Insurance FAQ in Fredericksburg, VA
Insurance FAQ
Quick Guide to Collision Repairs
When you’ve been in an accident, and you need high-quality collision repairs, insurance is one of the first things that comes up. Insurance and collision repairs often come with a plethora of questions. How do you know what your insurance will cover? How do you make sure your insurance will cover your repairs? And many other questions. Keep reading for a quick guide to the most commonly asked questions about collision insurance and what you should do after an accident.
Collision Insurance FAQs
- What should I do in regard to my insurance after an accident?
After you’ve checked your passengers and ensured that everyone is safe, your first call should be to emergency services. Your second call should be to your insurance company. Call and make your insurance aware of the accident, and they will likely give you further instructions for the immediate aftermath and the coming days. You should also make sure to exchange insurance information with the other driver(s) involved and get a copy of the police report.
- Do I need to get three estimates before my vehicle is repaired?
Typically, you are not required to get multiple estimates. Many insurance companies have specific repair shops they work with and may ask you to get an estimate from one of those. However, you generally have the right to choose where you'd like your vehicle repaired.
- What if the repair shop finds more damage than initially estimated?
This is common. If a repair shop finds additional damage, they will contact the insurance company for approval to cover the additional costs.
- Who pays the repair shop, me or the insurance company?
Usually, the insurance company will pay the repair shop directly for covered repairs, minus your deductible. You'll be responsible for any agreed-upon deductible and any repairs that aren't covered by your policy.
- What if I only want to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts?
Insurance policies differ. Some may cover only aftermarket or used parts, while others might cover OEM parts. If you insist on using OEM parts and it's not covered, you might have to pay the difference.
- Will my insurance rates go up if I claim for repairs?
This varies by insurance company and the specifics of the accident. It's possible for rates to increase after a claim, especially if you were at fault. However, some policies might offer "accident forgiveness" features.
- What is a "deductible"?
A deductible is the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket for repairs before your insurance coverage kicks in. For instance, if you have a $500 deductible and $2,000 in repairs, you'll pay the first $500, and the insurance company will cover the remaining $1,500.
- Do I need a rental car, and will insurance cover it?
If you need another vehicle while yours is being repaired, you can rent one. Whether insurance covers the cost depends on your policy. Some policies might have rental reimbursement coverage.
- What if the repair costs exceed the value of my car?
If repair costs surpass the car's actual cash value (ACV), the insurance company might declare it a "total loss". They would then pay you the car's ACV minus the deductible.
- Can I keep my car if it's deemed a total loss?
This varies by jurisdiction and insurance policy. Generally, if you choose to keep a totaled vehicle, the insurance payout will be reduced by the salvage value of the car.
Quality Collision Repairs at Huber Collision Center
When dealing with insurance and collision repairs, always refer to your specific insurance policy and consult with your insurance representative to get clarity on your coverage and rights. At Huber Collision Center, we work with a wide selection of insurance providers. Our team will help guide you through filling an insurance claim. Start your online photo estimate today, or call our office to get started in person.