What to do if You are in an Accident

Vehicle accidents are a fact of life. But this doesn’t make them any easier to resolve. We do.

When you have been in an accident, it is important to follow steps quickly to get the issue resolved, even if you are frustrated or stressed. Knowing the steps to follow can help you to stay calm in the situation.

Step 1:

Get your car into a safe area then exchange information with the other driver. If anyone is harmed, even with a minor injury, call emergency responders. Call your insurance and let them know you have been in an accident. Even if you are not at fault, alert your insurance immediately. Get a claim number when you call; your claim number will be important throughout the entire process. It is a good idea to take a few pictures of the accident. This can help an insurer determine who was at fault and what damage was done in the accident. If the driver is verbally accepting fault for the accident, consider getting a signed statement or witness verification.

Step 2:

Ask your insurer if they have a list of preferred auto shops. Remember: you can work with a company that is not on this list; you just have to take a few extra steps. At German Auto Body, we work with nearly every insurance company, but we do not take referrals from them. This helps us stay unbiased in our work. You can your insurer if they are familiar with our service team before coming in, chances are they may be aware of us.

Step 3:

Bring your car to us! We will write an estimate for the repairs for you. We will also be happy to start filing paperwork and negotiating with your insurer. We do not allow insurers to come in and determine which steps need to be taken. Instead, we do things to your standards and our standard, and we work with insurance companies to get them on board.

Step 4:

The car rental company you are using will need your insurance information. You will also need to have your Driver’s license and a credit card to place for a refundable deposit. Your rental insurance coverage should pay for the entire cost to rent the car unless it is in the shop longer than your coverage allows. In this case, let us know, and we may be able to work with you.

Step 5:

Relax and let us take care of the rest. We will keep you updated on the progress, and we will ensure your insurance covers each step of the repair. Finally, you will have your car back to you in better shape than it was before the accident.