There’s the risk of an accident every time you get behind the wheel of your car and take to the street. This holds true even if you’re a safe, cautious, and defensive driver.
If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, your health and well-being are your top priority. Stay where you are, call 911 for help, and receive care at a local hospital.
Once you’re stable, it’s time to file an insurance claim. You’ll also consider the vehicle repair process.
Just because you take your vehicle to a reputable repair shop doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be happy with the result, however.
There are five levels of escalation if your car is not fixed properly after an insurance claim.
Level 1: Take it back to the mechanic
This is the best place to start.
Share your concerns with the mechanic or body shop so that they can take a closer look. There’s a good chance they’ll pinpoint the mistake and fix it for free.
If everything checks out at this level, there’s no need to contact the insurance company for additional assistance. You can manage the process yourself, which is less stressful and more time efficient.
Tip: You may have to personally show the repair shop your concern. For example, if you hear a noise from under the hood, ask a mechanic to take a ride with you so you can point it out.
Level 2: Ask your insurance adjuster for help
This step is generally necessary if one of two things happen:
- The repair shop is unable to address the issue
- The repair shop is unwilling to address the issue, stating that it’s fine as-is
The biggest mistake you can make is walking away and hoping for the best.
You have the right to expect your vehicle to be repaired. Rather than argue with the repair shop, contact your insurance company for the best path forward.
Your insurance adjuster will start by contacting the repair shop by phone to learn more. From there, they may request you to drop your vehicle off at the shop for them to review.
The longer you wait to take this step, the more difficult it becomes to find a resolution.
Level 3: File a complaint
This isn’t a step you want to take, but it may be necessary if the problem persists.
Start by filing a complaint with the repair shop and your insurance company. Stick to the facts and provide any supporting information that you have, such as evidence that your vehicle has not been repaired to your satisfaction.
This is also the right time to make a list of associations and/or state regulatory agencies with which to file a complaint.
Take for example a Pennsylvania resident interested in filing a complaint. Consumers can visit the Pennsylvania Insurance Department website to file a complaint online or via email, fax, or mail.
This step won’t fix your car, but it’s another move in the right direction. It helps to put additional pressure on the repair shop and your insurance company to fix the issue, while also setting you up for success should you move to level four.
Tip: use the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website to find the insurance department in your state or to file a complaint.
Level 4: Contact a lawyer
Most people never get to this step, but legal action is an option to consider in the most severe of cases.
If the damage is bad enough that you can’t live with it and you’re getting nowhere with the repair shop and/or insurance company, consult with a lawyer to see if you have legal standing to force the issue.
This is your opportunity to learn more about your legal rights, which may include filing a lawsuit for damages.
Just remember that there will be legal fees involved. It may be less costly to take your car to another shop and pay for it out of pocket.
Level 5: Consider changing insurance companies
You hope it doesn’t get to this point, but you may need to consider changing insurance companies.
This is the right choice if it’s clear that your insurance company isn’t willing to help. If they don’t help you this time, there’s no reason to believe they will in the future.
Sticking with your current provider sets you up for another disappointment if you have a collision in the future. You’re better off searching for a new company that gives you the peace of mind you deserve.
Reminder: If you terminate your coverage, there’s little hope of getting your former insurance company to pay for repairs to your vehicle. So, only make this move as a last resort.
If you’re ready to make a change, compare three to five insurance companies to learn more about coverage, cost, and customer service. You don’t want to make the same mistake twice.
Ask the agents that you’ve narrowed your search to questions about their company’s claims process. Common questions include:
- What options do you have for filing a claim? Online? In-person? Over the phone?
- What steps do you take to ensure that your vehicle is properly repaired after an accident?
- How does your insurance company manage a situation in which a customer is not happy with the repairs to their vehicle?
The answers to these questions will help you narrow your list and zero in on the insurance company that best suits your requirements.
Final word
You put a lot of trust in your insurance company and repair shop after an accident. You hope that your car is repaired in a fast, efficient, and reliable manner.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a guarantee.
If your car is not fixed properly after an insurance claim, start with level one above and move through the remaining levels until you’re satisfied.
Should the time come to switch insurance providers, My Perfect Insurance Quote can help.
We make it simple to secure quotes online, compare your options, and make an immediate change. It’s our goal to ensure that you find the right policy for your needs.
