Let the Repair Process Begin

It is our policy to dismantle the damaged portion of the vehicle for the purpose of inspection and evaluation of the damage to the vehicle. By doing this in advance, we can more closely evaluate and diagnose the damages.

This prepares us for the insurance inspection so that more than a superficial inspection of the damage is made in most cases. As the process of rebuilding proceeds, we may update a previously prepared estimate to include hidden damages. The process of evaluation and diagnostics will continue right up until completion of the repairs in some instances. The claim is never closed out until all the damage has been identified.

Even after delivery of the vehicle back to you, quirks can develop at which time we can re-open the claim file to access repair needs. It is the prerogative of the insurance company to inspect the damaged vehicle.

Their inspection confirms the existence of damage and relates it to coverage within the policy. The inspection may relate to injury confirmation or simply proof of loss. Most insurance companies use "Appraisers" to “survey damage.” Often appraisers have limited experience and may have never actually worked on a damaged vehicle. They are sometimes trained by a "trainer" who may work for the insurance company or an outside appraisal company.

In any case, their opinion of the damage is biased based on their insurer employer and may not agree with that of the repair professional. Keep in mind that the insurance appraiser works for the insurance company's benefit, not yours. His/her goal is to mitigate cost to his/her company these appraiser are often taught to deny, deny , deny often negating safety or your right to full recovery. We see appraiser’s refuse to replace seat belts after serious collisions against manufacturers recommendations.

Shops that participate in Insurance Direct Repair Programs cannot thoroughly look out for both you and their insurance company partner. One has to suffer. In most cases we see the consumer loses as pre-arranged deals keep a constant flow of work to Direct Repair Shops. One can bet that they value their insurance relationship more than that of one customer.