FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

An estimate is not the first thing you need to do after an accident. The first thing is to determine who will be paying for the damage. The estimating process is always affected by the paying party and all insurance companies have a different claim procedure. Because of this we can let you know the most efficient way to handle your claim. This can save you the time of running around getting multiple estimates that are not necessary. Feel free to contact us if you have questions regarding the process of the insurance company that will be assisting you with the cost of repairs. Any of our staff members will be able to help.

You do not have to take your vehicle to an Auto Collison repair facility chosen by your insurance company for repairs. Direct repair programs or preferred shops provided by an insurance company are simply an option. You may always choose to go to the Collison shop of your choice to have your vehicle repaired just check with the insurance company to see who can write a preliminary estimate for you before scheduling repairs.

Although we are direct repair with some insurance companies we do work with all insurance companies for repairs. Insurance company guidelines vary but we know what it takes to work with any insurance companies’ guidelines and insure that your vehicle gets restored to pre-loss condition.

An insurance company cannot require you to obtain more than one estimate. Some insurance companies may require an independent appraiser or adjuster to write an initial preliminary estimate to start the repair process. If you are not sure if the insurance company you are working with does that please call us for additional information and we would be happy to help you.

Some insurance companies are now using a photo app for a preliminary estimate. If you choose to do a photo app estimate it will walk you through how and what pictures to take and you will usually have a preliminary estimate within a few days. All you need to do is bring the estimate they provide you to Lents Body Shop and we can schedule your vehicle for repairs. After disassembly we will contact your insurance company to get any additional damage approved.