Dealing With Insurance

If you have been in an accident it is likely the damages to your vehicle are covered by insurance. If the accident is your fault, your insurance company pays if you have “comprehensive” auto accident coverage. If it is the other guy’s fault, his or her insurance company pays. Damages caused by an uninsured motorist are covered by your own “uninsured motorist” coverage.

As soon as reasonably possible you should report the accident to your insurance company or agent. This will start a series of events which are similar for all insurance companies.

If you believe the accident is the other guy’s fault, you may elect to deal directly with the insurance company of the other driver. Depending on the circumstance, the other insurance company may accept liability or conduct an investigation to determine fault. Once liability is accepted, the other insurance company will give you instructions for estimating the damage to your vehicle and getting your vehicle repaired.

If you are at fault and your insurance policy includes “comprehensive coverage,” you may file a claim with your own insurance company. Your agent will give you instructions for estimating the damage to your vehicle and getting your vehicle repaired.

If fault is in dispute, and you carry comprehensive coverage, you may elect to pay the deductible and proceed with a claim through your own insurance company. Once fault is determined your insurance company will recover any moneys owed from the other guy’s insurance. Your deductible will be refunded if the other party is at fault.

Estimating Damage

Damage estimates are obtained in different ways depending on the insurance company involved. Some companies use staff estimators to determine the cost of repairing your vehicle. Some companies use contract or independent estimators. Some utilize the services of estimators at “direct repair facilities,” while others ask you to procure your own estimates.

Under California law you have the right to seek and obtain an independent repair estimate directly from a registered auto body repair shop for repair of a damaged vehicle, even when pursuing an insurance claim for repairing the vehicle.

At Gene Townsend Auto Body and Paint we are happy to give you a written estimate of the damage to your vehicle. There is no charge for this service if you bring the vehicle to our shop. We are happy to provide either a primary estimate, or serve as a “second opinion.” We will gladly compare our estimate to that of an insurance adjuster or other shop and point out the differences in quality and service.

For more information about damage estimating click here.

The “Total Loss”

Whether or not your car will be repaired depends on the value of your car and the amount of estimated damage. Minor damage will be repaired. Major damage could result in your car being declared a “total loss.” In the case of a total loss, you will be given the blue book or “market value” of your car determined by methods approved by the California Department of Insurance.

Different insurance companies use different standards for determining what qualifies as a total loss. But a good rule of thumb is a vehicle will be declared a total loss when the repair estimate exceeds eighty per cent (80%) of the vehicle’s fair market value. The reason for this is vehicles with major damage often have hidden problems which only become apparent after the repair tear down process has begun. It also takes into account salvage value. It is often cost effective for an insurance company to pay you market value then sell your wrecked car for the value of its parts.

Once your vehicle is declared a total loss, you will generally be given the opportunity to retain the unrepaired car for the salvage value of the vehicle. If you exercise this option, a salvaged title will be issued and you may repair the vehicle yourself. This is sometime advantageous with damaged but otherwise well maintained older cars which have useful life, but have little resale value in the open market.

Customer Advocacy

Dealing with insurance claims and collision repair is complex business. We understand this may be the first and perhaps only time you will deal with an insurance claim. You can’t be expected to be an expert.

At Gene Townsend Auto Body and Paint we are willing to share our knowledge and experience and help you through the process. We view ourselves as customer advocates.

We will explain the process. We will answer your questions. We will listen to you and let you know what to expect. In many cases we can use our knowledge and contacts with insurance companies to ensure you obtain top quality repairs which will last the lifetime of your car.

Let us be your advocate. We are here to help.