May 21, 2024
A Step-By-Step Guide to Filing an Insurance Claim for Collision Repairs
Crashing your car is a stressful event in anyone’s life. Having to navigate the insurance claims process on top of that doesn’t make the situation any better. This blog is a step-by-step guide to filing an insurance claim for collision repairs.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
The first step in filing your insurance claim starts with checking out the damage that was done to your car, which is something you’ve most likely already done. You should take pictures of the damage from different angles and document any other important details of the crash. Some things you can make note of when documenting the event are where the crash occurred, how bad the damage is, what the weather was like, road surface conditions, sun direction, any potential witnesses, as well as any other details you can think of that may have caused this crash. The last piece of assessing the damage is to get a written estimate from an auto body repair shop to give to your insurance company. Pick any auto body shop that is convenient to you and your location.
Step 2: Get in Contact with Your Insurance Company
After assessing the damage, if you feel it is necessary, you should contact your insurance company to report the crash and start the claims process. Be prepared to give them specific details about the accident when you report it. They will most likely ask you about the date, time, location, and if anyone else was involved in the crash. Depending on your insurance company, a claims adjuster may assess the damage and determine your collision coverage. You should also set up a rental vehicle at this time, which your insurance company or claims adjuster can help you with!
Step 3: Call and Schedule an Appointment for an Estimate
After you file your insurance claim, you can get an inspection scheduled with the claims adjuster that was given to you by your insurance company. The adjuster will examine the damage to your vehicle and estimate the cost of repairs covered under your insurance policy. When you meet with your claim adjuster, be sure to provide any documentation or estimates you’ve received from the collision center you’ve chosen.
Step 4: Review Your Coverage
Before bringing your car in for repairs, it would be a smart idea to review your insurance policy. This will help you understand your coverage and any deductibles or limits you may have. Your insurance company will provide you with an estimate of the repair costs covered under your policy, and you may be in charge of paying any deductibles or expenses that exceed your coverage limits.
Our team at Morrow Collision Center fully understands that the insurance claim process can be difficult to manage. That’s why we work with all auto insurance companies, so you have one less factor to worry about.
Step 5: Choose a Repair Shop
Once your insurance claim is approved, you can pick a repair shop to complete the repairs on your vehicle. Selecting a reputable auto body shop like Morrow Collision Center ensures high-quality repairs and excellent customer service throughout the process. Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians can handle any type of loss, big or small. The I-CAR gold seal means our technicians are always up to date with new technology and procedures. We want you to feel confident knowing your vehicle is being taken care of safely and efficiently.
Step 6: Double Check Repairs
Once you choose your auto body shop, you should double-check with them to ensure that they’re aware of the exact repairs that need to be done. Morrow Collision Center works closely with your insurance company to coordinate repairs. Morrow Collision Center may be a direct repair partner with your auto insurance, making the insurance claim process much easier for you. Reach out to Morrow to learn more about the companies we are a DRP with.
Step 7: Final Inspection and Payment
When the repairs are all finished, you should do a final inspection of your vehicle to make sure that all repairs were performed to standard. Your insurance may also send a claims adjuster to inspect the repairs and verify that they meet their expectations. Once approved, your insurance company will send payment directly to the repair shop. You may be responsible for any additional charges.
Filing an Insurance Claim for Collision Repairs Doesn’t Have to be Stressful
By following this step-by-step guide and working with a trustworthy auto body repair shop, you can navigate the insurance claims process with confidence and ease. From start to finish, we're here to support you every step of the way. Morrow Collision Center makes dealing with insurance an easy and seamless process. Always remember, no matter the collision center, you have the right to choose your auto shop, without feeling pressured to use your insurance company’s referral.
Contact us today to schedule an estimate and experience the difference of working with a team that loves what they do.
