After getting into a minor accident, your mind races in many different directions: where can I get minor dents repaired? Should I get my car inspected after an accident even if there is no visible damage? Should I file an insurance claim for a small car accident? Depending on your deductible, it might be better to speak with your insurance agent beforehand—you may end up only paying a small, out-of-pocket expense. Continue reading to learn where and how you should have your car fixed after a minor accident.
Determine Which Insurance You May Use
If you are not at fault in your car accident, you may be able to file an insurance claim through the other driver’s liability insurance. Either the insured individual must admit they’re at fault, or you will have to wait for the determination of fault made in the police report.
You may only file through your insurance if you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your vehicle. If you do file through your insurance, you simply pay your deducible and move forward in the claim process.
Decide Whether an Auto Claim is Even Necessary
If your vehicle damage is minor you should bring it to your trusted auto mechanic for a repair estimate. If your repair cost will be the same or less than your insurance deductible, it is a good idea to pay your auto body shop directly rather than file a claim. Too many claims on your insurance can cause a spike in costs and, in if you have too many claims, even get you kicked off your insurance plan.
Steps to Choose an Auto Repair Shop
Your insurance company may have a preferred auto body shop where auto repairs for insurance claims are made. You are not, however, obligated to use their preferred auto body shop. If you choose your own repair shop, your insurance company may require estimates from multiple shops before agreeing to where you can take your vehicle to be repaired.
How to Choose an Auto Body Repair Shop
It’s hard to know who to trust with your vehicle, and finding a reliable mechanic you feel you can trust may take you a while. Next time you need your vehicle repaired, visit our team—Shur-Way has been a trusted auto repair shop in St. Louis since 1971 and has earned a check mark for all of the steps for choosing an auto repair shop after an auto accident:
- Ask friends and family for their recommendation, and Shur-Way is likely to come up because we’ve been in business for so long
- Don’t base your decision on price alone—cost does not equal quality
- Research online reviews
- Check for experience and warranty policies
- Get estimates first
- Ask for an explanation of your vehicle repairs that you can understand
Visit Shur-Way Auto Body Shop
Shur-Way is a leader in auto body repair in St. Louis. We have provided reliable auto body services in the St. Louis area for 40 years.
Visit our shop at 3540 Greenwood Blvd. in Maplewood, or give us a call at 314-645-5540 to speak with one of our team members about how to repair your car after a minor accident or major collision.