i got in car accident and i finally got a check from the insurance to fix my car...but what do i do now?..?

Question

can i take my car anywhere to get fix....and if dont like the work on my car can i get a different shop???

Answer 1

Once you get a check from the insurance, it will be final.

Some insurance company want your car fixed at some shops assigned by the insurance company. However in your case, as you said you already got the check from the insurance, so you can have your car fixed anywhere. But remember that the insurance only pay you once. So if you're not happy with the first shop and want to go to the second, you have to pay from your pocket at the second shop.

Answer 2

Hi Minnie!
In addition to the check there should also be an estimate that is basically a "blueprint" for how they figure the repairs should be done. You can take the car to anyone you want to do the repairs, but here are some things you may want to consider:
1- make sure that the repair shop is a reputable one. You should get a warranty from them for the repairs that they do. Most good shops will give you a lifetime warranty on any repairs that they perform(in writing). Ask friends or relatives for recommendations. Visit the shop and see what kiind of work they do. The insurance company paid to make the car like it was before the accident. If you visit the shop look at some of the cars that are ready to be delivered back to the customers. If you can see where the damage was, keep searching! You can cut corners, but it will show.
2- take the estimate to the shop and let them work off of it. There is a better than average chance that there will be additional damages that the appraiser could not see on the initial inspection. By giving them the estimate they can call the insurance company if added parts or labor are needed and the insurance company can issue them a "supplement" payment. This way you are not held responsible for the added costs.
3- in most states, the damage to your car should also include your loss of it's use while it is in the shop for repairs. This is where your rental car comes in.
The check that you have may not include this "loss of use" and if you simply cash it you may be giving up your rights to the rental. Cashing the check could be considered a "release of all claims", so if you have questions be sure to call your insurance adjuster.
4- If you do get a rental, be cautious as they may try to sell you added insurance coverages that you do not need. This is where you need to call your insurance agent to find out what coverages you carry.

Insurance claims can be confusing........do not be afraid to ask questions!!
If you have a bad feeling about something, ask.

Answer 3

The check is the final payoff. The end is nigh. Go to a couple of repair shops and get quotes. Then, whom ever gives you the lowest quote for repairs, you might want to use them. Be sure you have the repair price on paper.There could be a little give and take. Normally They will pay your deductable, there by saving you some cash. Even some body shops have loan cars. Check the yellow pages, this could be the quickest way to find the all in one repair shop. If not ,they will have the rent a car people come to the shop and pick you up. After the repair, check you car over and make sure every thing is ok. Good luck!

Answer 4

I'm really surprised that your insurance company simply issued you a check, that's not standard where I live.

But to answer your question - yes, now you take your car to a shop. Be sure to get an estimate for the work with a guarantee that the estimate won't be off by more than 10%. Ask around to friends and family to find a reputable shop to do the work. Perhaps your insurance agency can recommend one they find to be reliable.

When it comes to not liking the work done - it all depends on what you are in disagreement about. Sometimes you can work with the shop, others you might have to with-hold payment until they do the work to your satisfaction. Sometimes these things end up in court- that is why it is so vital to get a reputable shop in the first place.

Answer 5

This has happened to me twice. The check is for repairs for your car. If your repairs cost less than the estimate (what the check was issued in the amount of?) then you keep the rest. I am guessing that you had to take it somewhere to get an estimate? If not, then maybe a claims person looked at your car and estimated how much it would cost? Either way, I would shop around and ask a few detail places what they would charge to fix your car.

DON'T be afraid to go to a junk yard and ask if they have this part or that part. You could save a TON and some junk yards will install it for you. (Someone hit my driver side mirror and knocked it clear off. I got an estimate of around $200 to replace it with a new part and labor. I got the part at a junk yard for $40 and for $5 the kid that worked there put it on for me! The rest of the money the woman gave me towards repairs went to my bills.)

Good luck :)

Answer 6

I'm sure that you can take your check to whatever repair shop you would like. I have also heard of people getting the estimate, getting the check and then either not fixing it or fixing it themselves. I was just in an accident last night, and this makes my 4th, out of 3 my car was fixable. I have always taken mine to a dealer just because i believe that they usually will do the best job. Just make sure that where you take it that the repair shop is insured. You don't want to just hand over your money to someone and get a crappy job, or have paint start chipping off within a few months. It is better to use all of the money towards repairs and get it done right then to have to pay to get it refixed from your own pocket later.

Answer 7

You didn't say whether this was your insurance company or the other driver's insurance company. That makes a difference.

Any reputable insurance company would have obtained repair estimates prior to issuing a settlement. Either you would have been directed to send in estimates or an outside adjuster assigned by the insurance company would have inspected your vehicle and come up with a repair estimate.

If your objective is to have your vehicle repaired, you should get an estimate from the repair shop you want to use and submit it to the insurance company. Sometimes additional damage is "discovered" after the vehicle is in the shop and you will have to request a supplemental payment for the additional repairs.

In any event, once you cash that check, it will be difficult to get any additional payments from the insurance company if the check doesn't cover all of the repairs.

Answer 8

You choose the shop. But you can't change your mind after they already did the work. And watch for additional work. They have to get an OK from the company if they need to do additional work. You should have let the insurance company deal with the body shop. I made that mistake myself. I got the check and then there was additional damage and I ended up paying for three days on the rental car that the insurance didn't cover.

Answer 9

Go around to a couple of body shops for an estimate.....if you haven' t already. You wouldn't want to take the car to a place that is going to charge way more to fix the car then what you got a check from the insurance co for.

Answer 10

If you want to get your car fixed, get a few estimates from different auto body shops.
See who will give you the best deal on getting it fixed. There may be mechanical problems that need fixed along with body work and find out if they can do those also.
If not, save some money from the check to get those taken care of.
Do not pay for the body work until you are satisfied with the work or you may have to pay out of your pocket for work you are not satisfied with. Don`t sign anything unless you are 100% happy.