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Modern vehicles are smarter and safer than ever, thanks to Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). Features like lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking help prevent accidents—but what happens when a vehicle equipped with ADAS is involved in a collision? The repair process has changed drastically in recent years, and it’s important for vehicle owners to understand ADAS and how these safety features impact collision repairs. What is ADAS? ADAS refers to a suite of safety technologies designed to assist drivers in avoiding accidents. These systems rely on sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor surroundings and react to potential hazards. Common ADAS features include: Lane Keep Assist – Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if drifting occurs. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Applies brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. Blind Spot Monitoring – Alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots. Adaptive Cruise Control – Adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert – Warns drivers of approaching traffic when backing up. Why ADAS Makes Collision Repairs More Complex When a vehicle with ADAS is involved in an accident, even a minor fender bender can disrupt these sensitive systems. Unlike traditional repairs that focused mainly on structural damage, modern collision repairs require precise calibration and diagnostics to ensure these safety features function correctly. 1. Specialized Repair Procedures Repairing ADAS-equipped vehicles requires manufacturer-specific procedures to prevent system malfunctions. A simple bumper replacement or windshield repair might seem straightforward, but if a radar sensor or camera is misaligned by even a fraction of an inch, it can lead to major safety risks. 2. Calibration is Critical After repairs, ADAS components must be recalibrated to ensure they function as intended. There are two types of ADAS calibration: Static Calibration – Performed in a controlled shop environment using specialized tools and targets. Dynamic Calibration – Requires driving the vehicle in specific conditions to reset ADAS sensors properly. Failing to calibrate ADAS systems correctly can cause them to malfunction or provide false warnings, putting the driver and others at risk. 3. Increased Repair Costs Due to the advanced technology involved, ADAS repairs can be more expensive than traditional collision repairs. The need for specialized equipment, software updates, and trained technicians means that repairing an ADAS-equipped vehicle often requires more time and expertise. How Morrow Collision Center Ensures Safe ADAS Repairs At Morrow Collision Center , we stay ahead of the curve by using the latest ADAS calibration technology. When you bring your vehicle to us, you can expect: Certified Technicians who understand the complexities of ADAS repairs. Advanced Calibration Equipment to ensure sensors, cameras, and radars are perfectly aligned. Manufacturer-Approved Repair Methods to restore your vehicle’s safety features. Thorough Post-Repair Testing to confirm that your ADAS systems work as intended. Trust Morrow Collision Center for Expert ADAS Repairs If your vehicle has been in an accident, don’t trust just any repair shop to get it back on the road safely. At Morrow Collision Center, we understand the intricacies of ADAS and ensure every car repair is done right. Contact us today to schedule your auto repair and let our experts restore your vehicle’s safety systems with precision and care.
When you're involved in a car accident, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: how much will it cost to repair my vehicle? The cost of collision repairs can vary significantly depending on multiple factors. At Morrow Collision Center, we believe in full transparency, so let’s take a closer look at what factors affect the cost of auto collision repairs. 1. The Extent of Damage One of the biggest factors affecting repair costs is the severity of the damage. Minor dents and scratches will cost significantly less than major structural damage . If essential components like the frame or suspension are affected, the repairs become more complex and expensive. 2. Type of Vehicle The make and model of your car play a big role in determining repair costs. Luxury and foreign cars often have specialized parts and materials that can be more expensive and timelier to replace. Additionally, newer models with advanced technology and sensors require specialized repair techniques, increasing labor costs. 3. Replacement Parts The choice between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket parts, or used OEM parts can impact the cost. OEM parts tend to be pricier but ensure a perfect fit , while aftermarket or used parts might be more affordable but may vary in quality and compatibility. Your insurance company may not cover the full price of NEW OEM parts, so be sure to check your coverage! 4. Labor Costs Labor charges differ from shop to shop and market area, and depend on the complexity of the repair. High-tech features, like adaptive cruise control or collision avoidance systems, require skilled technicians, which can raise the cost of labor. 5. Paint and Finish If your car requires a new paint job, the cost will depend on the quality of paint, the number of coats, and whether custom paint matching is necessary. Some finishes require more precision and may increase costs. There are many types of paint finishes such as metallic, pearl, gloss, matte, or flat coats. Be sure to do your research on which may suit your preferences and needs best. Morrow Collision Center is proud to offer the PPG MoonWalk® system , ensuring the highest level of finish and precision. This state-of-the-art paint mixing technology provides exact color matching and a smooth application, so whether you’ve had a minor fender-bender or a more significant collision, we’ll restore your vehicle to its pre-accident beauty with unmatched accuracy and efficiency. 6. Insurance Coverage Your insurance policy and deductible can significantly influence how much you pay out of pocket. Comprehensive and collision coverage can help reduce your expenses, but if you have a high deductible, you may still need to cover a portion of the repair bill. 7. Additional Repairs and Hidden Damage Sometimes, additional damage is discovered once repairs begin. Hidden damage behind panels or under the hood can lead to unexpected costs. A thorough inspection by a trusted collision repair center can help identify these potential expenses early on. Bring Your Car to Morrow Today & Get an Honest Estimate At Morrow Collision Center, we provide detailed estimates to help you understand the cost of your auto repairs. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure quality repairs, getting you back on the road safely and efficiently. Contact us or visit one of our locations today to get an estimate and let us take the stress out of collision repairs!
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