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A Hasty Decision May Limit Your Car's Lifespan    

    Avoiding automobile accidents in Houston ..traffic can be challenge. With the vast number of motorists in this area, the seemingly endless road construction, and the ever-present danger of reckless drivers, you never know when your car will need the services of a collision repair specialist.

    Once you’ve had an accident, don’t compound the problem by randomly selecting a shop to perform the repairs. It is important that you find a professional and reliable shop that you can trust to do the job right. Not only could an inadequate repair job result in an unsafe car that does not perform well, but it could cause your car’s resale value to diminish.

Working With Your Insurance

    When your car is damaged in an automobile accident, you will not only be working with a collision repair shop, but also your insurance company.

    The first step you should take if your car has been in a wreck is to contact your insurance company. Do not get your car repaired before letting your insurance company know. If you need to have your car towed from the site of the accident to a repair shop, don’t let the wrecker driver pressure you into taking your car to a particular repair shop. Make sure the car goes to the shop of your choice.

    When talking to your insurance company, it is important to remember that state law does not require you to obtain more than one estimate. The insurance company representative may encourage you to get multiple estimates, but you are not required to do so. The insurance company cannot specify a shop to use.

     Your insurance company may require that one of its claim adjusters inspect the damage on your vehicle so that he can appraise the cost of the repairs. If this is the case, take the claim adjuster’s appraisal to the repair shop after you have received your estimate. If the repair shop’s estimate differs from that of the insurance company’s, the repair shop should have the ability to provide a supplement to the insurance company’s appraisal. Most repair work includes supplemental costs beyond the insurance company’s estimate. Let the shop owner or manager communicate what the vehicle needs to your insurance company to ensure complete repair coverage.

Finding A Quality Repair Center

    When looking for a shop to perform the needed repairs, turn first to your friends, neighbors, relatives, and business associates. Ask them about companies they have used in the past. They may be able to recommend a shop based on their own experiences. Call the Better Business Bureau for a report on the company.

    When checking out a repair shop, insist on a shop tour. A reputable repair shop will be proud of its work and its facilities and will be pleased to show you around. Look for neatness and organization. If the shop owner takes good care of the facilities, your car is likely to be treated with the same care.