After an accident, it can be stressful to get your car fixed without worrying about whether it was properly repaired or if there is any unfamiliar sound or visible damage that indicates something is wrong. You may need to take your car back to the inspection post-repair to find out what went wrong.
Although your insurance company should be willing to pay the cost of getting your car back into its original condition, it may require some coordination between you, the insurance adjuster, and the shop to sort it all out.
If your car is not properly fixed after making an insurance claim, here is what you should do and how to handle any issues that may come up during the repair process.
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What to Ask Your Insurance Adjuster
If you are not satisfied with the collision repairs done to your vehicle, and the repair shop is not willing or able to provide a post-repair inspection for your insurer, you will need to get involved.
The insurance agent, who is accountable for handling your claims, assures the quality of an auto body repair shop that they might have suggested during the repair procedure, and you might have already had a conversation with them. Your insurance adjuster is the initial person to contact.
It’s their job to assess the cost of repairs after an accident and determine what will be covered by your collision insurance policy, so you know how much you’ll need to pay.
Resolving the problem might be simpler if you have brought your vehicle to an authorized repair establishment. Even if you opted for a repair shop that was not on their roster, your insurance assessor should be ready to cooperate with you.
If you decide to completely bypass the repair shop and repair the car on your own, it might be challenging or nullify your insurance coverage, except for one specific situation – when you renew your policy.
Before calling to request further repairs on your phone, make sure to familiarize yourself with your insurance policy and know your rights. If your vehicle needs additional repairs and you have to return to the repair shop, the adjuster should be able to explain whether you will be provided with a car rental and if your deductible has been met.
Car Not Fixed Properly After An Insurance Claim? Here’s What You Need to Do Next
Indeed, it is a legitimate error at times, but in other instances, it is a matter of poor craftsmanship. On occasion, irrespective of whether you have brought your impaired automobile to a reputable technician or to a repair establishment suggested by your insurance provider, they do not consistently achieve accuracy.
Regardless, your mechanic and your insurance company should be willing to handle it without excessive inconvenience.
Here are the initial actions to take when you have a suspicion that something might be incorrect.
Keep a Photographic Record
If you have bought a used vehicle, especially true if it has visible vehicle damage or some dents already, it is a good idea to take photos of your car’s condition before and during any repair work that is done on it.
Prior to a vehicle collision, your automobile insurance company is legally obligated to restore the car to its original state before the accident occurred.
If you have visual proof that your car wasn’t properly fixed after making an insurance claim, you may find it easier to address and get the time needed to address it.
Listen for Any Unusual Sounds
When you bring your car in for auto repairs, there is always the possibility that something may be altered beneath the engine. The mechanic could have utilized replacement components that are not completely suitable, or they may have overlooked indications of accident-related harm.
Since you are the most acquainted with your vehicle, it is essential to stay alert for any unusual sounds or issues in its performance that you might not have noticed before.
You should report any significant bumps or shaking sounds to your mechanic, but replacing brake pads, similar to certain automobile repairs, may initially feel somewhat unfamiliar.
Car Still Not Fixed Properly? Make a Formal Complaint
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the repair process for your auto body shop may take a long time and become a struggle, possibly due to the insurance company not seeing eye to eye with you.
You have two choices in this situation. The initial one is to submit an official grievance with the Bureau of Automotive Repairs in your state, like the California BAR.
If the problem has not been resolved, you have the option to file a complaint, check their license, and find an automobile repair shop through your state’s website.
Although you may have to wait for additional repairs to be processed, you can easily file an online complaint. Another option is to make a complaint against your insurance company with the state’s Department of Insurance.
If all else fails, you may want to reach out to an attorney who can help you assert your rights and recoup the cost of repairs from your insurance company.
Do You Need to Get Your Car Fixed After an Insurance Claim?
If you have been involved in a severe car accident, your insurance company may declare your vehicle as a total loss and compensate for the expenses to replace it. In such a case, it might not be worthwhile to repair the car.
In order to evade filing a report for an incident, you might opt to repair the automobile’s damage independently or cover the expenses personally in certain scenarios, if it happens to be sufficiently trivial.
In order to preserve the resale value of your vehicle, it may be necessary to carry out repairs. Moreover, it is crucial to note that your insurer may not appreciate it if you keep the reimbursement money after filing a claim. Therefore, it is imperative to proceed with the necessary repairs.
Get a Post-Repair Inspection
If you have any doubts about the proper repair of your car after filing an insurance claim, the next course of action would be to return it to the repair shop or body shop for a post-repair examination.
If you do not need to obtain insurance from an agent who is currently involved, you may be able to verify their work for free by contacting numerous reputable auto repair shops. In the event that you cannot trust the original repair shop, you may then ask a third-party repair shop to provide a free repair estimate and consultation.
If it is determined that your car indeed requires additional repairs, the insurance law mandates the original auto repair shop, irrespective of their responsibility for the mistake, to restore your vehicle to its original condition before the loss occurred. It is important to inform your insurance company in this regard.
Shop Around for the Best Car Insurance Rates
Following an insurance claim, on occasion you may find yourself with a vehicle that has not been adequately repaired. However, this is not always the scenario, and in a perfect world, the process of fixing the car would be successful on the initial attempt after being involved in a car accident, and your insurance provider would cover the expenses without any problems.
If needed, submit a formal complaint, however, your initial step should be to ask for a post-repair examination and communicate with your insurance assessor.
You should always shop around for car insurance after getting into a collision, as your current insurance company might raise your premiums. It might be a good time to switch insurance providers after resolving the issue.
By comparing quotes from multiple car insurance providers, you can make sure to get the best insurance policy at the lowest rates.
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