Car Been Totalled In An Accident? How To Make Sure It Gets Repaired Properly

If you've been in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is take care of your physical injuries. The second thing you need to do is get your vehicle repaired. However, you might not know what steps to take to ensure that your vehicle is repaired quickly and properly. Unfortunately, that can lead to delays and other complications for you. Here are four steps you need to take if your vehicle has been damaged in a car accident.

File a Claim with Your Insurance Company

When it comes to car accidents, you may think that you need to file a claim with the other driver's insurance, especially if they are clearly to blame. However, you actually want to file a claim with your own insurance company. The other driver's insurance company is going to be trying to prove that their client isn't at fault for the accident, which means you're going to be waiting for repairs until they've conducted their investigation. However, when you file a claim with your own insurance company, you'll get your car repaired right away. Your insurance company will then go after the other insurance company for reimbursement.

Take Lots of Pictures of the Damage

After the accident, you're going to be worried about your injuries, and the injuries of any passengers. However, don't forget to take lots of pictures of the damage to your vehicle. You'll want to take pictures of every area of your car, including inside and under. Those pictures will allow you to document the damage for your own records. They'll also help your attorney when assessing the damages you've sustained as a result of the accident.

Choose Your Own Repair Shop

When you're working on getting your car repaired, the insurance company will give you a list of authorized repair shops. This may lead you to believe that you need to choose from a shop that's on their list. However, that's not the case. You have the right to choose a repair shop for yourself, which is exactly what you should do, especially if you have a shop that you already know and trust.

Insist on New Parts for the Repairs

Once the collision repair shop has your vehicle, the insurance company may authorize them to use used and aftermarket parts for the repairs. Unfortunately, those types of parts aren't always up to the same standards as new and factory parts. When authorizing the work for your vehicle repairs, be sure to let the shop know that you want new and factory parts used in the repairs. You have the right to make that request, since the insurance company is under obligation to restore your vehicle to before-accident condition.

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