It’s no secret that driving in LA is not for the faint of heart. In fact, a recent study by Wallethub named Los Angeles the 6th worst city for drivers across the nation! LA also ranked as one of the top U.S. cities where you’re most likely to have a vehicle accident.
Whether you’re dealing with Friday evening rush hour on the 405 or fighting congestion on the Hollywood Freeway, you’ll have to face the fact that you may someday have to deal with a banged-up BMW.
Luckily, the experts at The Haus are here to help. We’ll quickly restore your Beemer to its previous glory and get you back on the road in no time. However, finding a great BMW repair shop is only half the battle. You’ll also have to deal with an insurance claim.
While this is always a bit of a hassle, understanding the process and having an experienced auto body shop by your side can make things go much smoother. Here’s what you need to know.
Post-Accident Insurance Claim Process
If your BMW is in an accident, there are a few important things you’ll need to do. The following steps will help ensure you receive the proper insurance compensation and your vehicle is repaired properly.
1. Contact Your Insurance Provider
First, it’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Make sure you’re prepared to provide them with basic information including which of your covered vehicles was involved, who was driving, and the time and location of the accident.
You’ll also need to provide the name of the person driving the other vehicle and their insurance information. If there were other drivers involved or witnesses to the accident, make sure you have their contact information available as well.
Your insurance company will want a brief description of what happened. It’s important to be honest while still avoiding saying too much. Never admit fault and remember that your conversation will likely be recorded.
2. Review Your Policy Coverage
It’s a good idea to review your insurance policy to ensure you understand what’s covered. For example, you’ll want to know your deductible amount and whether your have rental car coverage. If you have questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate ask your insurance representative.
3. Choose Your Repair Shop
It’s important to note that your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific auto body repair shop. While they may provide a list of their preferred vendors, you are completely within your rights to choose any shop you’re comfortable with.
It’s a great idea to reach out to at least a few repair shops for an estimate. This will allow you to gather several opinions and compare both prices and service before deciding which repair shop to use.
When weighing your options, look for a shop (like The Haus) that specializes in BMWs and uses OEM or equivalent parts. Be sure to ask about their repair warranty. If necessary, read online reviews before making your final decision.
4. Work with Your Adjuster
After you file your insurance claim, the company will assign an insurance adjuster to your case. They’ll often come out to take a look at your car so they can see the extent of the damage and estimate how much it will cost to repair.
In some cases, the adjuster’s estimate won’t match the estimates you received. If there’s a large difference that’s not in your favor, you’ll want to submit your estimates to the adjuster and ask him or her to take them into consideration.
If there’s any dispute about what repairs your vehicle needs or how the repairs should be completed, our experienced technicians are happy to speak to your adjuster directly. We’ll also work with them to provide all necessary documentation so you can get compensated as quickly as possible.
5. Have Your Vehicle Repaired
Once you’re aware of the estimated cost of repair, your deductible amount, and the amount the insurance company is willing to pay, you’re ready to have your vehicle repaired.
When the repairs are done, check over your vehicle to ensure you’re satisfied with the results. Ask your technician to walk you through the repairs they made and cross-check it with your itemized bill. It’s also a good idea to take your vehicle for a test drive to make sure everything feels right.
6. Settle Your Repair Bill
Depending on your insurance policy, your company may provide you with money to pay your auto repair bill or they may pay the shop directly. If you have a deductible, you’ll also need to pay your portion of the repair bill.
The HAUS is Here to Help!
Getting into an accident and dealing with insurance claims is no fun, but we’re here to help. When you trust your BMW to The Haus, you’ll enjoy expert repairs and assistance with your claim. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.