Know Your Rights

When it comes to protecting the investment in your vehicle, there are some important things you need to know before you have it repaired.

1. Protect your investment. Your vehicle could be the second largest investment you make, so preserve it's value and your safety by having it repaired professionally. In the DIY world, some things are better left to those professionally trained and industry certified, such as I-CAR or ASE. At Halter's, we invest in our technicians to keep them up-to-date on industry change.
2. Choose safety. Never drive a car that could be unsafe because of damages. If you have concerns, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Trying to save the cost of a tow bill isn't worth the safety risk. Money can be replaced, but lives can't.
3. Owner's choice. Some insurance companies may ask you to visit a drive-in claims center to estimate the damages. That's perfectly fine. If the drive-in claims center is also a collision repair shop, you are NOT obligated to leave it for repairs. As the vehicle owner, it is always your choice which facility repairs your vehicle. It is illegal and unethical for an insurance company, appraiser or agent to compel or steer you to any particular repair facility.
   
4. "There's an app for that." We're seeing more and more insurances companies using photo apps for owners to open claims and submit  pictures of damage. Photos may be worth a thousand words, but seldom show all the damage. Estimates written from photos are only as good as the photos submitted. First estimates are seldom the final estimate. If you've chosen a repair facility that knows how to handle insurance claims, the shop will address any discrepancies with the insurance company.
   
5. Good shops stand behind their work. There is NO law requiring you to obtain more than one estimate or appraisal. If you know which repair facility you plan to use, share that with the insurance company.  An insurance representative may make statements about not being able to guarantee the work of a body shop outside their "network" or outside their "preferred shops" list.  Any body shop worth using will warranty their work regardless, and they will back it up in writing.  At Halter's, we stand behind the work we do, and we will provide a written warranty upon completion of repairs. 
   
6. Don't stress over differing estimates. Differences in repairs estimates are common.  A lower estimate may not include all necessary work.  If you're not sure why one estimate is different from another you've received, please ask us. We'll be happy to review the estimates with you.  We want you to understand what is needed to repair the vehicle properly.
   
7. Certified technicians. Choose a shop that has Unibody repair equipment with certified technicians, such as I-CAR or ASE.  Halter's Body Shop is I-CAR certified.
   
8. Ask about replacement parts.  By law, insurance companies aren't required to pay for original equipment (OE) parts made by the manufacturer once a vehicle is two years old or older (from the manufacturer's date). Aftermarket parts are new parts made by someone other than the manufacturer, and are an option for repair.  At one time, aftermarket parts were the taboo of vehicle repair, but have  vastly improved over the years. If aftermarkets are still a concern to you, recycled or refurbished parts are also an option. While these parts are salvaged from another like vehicle, the parts are still considered OE because they are made by the manufacturer. Quality matters to us.  At Halter's, if the part is not acceptable, we will reject it and find an acceptable one.
   
9. Know your policy coverage.  It's always a good idea to know what your insurance covers. Do you have rental coverage? If you are the claimant on a liability claim, the responsible party's insurance company is required to place you in a rental car while the vehicle is in the shop for repairs. However, do you know if you have rental car coverage if you are at fault?  If so, how much will the insurance pay toward a rental? How much will be your obligation? Now is the time to discover this information, not at the time it's needed. Avoid unpleasant surprises and ask those questions now.
   
10. Ask questions and take notes.  Never hesitate to ask questions of the insurance adjuster, claim representative, repair facility, or rental company. Be informed about the estimates provided, insurance coverage, liability obligations, etc. Take detailed notes regarding your claim number, contact names, number and email addresses. Make notes regarding anything you need to remember, or to document a conversation.  Make a list of questions ahead of any phone calls you make so you're sure to ask them when you have the right person on the phone. Need assistance? Call us. We'll do all we can to answer your questions, or offer suggestions on where you may get your answers.
    

While processing an insurance claim can be clunky and time consuming, taking the right steps, asking the right questions, and being prepared can help the process along. Claims representatives, adjusters, rental companies and repair facilities work hard to address the needs of their customers, but it helps to have patience. You aren't the only customer or claim they are processing. While the world of microwaves, computers, and cell phones give us near instant results or answers, an automotive claim takes time.
  
Be patient.

Ask questions.

Take notes.

Did I mention, be patient?