How to Get Insurance to Pay for Collision Repair

If you had an accident and need to get your insurance company to pay for repairs, there are some basic steps you need to follow. How you approach the process depends on many factors, from the type of accident you were involved in to the specific rules your company has in effect.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Police report
• Information on other driver

1. Read your insurance policy to understand the steps you need to follow. Each company has different specifics regarding filing and getting claims paid. Some require you to file within a specific period of time, while others need to approve the repair estimate before a payment can be agreed upon and issued.
2. File a police report if the damages were severe or there were injuries. You will need this form to get your insurance company to pay for a high collision repair estimate. The police report must be filed at the time of the incident and signed by witnesses and both parties in order to be considered acceptable.
3. Ask for the payment to be made directly to the collision repair shop. This will cut down on paperwork and will usually speed up the process. The downside of this is that insurance companies that pay directly may not give you a choice of repair shops and instead direct you to the one of their choosing.
4. Make sure you report all damages without leaving anything out, even the smallest ones. Ask for a detailed estimate too, as the insurance company will need to approve it so you can move on with the process.
5. Jot down all information regarding the other driver involved in the accident. Not only will you need his driver's license and personal details, but you'll also need information about the car and the accident itself. For larger collision cases, where the police are involved, you may be able to get a copy of the report written by the officer.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to an insurance agent if you are unsure of how to file a claim or need help throughout the process. A form that contains mistakes may result in a delay or even a refusal of service.
• Resist the temptation to report damage that was already present when the accident happened. Even though it may seem like you can get away with an extra wheel replacement or paint job, if the company finds out you are lying, it may lead to your insurance policy being canceled and your collision repairs not being covered.