What to do in an Accident
You've had an accident and you need to know what happens next...
The insurance company may give you a listing of shops who participate in their direct repair programs, but legally they cannot direct you to go to any particular shop. Be sure the shop you choose is a quality, professional repair facility.
Is your car damaged? Looking for a repair shop? Here are some things you might want to consider...
We all hope we will never need to use the expertise of a qualified body repair shop, but, like the relationship you build with your doctor, it is good to know “your” repair facility and your car’s “doctors” so that when you need their services you will feel secure in their ability and comfortable with the informed choice you have made.
We hope you will build that relationship with us.
Please feel free to stop by and ask questions any time. Dealing with the stress following a vehicle accident is difficult enough, but by having made this decision before the need arises you will have one less concern in the event you or your family are involved in an accident.
We feel certain that with this knowledge and the information you receive about our shop you will decide that Nalley Collision Center’s is the right choice for all your car repair needs.
- Stop immediately, making sure not to block traffic, if possible. Check all involved for any injuries and get help. Call 911
- Obtain names, addresses and phone numbers of all drivers. Get the make, model and license numbers for all vehicles involved, along with all drivers’ insurance information. If police are on the scene they will do this and distribute the information to parties involved.
- Contact a reputable towing service for removal of your vehicle if it is not drivable. It is prudent to have it towed directly to the repair facility of your choice if you know at this point where you want to have the repairs done.
- When you contact your insurance company, tell them where your vehicle is so that the proper contacts can be made between the repair facility and the insurance company for appraisal and estimating of the damage. This will help the insurance adjuster and the shop estimator work together to handle the claim and discuss the damage and repairs thoroughly and in detail.
- Contact your insurance agent or call the number listed on your proof of insurance card to report the accident. Your proof of insurance card should be kept in your vehicle, accessible for police reports as well as for state inspection.
- Tell the insurance company the facts regarding how and where the accident happened. Have your proof of insurance coverage card in hand when you make the call. They will ask for your policy number to file the accident claim. You might want to jot down notes or drawings of where and how the accident occurred. Be calm, polite and consistent when discussing the facts of the accident.
- DON’T QUICKLY ACCEPT CLAIM SETTLEMENT AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT OR BEFORE YOUR VEHICLE HAS BEEN VISUALLY APPRAISED FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
- Remember, you make the ultimate decision about where your vehicle’s repairs will be completed.
The insurance company may give you a listing of shops who participate in their direct repair programs, but legally they cannot direct you to go to any particular shop. Be sure the shop you choose is a quality, professional repair facility.
Is your car damaged? Looking for a repair shop? Here are some things you might want to consider...
- How many years has the repair facility been in business?
- Are they ASE and I-Car certified?
- What about warranty information?
- Do they offer a lifetime warranty on repairs?
- Do their technicians have Continuing Education Credentials?
- Do you want your car to be treated in the same way as their equipment and supplies?
- Is the repair equipment up to date and are the technicians trained in using new methods and current standards of the repair industry?
We all hope we will never need to use the expertise of a qualified body repair shop, but, like the relationship you build with your doctor, it is good to know “your” repair facility and your car’s “doctors” so that when you need their services you will feel secure in their ability and comfortable with the informed choice you have made.
We hope you will build that relationship with us.
Please feel free to stop by and ask questions any time. Dealing with the stress following a vehicle accident is difficult enough, but by having made this decision before the need arises you will have one less concern in the event you or your family are involved in an accident.
We feel certain that with this knowledge and the information you receive about our shop you will decide that Nalley Collision Center’s is the right choice for all your car repair needs.
