Car accidents are a part of life, and sometimes your vehicle can be left with damage that needs repair. When it comes to getting the repairs done, you might wonder if auto body shops report damage to the insurance companies. To help you understand the process, let’s break down what happens at an auto body shop when it comes to insurance and reporting damage.
What Happens at an Auto Body Shop?
When you take your vehicle in for repair after an accident, the first thing that will happen is that the auto body shop will ask you if you will be going through insurance or paying out of pocket. You have the right to get an estimate before deciding to choose to go through insurance but keep in mind it is common for more damage to be found during the repair process. Upon receiving your vehicle, the repair facility will take pictures and prepare a detailed estimate of the cost of labor and parts needed for the repairs. The estimator will also include any additional work needed based on their assessment like frame straightening, paint touch-ups, etc.
Auto Body Repair Flow
Do Auto Body Shops Report Damage to Insurance Companies?
If you are going through insurance, absolutely. After assessing the damage and preparing their estimate, they will contact your insurance company to review your claim details. Your insurance company may require additional information or documentation before they approve the repair costs. They may also send out an adjuster to inspect the vehicle before giving final approval on payment for repairs. Having a certified auto body repair facility helps a lot in times like these to ensure that the insurance company pays for a quality repair. Once your insurance company approves everything, then they will pay directly to an auto body shop for all repairs completed on your vehicle.
What if You Don’t Have Insurance?
If you don’t have insurance coverage or choose not to file a claim with them, then you will be responsible for paying for all costs associated with repairing your car out-of-pocket. In this case, there is no obligation for the repair facility to report the vehicle to your insurance company. However, depending on your policy some insurance carriers may require you to report any damage that your car has taken. The auto body shop should provide you with a detailed invoice outlining all costs associated with repairing your car before starting any work on it. They should also explain how long it should take to complete all necessary repairs so you know when you can expect to get your vehicle back from them.
Auto body shops do report damage caused by accidents—if you are going through insurance. This helps ensure that customers receive fair and accurate compensation for any necessary repairs needed after an incident occurs. Auto body shop employees must also adhere strictly to laws regarding honesty and accuracy when reporting damages—any fraudulent activities could have serious consequences for all involved parties. Start2Finish Auto Body Repair App can connect you to a certified shop specifically for your make and provide support for any questions you may have during your repair process to ensure you feel in control about your repair!
