Auto collision repair claims in Michigan

The Do's and Dont's for handling your auto collision claim

by Marty Ruth  December 16, 2020

No one plans on getting into a car accident. Most drivers are involved in one or fewer auto accidents during their lifetime. That’s why insurance companies get away with underpaying claims, especially if your car is totaled.

I’m Marty Ruth from Auto Appraisal Network – Detroit. I have over thirty years’ experience in the auto collision repair industry. I have kept people, just like you, from making major mistakes while trying to navigate their auto accident claim.

Here’s are several things you must do and not do in managing your auto claim:

Do NOT have your car fixed by a shop that tells you to lie to the insurance company and say that your car was “hit while parked.” First, they’re telling you to commit insurance fraud. Secondly, if they’re telling you how to commit a crime, you can bet the shop will have no problem doing the same and cut hidden corners when fixing your car. Thirdly, insurance companies have their own CSI, and you WILL get caught. Insurance fraud is punishable by imprisonment.

Do NOT let your insurance company steer you to one of their direct repair shops without doing your research first. In many cases, insurance companies have repair agreements with shops to use substandard parts and a much lower labor rate in exchange for referrals. I’m not saying direct repair shops do bad work, but you get what you pay for. Check online reviews before you choose a body shop.

MUST DO — Clean your car inside and out before you drop it off at the shop for repairs. First, it’s makes identifying all the damage easier. Secondly, technicians like working on clean cars and treat them better. Thirdly, the paintwork will come out with less dirt to polish, in return, making your finish last longer.

(Shhh, BONUS INSIDER INFORMATION) When insurance companies determine values on total loss vehicles, they complete a vehicle condition report. If your car is messy, your insurance company will pay you much less.

Here’s what you do if you ran out of time or your car got towed. Find the shop detailer, and tip him $20 to PRE-CLEAN your vehicle BEFORE the insurance company evaluates it. Guaranteed, it will be the best short-term investment you’ll ever make. It can net you hundreds, even thousands of dollars more on your settlement.  

Don’t try to handle your total loss settlement by yourself. Hire a professional appraiser, like me, who has auto collision management experience. If you're anywhere in the State of Michigan, Auto Appraisal Network -Detroit will review your loss valuation for free before we accept your case. What do you have to lose?