F.A.Q.
Do I have the right to choose the shop of my choice?
Yes.
Do I need more than one estimate?
No. The Washington law requires only one estimate.
Do I need to Notify the insurance company before repairs?
Yes, the “insured” must notify their insurance company. Not claimants.
Who is required to pay the repair bills?
Your insurance company will pay you less any deductibles or depreciation. However you must arrange the payment.
Who is responsible for the repairs?
The shop. This is why it’s important to choose a professional and trained shop like us.
I have a Problem with my repair, who should I contact?
Contact the manager of the shop.
If my insurance company has problems processing my claim or paying the agreed amount, what should I do?
Contact your insurance agent first. Otherwise contact the Branch or Regional Claims manager. If that doesn’t work, contact the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner at (800) 562-6900
Define Diminished Value?
Diminished Value is the loss of market value to your vehicle because of accident damage and repair.
Three things that affect Diminished Value:
Inherent Diminished Value: The resale value of the repaired vehicle is reduced because the vehicle has a damage history.
Repair Related Diminished Value: The vehicle loses value because the vehicle can’t be perfectly repaired. It is therefore worth less after repairs.
Insurance Related Diminished value: Value lost due to insurance claims practices.
Who is Entitled to Diminished Value?
You are. Once your vehicle has been in an accident, you lose value to your vehicle.
Who pays Diminished Value?
Either your insurance company or both the person responsible for the accident and their insurance company. You will get compensation for diminished value even after repairs are done correctly.
Here are 3 common issues people run into when having their vehicle repaired:
1. People don’t fully understand their Insurance policy and what it says. They believe they have “full coverage” or that their insurance company will take care of everything, but that’s not always the case. Please understand your Insurance policy.
2. People are not prepared to make a decision on getting their vehicle repaired. Feel free to contact us so we can help cover any areas of concern or question.
3. People assume the insurance company makes all the decisions because they are paying the bill. That’s not the case; It’s your car and it’s your money because you already pay the insurance. You make the decisions.
Important Facts:
You should never drive a car that could be unsafe because of damages. The insurance company may not be liable for any further damages that may occur.
Your Car is a Large investment. Maintain its value and your safety by having it repaired to the highest standards.
Some insurance companies may require you to visit a drive-in claims center before your car is repaired. You can request the insurance company to inspect your vehicle at our shop instead.
There is no law requiring you to obtain more than one estimate or appraisal.
You have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice.
You are not required to use a shop "selected" by an insurance company or a claims adjuster. Remember it is your car.
However you are required by your policy to allow the insurance company a reasonable amount of time to inspect the damage prior to our repairing them.
Differences in repair estimates are common; a lower estimate may not include items necessary for the repair.
Please ask us to explain any differences. We are well trained in the repair procedures needed.
Check if the shop offers a repair warranty.
Check if the shop uses genuine manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts.
We can help you negotiate your claim with the insurance company.
Choose a shop that has Unibody repair equipment and is certified by I-Car or ASE for example. Only a very select group of quality repair shops have certified technicians. Look for their credentials.