract saying you will pay the first amount of the claim up to your deductible. Repairers should not be asked to hid the deductible. That practice would constitute fraud by both the shop and consumer. Back to Top
Who is responsible for the quality of repairs?The shop you choose is responsible for the quality of repairs. As the insured, you are responsible for paying those repairs. The insurer is responsible for reimbursing you to the limits of your policy. This is why it is important that you choose your insurer, as well as the repair facility carefully.
Do I need more than one estimate?Only if you want to discuss the repairs with more than one shop. If you have selected a shop, have your insurance company deal directly with them, with notice to you. Back to Top
What is the difference between the estimate and the repair order?The dictionary defines an estimate as "a rough or approximate calculation only." The insurance company may provide an estimate; however it is up to the repair facility to discuss the repairs and provide the estimate to the owner for approval and authorization. Often it is initially impossible to estimate collision damage without dismantling the vehicle. The repair order is actually a blueprint of the repairs done to the vehicle listing the parts, their origin, the labor operations, and other relevant items. It can only be finalized upon the completion of repairs. Back to Top
The insurance company says my car is a total loss. What does that mean? The value of the vehicle-the sum of the cost of repairs plus the value of the vehicle in damaged condition (salvage value)-is greater than the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle prior to the accident.
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