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(818) 505-1442
Many car owners don't know this. The hardest part of a collision is not the accident but the insurance claim process. There's often confusion about the roles of the three distinct parties (the repair shop, insurance company, and car owner) in insurance claim procedures. Understanding the whole process will not only save you time and money but also eliminate the stress and confusion of insurance. At Regal Repair, we have decades of experience in the insurance claim process. Here's how we've streamlined and broken down the process for car owners:
After an accident, you want a safe, affordable, high-quality repair. Your role is to initiate the entire process by reporting the accident to your insurance company for the claim.
Collision repair shops assess and inspect the damage (visible & hidden). Give a repair estimate that correlates with the damage assessment. The repair shop also performs repairs upon approval of the estimate. Finally, repair shops maintain constant communication with insurance throughout the repair process.
Your insurance company is responsible for:
- Claim reviews
- Estimate approval and adjustments, and
- Payment for coverage in accordance with the agreement.
Finally, insurance can recommend a "preferred shop."
Keynote: You want a quality repair job. A repair shop focuses on restoring your vehicle to its ideal state. Insurance companies are often concerned with cost control.
The car owner reports the accident to their insurance company immediately after the collision. Meanwhile, the owner will document the scene and damages (scratches, dents, and broken components) in text, photographs, and videos. These documents will serve as evidence in the claim process.
The collision repair shop inspects the damage (through computerized diagnostics and teardown) before providing an estimate that reflects its extent. The estimate includes parts, labor, and paint. You can get a free estimate now!
Here's how the insurance review unfolds: The insurance company's claims department assigns adjusters to review, adjust, negotiate (if necessary), and approve repair estimates, ensuring they are consistent with the claim and insurance policy coverage.
Mini Illustration Table.
Scenario
What It Means
Approved
Repair shop starts work
Immediately
Adjusted
Cost may be reduced, and some claims refuted
The auto repair shop starts the work. Regardless of damage severity, the shop may disassemble to check for hidden damage for a high-quality repair.
While the repair shop is still working with the insurance company, there are often additional costs (after the initial payout) sent to the insurer due to hidden damage or obligations incurred during the repair. Supplement approval usually causes delays, as insurance companies may not respond to supplement fees immediately and may take 15 days or more to do so.
The shop completed repairs. Insurance pays the repair shop directly or reimburses you if you paid out of pocket to save time.
DRP means Direct Repair Program. This means a shop partners directly with an insurance company, working hand in hand. Over half of the collision repair shops in the US are involved in Direct Repair Programs (DRP). The insurance company always recommends this shop for repairs.
Faster claim approval. Less paperwork because the insurance company and repair shop are in business.
The preferred shop may use cheaper parts (aftermarket). Substandard repair services.
Due to damage underestimation.
Due to the slow claim approval process.
OEM or aftermarket parts? Most DRPs favor aftermarket parts over OEM parts.
Many drivers struggle to choose a repair shop or accept insurance "preferred" shops. The truth? You can choose your shop, and it's legally acceptable.
Choosing a shop that doesn't just deliver excellent service but also practices honesty and transparency. These shops are known for their track record of positive ratings and reviews, as well as word-of-mouth recommendations.
Asking helps you quickly cover what's not adding up. Stay up-to-date with repair progress.
This not only reduces your stress level but also helps you track repair progress and easily spot anything off during the repair.
A shop (not "preferred") that understands the ins and outs of insurance will save you a lot of struggle, money, and delays. Here's how: They're experienced and will help you handle negotiations, reduce delays, and ensure quality repairs.
The insurance claim process may seem complicated, but understanding how an auto collision repair shop works hand-in-hand with an insurance company makes your insurance claim absolutely stress-free, fast, and risk-free.
P.S. Regal Repair is a reliable, independent shop with experience in insurance claims. You can contact us to make your claim process seamless and quick.
Yes. You're legally at liberty to choose your repair shop if you don't want to use the "preferred" shop recommended by the insurance company.
Insurance estimates are often lower than the shop's because insurance adjusters are more concerned about price control than quality repair service.
Auto insurance approval takes less than 24 hours in most cases.
A supplement in collision repair is the additional repair costs that the insurer pays after the initial payout due to hidden damage or sudden changes in repair requirements.
Save even more at Regal Repair for all your collision repair needs. Take advantage of our special collision repair coupons and deals to get your vehicle back in shape without overspending. Whether it's a minor dent or major damage, our offers provide affordable, high-quality repair solutions. Don't miss out on these limited-time discounts — explore our deals today and ensure your car receives the best care at the best price! Please mention the website coupon at the time of the vehicle estimate.
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