We all know that a major storm can inflict severe damage on your home, but we often forget the potential impact on vehicles.
If your car has sustained storm damage, navigating the insurance claim process can be a daunting experience, but the process becomes much smoother with our autobody repair experts on your side.
D & R Autobody LLC is a leading autobody shop in Peabody, MA, helping customers with insurance claims and repairing storm-damaged vehicles for over 20 years. We have seen how insurance companies try to minimize payouts and delay the process, leaving customers frustrated and financially burdened. We are committed to providing insurance claim assistance to our clients and making the process as stress-free as possible.
If you find yourself in a situation where your vehicle has suffered storm damage, here are the essential steps to follow for a successful insurance claim process:
1. Document the Damage
Take clear, detailed photographs from various angles to capture the extent of the damage. These photos will be key evidence when filing your insurance claim. In addition to photos, list all damaged areas and any items inside the car that have been affected. Remember, thorough documentation can significantly streamline the insurance claim process and assist the insurance company and the autobody repair experts in accurately assessing the damage.
2. Understand Your Insurance Policy
It’s important to understand your insurance policy and what it covers. Storm damage can be complex, and policies vary in terms of deductibles, coverage limits, and what types of damages are covered. For example, some policies may cover hail damage but not flooding. Knowing the specifics of your coverage will help you set realistic expectations for the claim process and advocate for yourself if there are discrepancies in coverage determinations.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
After documenting the damage, the next step is to notify your insurance company immediately. Most insurance policies require prompt reporting of incidents to start the claims process. When you call, be prepared to provide the details of the damage and any evidence you’ve collected. The insurance company will then walk you through their process, which usually involves sending an adjuster to assess the damage or directing you to a network of approved autobody shops for estimates.
Remember, you don’t have to work with their recommended shops and can choose your preferred autobody shop for repairs. Your insurance company may say they will not warranty repairs by a shop of your choice, but don’t be fooled because the repair shop warrants the work, not the insurance company.
4. Avoid Making Temporary Repairs
It’s understandable that you need your car to be drivable again as soon as possible after a storm. However, it’s important to resist the urge to make temporary repairs on your own if you plan on filing a claim. Not only could this potentially void your insurance coverage, but it may also hinder the adjuster’s ability to assess the damage.
However, if you choose to make temporary repairs and the insurance company denies your claim, you may have to pay out of pocket for any additional damages caused by those temporary fixes. So, it’s best to seek the help of professional autobody repair experts for repairs and insurance claim assistance.
5. Keep Detailed Records
Throughout the insurance claim process, keep detailed records of all communication with your insurance company and any repair shops involved. This includes phone calls, emails, and written correspondence. You should also document all expenses related to the storm damage, such as rental car fees or temporary lodging if your vehicle is not drivable.
These records will help support your claim and provide evidence of the damages and costs incurred. Maintaining a record of any repairs performed on your vehicle is also important, including receipts for parts and labor. This will be useful in case any issues arise in the future.
Work with a Reputable Autobody Shop to Ensure Quality Repairs
D & R Autobody LLC provides high-quality autobody repair services backed by our reputation for excellent customer satisfaction. We understand the stress and frustration of storm damage to your vehicle. We accept all insurance providers and will assist you with insurance claims to make repairs as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Our autobody repair experts are trained to handle all types of storm damage, from minor dents and scratches to major structural damage. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to restore your vehicle to its pre-storm condition.
