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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Navigating Insurance Claims After an Accident

November 12, 2025
Being involved in a vehicle accident is stressful and navigating insurance claims afterward can feel overwhelming. At Morrow Collision , we pride ourselves on helping drivers in Lincoln and the surrounding areas understand and manage the claims process, so your repairs go smoothly, and you get back on the road faster. Here’s what to expect and how to make informed decisions after an accident. 1. Prioritize Safety & Document the Scene Right after an accident, make safety your priority: Check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Move your vehicle (if safe) to a shoulder or safe spot. Photograph the scene: all vehicles involved, license plates, surrounding context, damage close-ups, road signs, skid marks. Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle info with other parties. Collect witness names and contact info, if available. File a police report (if required in your jurisdiction). Having solid documentation is crucial when filing an insurance claim and later negotiating repair coverage or liability. 2. Contact Your Insurance Company Early Notify your insurer as soon as possible because many policies require prompt reporting. When you call: Provide your policy number and accident details (time, location, parties involved). Submit your photos and documentation. Ask your insurer whether they require you to get estimates from their approved shops or whether you may choose your own repair facility. Clarify which repairs or parts are covered, deductible amounts, and whether rental car coverage is included. Be clear and concise in your descriptions, and keep records of every call (date, time, agent’s name, and summary of the conversation). 3. Choose Your Repair Shop (Smart Decision) While some insurers encourage or mandate using their network shops, you should know your rights and options: Morrow Collision works with all auto insurance companies (insurance-agnostic), so you’re free to bring your vehicle to us. Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians ensure repairs meet modern safety standards and follow manufacturer guidelines. We offer lifetime warranties on repairs to back the quality of our work. We assist with the estimate and billing processes, helping to reduce stress. For your convenience, we provide mobile estimates, vehicle pick-up/delivery, and after-hours key drop options. Choosing a shop that assists with claims and maintains transparency can make a big difference in your experience. 4. Obtain a Detailed Estimate & Review It Carefully Once you’ve selected a repair shop: The shop (or insurer’s appraiser) will inspect your vehicle, including hidden damage (structural, frame, mechanical) that may not be obvious upfront. Request a line-item estimate: parts, labor, paint, additional charges. Compare with your insurer’s estimate to identify discrepancies. Ask your repair shop to justify “supplement” costs (e.g. hidden damage discovered later). Be wary of “cheap” estimates, as they may cut corners. Ensure OEM or quality aftermarket parts are used unless you explicitly agree otherwise. A clear, detailed estimate helps prevent surprises down the road. 5. Understand Your Rights & Responsibilities Right to choose repair facility: In many states, policyholders have the right to select which auto body shop repairs their vehicle, even if the insurer recommends one. Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs: Be clear on what portion you’re responsible for. Dispute resolution: If you disagree with the insurer’s assessment, consult your repair shop. Many shops, like Morrow Collision, offer assistance negotiating with insurers. Rental car coverage: If your policy includes it, the insurer should cover a rental while your vehicle is repaired. Ensure that the shop coordinates this or informs you how to get reimbursed. Knowing these rights helps you avoid surprises or under-compensation. 6. Stay Informed & Communicate Throughout the Repair Transparency and communication are key: Ask your repair shop for progress updates like what’s completed, what’s delayed, and why. Keep photos of your car’s condition before, during, and after repairs. If new damage is found during repair, approve any additional work (often called “supplemental repairs”) before it proceeds. Coordinate with your insurer to approve additional costs, delays often stem from waiting for supplemental approval. Maintain open lines: shop, insurer, rental agency (if applicable), and yourself. At Morrow Collision, we strive to keep you updated at every step, so you feel informed and confident. 7. Final Walkthrough & Quality Assurance Once repairs finish: Inspect the vehicle carefully together with the shop representative. Check alignment of panels, paint matching, gap tolerances, and ensure all features (lights, sensors, electronics) work. Ask the shop to demonstrate any changed systems (e.g., adaptive sensors, parking assist). Retain all paperwork, receipts, parts replaced, and warranty documents. If problems arise later (e.g., paint defect, misalignment), contact the shop promptly. Morrow Collision stands behind their work with warranties. 8. Learn & Prepare for the Future After your claim and repair experience: Reflect on what went smoothly and what didn’t, like insurance responsiveness, communication, delays. Choose an insurer and shop relationship that prioritizes clarity and customer service for future coverage. Keep a digital folder of all accident and repair records because it can help with resale, future claims, or disputes. Consider reviewing your auto insurance policy annually to ensure your coverage, deductibles, and shop choice rights still suit you. Navigating Claims with Confidence & Quality Repairs Navigating an insurance claim after an accident doesn’t have to add anxiety to an already stressful situation. By knowing your rights, documenting carefully, choosing a repair shop you trust, reviewing estimates, and staying in the loop throughout the process, you position yourself for a fair outcome and quality repair. If you’ve been in an accident and need a shop that works with insurance companies (not for them), contact Morrow Collision today. Our team in Lincoln, NE, is ready to guide you through every step from estimates, repairs, coordination, and deliver repairs you can rely on.

