by Elaina Wicks

Created on: October 08, 2008   Last Updated: February 23, 2011

As if your agenda wasn't hectic enough, a little fender-bender on the way home today was definitely not another thing you wanted to scratch off of the "To-Do" list. Whether the accident was your fault or someone else's, filing an insurance claim can be a very frustrating and worrisome experience. However, knowing your rights and what to expect during an insurance claim process, can leave you with more money in your pocket and less hassle throughout the repair.

It is very important to file your claim as soon as possible. Make sure that you have already obtained pertinent information regarding the accident situation. If another driver was involved, be sure to write down all of their insurance and contact information, vehicle make/model and license plate number. If possible, obtaining witness statements can be very helpful to your claim.

Once you contact the appropriate insurance provider, a claims representative will ask if you or any other party was injured, if your vehicle is "drivable" (no airbags deployed, no extensive damage to engine, tires, etc.) and if any other driver was involved. It is important to answer these questions honestly. Although your car might look unsightly, it can most likely still be driven with a minor bumper scratch. Forcing your way into a body shop too early can cost you rental expense that the insurance company may not be liable for.

If you were not at fault and are filing under another party's insurance provider, expect a delay. Until both insurance companies get statements from everyone involved and begin their investigation into the incident, you may be temporarily responsible for expenses related to your repair. Towing, rental coverage or medical expenses could potentially be out of pocket until fault has been determined.

Over the past few years, insurance companies have tried to make the claims process more convenient for their insured. Insurance companies have started partnering up with certain body shops in a program they call the "Direct Repair" or "Preferred Body Shop Program." This is when the insurance company will refer you to a body shop that they have worked with on a regular basis for vehicle repairs. Although the insurance company may try to persuade you to go with these types of shops, the decision is ultimately yours. You have the right to choose the repair facility without worrying that your repairs or coverage will be compromised.

In the event that you do not have backup transportation, you may need a rental car while your car is in the shop. Rental companies will try to sell you additional insurance coverage to protect the rental while in your care. This coverage is not necessary. Your existing insurance will cover you in the event of another accident. Don't let the rental company intimidate you into paying for extra insurance that you do not need.

Lastly, be patient. The national average reported by body shops for auto body repair is a minimum of two weeks. Although you may be dying to get your "baby" back, hounding a body shop with calls about your vehicle's repair status will only slow down the process. My husband, a body shop estimator for the past ten years says, "Many people don't realize the amount of work and detail that goes into their repair. Every time I get a phone call from a customer asking a question about the status, it takes away vital time needed to ensure that their car gets repaired efficiently." In most cases, a reputable body shop will offer a lifetime warranty on repairs and provide up-to-date status information on their website for your peace of mind.

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