From the Blog
How to Work With Your Insurance Company for Adequate Compensation
Getting into a car accident is stressful enough without adding insurance adjustments and compensations to the mix. Immediately following an accident, you know you have to share insurance information with the other driver, but what happens after that? How can you be sure you’re getting adequately compensated for the damage? If you have a trusted mechanic on your side like Hance’s Uptown Collision Center, you will be assisted throughout the whole process. We work with insurance companies all the time to ensure our customers get the compensation they deserve. And not just SOME money — enough to cover ALL damage to the vehicle. The first step is to schedule an appointment for a repair estimate.
Even if you weren’t at fault for the accident and you are due reimbursement or compensation for accident-related costs, dealing with insurance companies can still be confusing, daunting and frustrating. Assuming you have started the process by contacting the other insurance company and getting the ball rolling, the next step is to get reimbursement for property damage and theft.
Determining Reimbursement: Getting Proof
The claims adjuster will evaluate these factors by taking photographs and writing notes about all damage to the vehicle. Your written statement about what happened also further helps the adjuster in his decision regarding compensation for your damages and loss. DMV.org suggests keeping all receipts and before-and-after pictures if you have repair work done to your car.
Diminished Value
It varies by insurance company and state, but you could be covered for the diminished value on your car, which basically indemnifies you after a loss. Because the car loses value after an accident occurs, the adjuster will find out the value of your car and what it will take to repair it. When you receive this figure from the adjuster, you don’t just have to lie down and take it — especially if it’s very low. Take the figure to your mechanic to get a more detailed and professional opinion as to how much it will cost for repairs.
This is where Hance’s Auto comes in. We can work with your insurance company to come up with a mutually acceptable number that you feel comfortable with. That’s even if your vehicle is worth repairing — it could be deemed a total loss. This means it will cost more to fix the vehicle than the vehicle is worth.
Medical Costs
If you are found not to be at fault for the accident, you can go after the other insurance company for compensation on your medical bills. Sometimes, the other person doesn’t have insurance, or maybe the amount you’re quoted won’t be nearly enough to cover your bills. In this case, you may want to get in touch with a personal injury attorney to fight for additional compensation.
Deductibles
It depends on your exact situation, but you may have to pay a deductible before getting payment for your claim. If you’re eventually determined not to be at fault, you may be able to get that money back later.
Contact Hance’s Uptown Collision Center in Dallas
Need help managing the insurance aspect of your claim? We can assist you here at Hance’s Uptown Collision Center. Contact us today to kick start the process and get the compensation you deserve.