How Long Does Insurance Take to Fix Your Car? Understanding the Process
After a car accident, one of the first questions that pops into your head is likely, “I have insurance, so how long will it take for them to fix my car?”. It’s important to understand that your insurance company isn’t directly involved in the physical repair of your vehicle. Instead, they play a crucial role in evaluating the damage and approving the necessary repairs through an insurance adjuster who will assess your vehicle at the body shop you choose. This evaluation process generally takes about 4 to 5 business days to complete.
Many insurance companies may suggest or even strongly recommend specific auto body shops. You might even get the impression that you must use their preferred shop. However, it’s important to know that by law, you have the right to choose which auto body shop repairs your vehicle. Insurance companies often recommend certain shops because it benefits them. They typically have agreements with these shops for discounted rates on parts and labor. Insurance claims representatives also often have targets to direct a certain percentage of claims to these direct repair program (DRP) shops. This is why they may try to steer you towards their recommendations, using phrases like “that shop isn’t in our preferred network,” “we can’t guarantee the work at that shop,” “their rates are higher,” or “claims take longer to settle there.” When you contact your insurance company, remember your consumer right to select the shop that best suits your needs and preferences.
Choosing the right auto body shop is crucial for a quality repair and a smooth experience. Here’s what to consider when making your decision:
1. Certification Matters: Choose a Certified Shop
Opt for a shop that is certified to repair your specific vehicle make and model. For example, Cline Collision Center holds OEM certifications from various manufacturers including Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, and more. OEM certification means the shop has been recognized by the vehicle manufacturer as having the necessary expertise, training, and equipment to repair your car to factory standards. This certification provides assurance that you’re choosing experts in collision repair for your vehicle.
2. Online Reviews: See What Others Are Saying
Take a look at online reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp. While people are more likely to leave reviews for extremely positive or negative experiences, reviews can still provide a general sense of customer satisfaction with a particular body shop. They can offer insights into the shop’s quality of work, customer service, and overall reliability.
3. Professional and Courteous Staff: Customer Care Counts
Your experience as a customer is just as important as the quality of the repair work. Choose a body shop with a friendly and professional staff who are attentive to your needs and concerns. A shop that prioritizes customer care, like Cline Collision Center, will make the repair process much less stressful.
4. Free Written Estimate: Transparency is Key
Ensure the body shop provides a free written repair estimate. This estimate acts as a contract outlining the repairs to be performed and their associated costs. Having a written estimate helps prevent misunderstandings and unexpected charges later on in the repair process.
5. Vehicle Detailing: The Finishing Touch
While not the most critical factor, a good auto body shop should detail your vehicle after repairs. Detailing helps restore your car to its pre-accident condition, both inside and out, giving it that fresh, new car feeling. After investing in repairs, you deserve to get your vehicle back in its best possible condition.
In conclusion, while the insurance approval process typically takes 4-5 days, remember that you have the power to choose the body shop that will ultimately fix your car. By considering factors like certifications, reviews, staff professionalism, estimates, and detailing services, you can make an informed decision and ensure your vehicle is repaired to the highest standards. If you’re in the Santa Rosa, CA area, Cline Collision Center is an option to consider for expert auto body repairs and a customer-focused experience.
