Do not be intimidated in dealing with insurance companies. Your automobile insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company. Your insurance company agrees to provide certain services in return for the monthly or annual premiums you pay them. It is your money and your contract with the insurance company. Be persistent. Do not allow your insurance agent to minimize the claim situation.

When you contact your insurance company to place a claim for damage to a vehicle in an accident in which you were at fault, you are the "insured." When you contact the insurance company of the driver of another vehicle in an accident for which you are NOT at fault, you are the "claimant."

Insurance companies are required to deal with you "in good faith." If you believe an insurance company is NOT dealing with you in a fair and equitable manner, you can contact the office of the California State Insurance Commissioner.

Accident Report Form
Accident Checklist

California State Laws

California State laws protect your rights as the owner of the vehicle. This means that you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the repair facility of your choice. Insurance companies are prohibited from mandating that you use the repair facility of their choice. Even though many insurance companies have contractual arrangements with local repair facilities, you do not have to use their service. You have every right to thoroughly investigate and evaluate repair facilities—and we recommend that you do so.

While state laws do NOT require you to get more than one estimate, you may want to do so for your own peace of mind. However, if you have had a positive previous experience with a collision repair facility and would like to have them do the work, your insurance company must accept tha repair facility's reasonable repair estimate—even if it is the only estimate you obtain.

Repair Parameters

You are entitled to have your vehicle restored to its pre-accident condition. That means using OEM-manufactured parts (not after market or used components), computerized paint matching (for the exact model and factory run of your vehicle), and all the other little details that will make a difference in the years of service you expect from your vehicle.

Estimate Evaluation

Newer model automobiles are more complicated and costly to repair than ever before. Unibody construction, advanced electronic systems, and improved safety devices such as air bags mean repairs are more involved and often require the replacement of other related components to insure the integrity and proper operation of the vehicle. Repair estimates are often lengthy and filled with terms you may not understand.

Question everything! A reputable repair service will take the time to explain what each repair operation entails and why.