Nothing can ruin your day quite like being involved in an accident while driving your beloved BMW. No matter how careful you are, there’s a chance you’ll find yourself in this situation at some point. What you do next can make a major difference in how quickly and easily you can get back on the road. Here are a few quick tips that will help make the process of rehabbing your Bimmer as simple as possible.
Gather Information at the Accident Site
After a collision occurs, the first thing you’ll want to do is check for injuries and call 9-11 if necessary. If the accident is minor, move your vehicle to a safe place, turn it off, and turn on your hazard lights. Then, call the police.
While you wait, take the time to gather as much information as possible. Make sure you get the name and contact information of the drivers and any passengers. Write down the license plate number and the make, model, and year of all vehicles involved and get each driver’s insurance information. If there are any eyewitnesses, ask for their names and contact information as well.
As long as it’s safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene. If you can, get photos of all of the vehicles from multiple angles, as well as the intersections, signs, and anything else that may be relevant.
When the police officer arrives, be sure to get their name and badge number. When you speak to the officer and any others at the scene, always remember not to admit fault. Simply give the facts and allow the insurance companies to sort it out later.
File Your Insurance Claim
Very shortly after your accident, you’ll want to contact your insurance company to initiate a claim. You can do this by reaching out to your agent or calling the company directly.
Make the process easier by gathering all the information you need before you call. Expect the company to ask you which covered vehicle was involved, who was driving, and the time and location of the accident. In some cases, they’ll also ask you for the contact information of the other drivers involved and any witnesses.
You should also be prepared to provide a brief description of the accident and explain the severity of the damage. Again, be sure to provide the facts, but don’t elaborate unnecessarily or provide theories about what might have happened.
Be sure to take notes as you speak to the representative. Ask for their name and direct phone number and write down the claim number you’re provided.
Work with Your Insurance Adjuster
Once you’ve opened up a claim, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. There’s a good chance the adjuster will reach out to you for more information. As you speak with them, remember that the conversation will likely be recorded and used to determine who was at fault.
In addition to learning more about the circumstances surrounding the accident, the adjuster will also assess the damage to your BMW or request that you take it to a certified repair shop for an inspection.
This is where it becomes important for you to advocate for yourself.
Often, the adjuster will recommend that you take your car to their preferred body shop. This could be a mistake. It’s common for these shops to cut corners and/or use substandard parts to minimize the claims payout.
The law says that you have the right to use the body shop of your choice, and it’s best to take your BMW to a reputable BMW repair shop. This will help ensure you’re working with a specialist who has your vehicle’s best interests in mind and who will use OEM or equivalent parts.
Find the Right BMW Body Shop
Don’t trust your BMW restoration to just anyone! The experts at The HAUS have years of experience repairing everything from small fender benders to major collisions. We also know how to deal with insurance companies. If necessary, we’re happy to speak with your adjuster to explain our findings and make sure they understand why you need the recommended repairs.
You can count on us to provide a fair and honest estimate and to complete your repairs quickly and efficiently, so you and your Bimmer can get back on the road as soon as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our collision repair process and schedule your VIP appointment.