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ASSISTANCE WITH AUTO INSURANCE CLAIM

If you need to make an auto insurance claim, it's nice to know that Kings County Collision & Repair, you have someone working for you to make the process easy & stress-free. Customers consistently give us high ratings for their claims experience.Here’s how we help you

After a car accident, you can always reach us by phone at 718-638-1888 or via our website. Our representatives are available to assist with you with your claim. Once your claim has been reported we will start working on it to resolve it as quickly as possible and take the correct steps to make sure your claim is paid.

WHAT DOES THE INSURANCE COMPANY DO TO HELP YOU IN YOUR CLAIM

The insurance company is your advocate, they are contracted to protect you. Sometimes people want to handle things on their own, or do not want their insurance company to know about the claim so they try and handle things themselves. This is not advisable when there is another party involved. 

The reason is because you do not know what you are getting involved with, and if you start a process and then realize things are getting out of hand, or are too difficult for you to manage on your own, then you might have a problem bringing your insurance company in the middle of negotiations that went wrong, or surprise personal injury claims. Contact your agent right away and let them help you, your insurance contract requires you to get them involved at the start.

STEP 1: CONTACT THE POLICE

It is always best to have another person take down the details of the accident or incident in the police report. No matter how small the accident, you must stop – otherwise you’re breaking the law. Turn off your engine, turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and passengers for any injuries.

Worst case scenario, if the other party is being difficult, the police will be there to make sure you are safe. The police will also have emergency service people there to help handle injuries or dangers like leaking fuel or oil. After the fact, you'll have a police report, this will help you with your claim.

STEP 2: CONTACT KINGS COUNTY COLLISION & REPAIR OR YOUR YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY 

Call your insurance company from the scene of the accident while you wait for the police.

They'll help walk you through the next steps and tell you what you need to send them.

If your car is in a non-drivable condition, then contact Kings County Collision & Repair immediately.

We can arrange a tow truck and help arrange a rental car when if you have that covered on your policy.

Once we call your insurance company, they will open the claim file for your case.

STEP 3: A CLAIMS SPECIALIST GETS ASSIGNED TO YOU TO SETTLE YOUR CLAIM CASE

Once your claim is reported to your insurance company, they will assign a claims professional, like an adjuster to work on your car insurance claim.

YOUR CLAIM ADJUSTER'S ROLE IN FILING YOUR CLAIM

The adjuster will take over any discussions with third parties and their insurance company. They will investigate the circumstances and work for you to get the claim settled and your vehicle repaired.

  • You will likely meet with your claims adjuster or have a discussion on the phone. While your car is at our auto body shop to be repaired, the claims adjuster will contact us  and may inspect your vehicle to review the estimate of repairs.

  • If you need a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired, and you have the endorsement for rental vehicle from your claims adjuster we will help arrange this on your behalf.

  • The claims professional assigned to your case will also review any potential personal injury claims and handle any payments that need to be made as well as approve costs of repair.

  • Always provide the claims person assigned to your case with any information they require to make sure the claim goes quickly. The more information they have the better they will be able to help you .

  • The claims professional assigned to you is there to answer any questions you have, so don't be afraid to ask questions, including about when your payment will be made and what to expect.

IMPORTANT FACTOR FOR A PARTIAL LOSS:

FILE A DIMINISHED VALUE CLAIM

A partial loss is when the vehicle can be repaired. You may want to make a " Diminished Value Claim " since your car was in an accident, aside from the normal expected repairs, you may suffer a greater financial loss and be eligible for additional compensation, depending on the situation. Your adjuster should be able to discuss diminished value with you. 

If you are worried about a total loss, which means that the vehicle damage will exceed the vehicle value, therefore be considered a total loss, and you have a newer vehicle, you may want to ask your adjuster how the gap insurance part of the claim will work if you decided to purchase gap insurance coverage when you bought your car insurance.

Gap insurance is an endorsement added to your policy, so not every person has it, but if you do, this is a good time to find out how this will work for your claim. You will also want to know how they will determine if it is a total loss, and how long they think this will take to settle. Understanding realistic timelines helps you manage expectations in a claim and avoids frustration.

STEP 4: GETTING YOUR CAR FIXED, CLAIM RESOLVED, AND PAYMENT MADE

Once the adjuster has done all their research you should have an estimate of the cost to repair your vehicle, as well as whether you have a deductible to pay, and how the claim will play out.

Your estimate would normally outline the work to be done, as well as if the insurance company will use aftermarket or generic parts.

Once you and the adjuster agree, the work can be done and you can get your car back after the repairs.

BEWARE: IF YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY DOES NOT APPROVE YOUR REPAIRS, YOU MAY NOT GET PAID

As part of your insurance contract, you have to work with the insurance company in allowing them to assess damage and work on agreed settlements. You could end up in a very bad situation if you try and work something out on your own. When you want an insurance company to pay damages, part of the agreement is you hand over the control of the situation to them, and you do not make any commitments on their behalf. Always be sure not to make repairs before you are approved, because these may not be reimbursed.

All major insurance plans are accepted; We would be happy to arrange a tow truck to pick up your vehicle.

Call Kings County Collision & Repair at (718) 638-1888.

LET KINGS COUNTY COLLISION & REPAIR HANDLE YOUR CAR INSURANCE CLAIM AFTER THE ACCIDENT

KINGS COUNTY COLLISION & REPAIR

WORKS ON ALL MAKES AND MODELS

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