The only pre-planning consumers do to prepare for a potential auto damage claim is to purchase insurance as we buy it hoping we would never need it but rather have it as a safeguard if something unexpected where to happen and having the comfort of being prepared.

Insurers will gladly assist the unwary consumer in his or her time of need and lend advice such as where to go for repair as well as what parts, labor and materials will be needed to help get your vehicle back on the road safely. The only issue here, however, is that insurance companies don’t perform repairs, nor do they have the liability for incorrect and or insufficient repairs; the repairer does.

The less the insurer spends on a repair, the more money it retains and the greater profit it earns.

When purchasing auto insurance for your vehicle I would ask the following question’s:

• What are others saying about their claims experience and service with the company?
• Where does the insurer rate on the AM Best ratings?
• Are only OEM parts to be used- at no added cost to me?
• Do I have the choice of repairer?
• What discounts are available.
• Coverages (Collison, Comprehensive, Liability’s, Uninsured Motorist, Medical Pay)?
• Is towing and roadside assistance included.
• The amount of my deductible.
• The annual premium I will be paying.

That list will provide insights into what all is needed when you are purchasing auto insurance for your vehicle.

A lot of the time when consumers are asked to make many decisions regarding auto body repairs, they have little knowledge of collision repairs or how to navigate through an auto claim. They also tend to not know about the various types of parts such as OEM, Aftermarket, Salvage, Reconditioned/Recycled.

The first step you can take to have a better understanding is to seek out to quality-oriented collision repair shops that can solve your repair problem. I would then check out the online reviews to narrow down your search based on other people’s experience with the shop’s you have chosen. You can then talk to them in person and see which shop you feel most confident and comfortable with.

                        Go over the steps that are taking place for the quality work being done on your vehicle: 

• Prewashing vehicle which is required if you wanted to get the lifetime warranty by the paint manufacturer.
• Pre- cleaning the panels to be refinished and blended including the removal of Wax, Road Tar, and Paint Coatings.
• Pre-scan of onboard systems to determine diagnostic trouble codes.
• Set up and perform their dimensional measurements if the possibility of frame damage.
• Checking the onboard safety system (Seatbelts, Supplemental Restraint System, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Etc.)

Cheaper is rarely better and better is rarely cheaper. I would compare the estimates you receive to see the differences and similarities that they have. Select the one that was the most thorough and, as such, most costly. Select the candidate that provided you with the most comfort regarding the appearance of the shop and the staffs professionalism.

When under a contract to repair, you have a fiduciary, legal and moral obligation to your consumer to provide a safe and timely repair that restores the safety of the vehicle, the appearance, and the function and value of reasonable human ability all of which will help restore your consumer’s peace of mind.

This is what quality-oriented collision repairers do.