The Ins and Outs of Insurance Claims

Last updated 1 month ago

Filing an auto insurance claim may be the farthest thing from your mind after you have a collision—but the sooner you initiate the auto insurance claims process, the sooner you will be able to take your vehicle to a certified collision center like Hanley Bros. to receive the care and attention it needs. To help you better understand the insurance claims process, here is a brief guide:

Difference Between Insurance Claims – After you are involved in a collision, you have two options for recovering the cost of necessary repairs to your vehicle: You can either make a claim with your own insurance company (a first-party claim), or you can pursue payment through the party who caused the collision (a third-party claim). To determine which option is best for you, speak with your insurance agent.

What Your Insurance Covers – While some parts, components, and aftermarket accessories may not be covered by your insurance policy, all vehicles that are protected by collision coverage and are not classified as “totaled” can receive the care and attention they need by a certified collision center or body shop. If you’re not sure what your insurance policy covers, contact your agent and be sure to get the maximum coverage available on your vehicle.

How to Handle a Dispute – If you and your insurance company cannot agree on a fair reimbursement for the damage to your vehicle, you may dispute their findings and enter into arbitration where an impartial moderator will appraise both the value of your vehicle and the damage it sustained. You can also enter into a dispute with your insurance company if they declare it a “total loss” and you believe that it can be restored to a safe, pre-accident condition.

As a Mercedes-Benz certified collision center, Hanley Bros. doesn’t cut corners when it comes to caring for your luxury vehicle. In addition to winning the confidence of luxury car makers, insurance companies, and local dealerships, only Hanley Bros. has the specialized equipment necessary to repair your vehicle to its pre-loss condition. To learn more about our collision repair services, contact us online or dial (713) 680-2266.