5 Signs Your Vehicle Was Damaged in a Minor Collision

October 16, 2025
Most drivers have been there, you’re pulling out of a parking lot, someone backs up too quickly, or you tap bumpers at a stoplight. The impact feels so small that you might not think much about it. But here’s the truth: even a “minor” accident can cause hidden damage to your vehicle. If left unaddressed, that damage can get worse over time, leading to costly repairs or even safety risks down the road. At Morrow Collision , we specialize in diagnosing and repairing collision damage of all kinds, from small dents to major structural repairs. And we’ve seen countless cases where what looked like “just a scratch” turned out to be more serious underneath. Most vehicles have plastic bumpers that can bounce back after a collision but could hide possible damage. Here are five warning signs that your vehicle might have damage after a minor collision, even if you didn’t feel it at the time. 1. Uneven Tire Wear or Alignment Issues One of the most common hidden problems after a fender-bender is a misaligned suspension or frame. Even a low-speed impact can throw your car’s alignment off balance. Signs to watch for include: Your steering wheel pulling to one side Vibrations while driving Tires wearing down unevenly Ignoring these issues can lead to premature tire replacement, poor handling, and reduced safety. A quick post-accident alignment check at a certified collision center like Morrow Collision can help you catch problems early. 2. Strange Noises After the Accident Does your car make new squeaks, rattles, or grinding sounds after a small bump? Don’t dismiss them. These noises can point to: Loosened suspension parts Damaged brakes Bent frame components Even if your vehicle looks fine, these sounds indicate that parts of your car may not be functioning correctly. Catching the issue quickly could prevent further damage and keep you safer on the road. 3. Difficulty Opening Doors, Hood, or Trunk If you’ve noticed your doors or trunk are harder to close or don’t line up properly anymore, that’s a clear sign of structural damage. In many cases, the impact causes subtle frame shifts that throw off your car’s alignment. Furthermore, if you notice a discrepancy in the size of gaps from one side to the other on your vehicle, such as a wider gap on one side of your hood compared to the other, that could also be an indicator that there may be structural damage. Not only is this frustrating, but it can also create safety risks especially if your doors or trunk don’t latch securely. At Morrow Collision, our technicians use advanced measuring systems to detect frame shifts and restore your vehicle back to manufacturer specifications. 4. Warning Lights on Your Dashboard Modern vehicles are full of sensitive sensors that can be affected by even the smallest accidents. After a collision, you may notice warning lights like: Check Engine ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Airbag system alerts These aren’t lights to ignore. They indicate that vital safety systems may not function properly if you’re in another accident. A professional collision repair shop can run diagnostics to pinpoint the issue and restore your vehicle’s safety features. 5. Small Dents or Paint Damage That Spread That little dent or scratch might not bother you now, but it can lead to bigger problems later. Unrepaired dents can expose your car’s frame to rust, especially during wet fall and winter months. Likewise, paint cracks may worsen with temperature changes, turning a minor cosmetic issue into a major body repair. At Morrow Collision, we offer expert paint and body services to fix damage early, saving you time, money, and stress. Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Minor Collision Damage It’s tempting to brush off a low-speed bump or a parking lot tap, but doing so can cost you more in the long run. Even if your car drives normally, unseen damage could affect: Safety (airbags, brakes, structural integrity) Longevity of your tires, alignment, and suspension Resale value of your vehicle By scheduling an inspection after any collision no matter how small, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your vehicle is safe and fully repaired. Trust Morrow Collision for Expert Auto Body Repair At Morrow Collision, we’ve been helping drivers in Lincoln, Nebraska and surrounding areas for over 20 years with trusted, high-quality collision repair services. Our certified technicians use the latest technology to spot hidden damage and bring your vehicle back to pre-accident condition. We work with all major insurance companies, making the repair process smooth and stress-free. Whether it’s a tiny dent or a bigger repair, our goal is the same: keep you safe, protect your investment, and get you back on the road quickly. Contact us to schedule your post-collision inspection with Morrow Collision today and let us take care of the rest.