It has happened to nearly everyone. One day, you are driving your trusty vehicle as you normally would, and the next, you find yourself in a car accident with a damaged vehicle.
Once the dust settles and all of the reports are filed, you may be wondering where you should take your car for repairs.
The answer is you have options. Regardless of what anyone tells you, including insurance companies, you can choose where you want to have your car repaired, as long as your choice is a verifiable auto repair business with reasonable pricing.
Choosing the Insurance Company’s Repair Shop Options
When dealing with insurance companies, your or the other party’s insurer (whoever is responsible for your vehicle damage) will likely have a network of auto shops that do the lion’s share of their claims work. And the insurance company you are dealing with may tell you that you have to choose within their network. However, this is usually untrue.
Under most circumstances, you can decline the insurance company’s choices and look for your own business. With that being said, there are many good reasons to decide to work with an auto shop on the insurance company’s list.
Time Saver
Finding the right auto shop to repair your car can be time-consuming. If you don’t already have options, prepare to spend valuable hours searching through reviews or asking friends to find a good choice.
You can cut this step out almost entirely by choosing to go within the insurance company’s network. Their list of auto pros will have all of the contact information you need, including the address, website, phone numbers, and emails. Just pick up the phone or go online to set up an appointment.
Less Paperwork
Using an insurance company-approved shop will cut down on the paperwork and processing time you face when choosing outside of the network. The auto shop will usually take care of submitting the repair paperwork to the insurance company, meaning all you have to do is sign on the dotted line.
Guaranteed Service
The network of mechanics an insurance company gives you will have auto shops that provide quality service. They are, in most cases, vetted experts who have proven their capabilities to the satisfaction of the insurance company. As such, their service is usually guaranteed according to industry standards.
For a legal consultation call (713) 500-5000
Opting to Find Your Own Shop for Repairs
You may decide you want to go with a shop outside of the insurance company’s network. Maybe you have great experiences with a certain business, or another would be more convenient for you than the nearest insurance company choice.
Whatever the reason, you may choose your own pro. However, whoever you choose must be qualified to perform efficiently and complete repairs in the same manner and for close to the same price as the companies in the insurance network.
As such, make sure to investigate pricing and look for auto shop certifications, such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification, which means a mechanic delivers excellent automotive services.
You do not have to go to a specific car repair shop after an accident. However, if whomever you choose cannot deliver repair services efficiently and at a reasonable price, you will likely have difficulty getting insurance company approval.
A car accident attorney experienced in insurance claims can help you settle any issues that may arise.
Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350, Houston, TX 77098
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy
11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06, Houston, TX 77029
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop
2600 S Loop W, Suite 293, Houston, TX 77054
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Katy Freeway
11511 Katy Fwy Suite 515, Houston, TX 77079
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Burnet
205 S Pierce St. Burnet, TX 78611
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Clear Lake
1300 Bay Area Blvd Suite B268, Houston, TX 77058
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – The Woodlands
1776 Woodstead Ct ste 203, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Call or Text (713) 500-5000 or Complete a Case Evaluation Form
