Auto Collision Repair and Insurance

Posted on by Greenwood Collision Auto Body Shop Seattle

So, you’ve been in an accident and managed to get your car put back together with our Seattle body shop. Is your insurance going to pick up the bill? In order to make sure you’re getting the most out of your insurance provider, keep the following in mind:

After you’ve filed your claim with your insurance company, they should contact you within a few days for more information. They will try to get the full account of what happened, which may include asking for an examination under oath, contacting witnesses of the event, and reviewing any documentation of injuries, expenses, or lost wages you may be claiming. An adjustor or appraiser will want to look over your damaged vehicle before it is repaired. In the event of minor damages, it is not unusual that they may ask you to seek out competitive bids.

If your insurance company is not responsive, or if you ever feel that you are being treated unreasonably, you should contact the Department of Insurance. Check the website of your state’s individual Department of Insurance to read more on your rights and responsibilities.

What to Do When You’re In an Accident

Posted on by Greenwood Collision Auto Body Shop Seattle

You cannot expect to avoid auto collisions, but you can prepare yourself for when they occur.  Keep the following in mind for the next time you find yourself in an accident out on the road.

  • Your first priority should be to check for injuries.  Unless they are in immediate danger, do not attempt to move anyone who may have suffered a spine injury.  Call for emergency service.

  • Call the police.  The police may not come to the scene, depending on the severity and location of the accident, but they should be notified regardless.

  • Get information from all drivers.  This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plates and vehicle identification numbers.

  • Get a record of the accident.  Ask for contact information from witnesses, and take pictures of the damage and accident scene if possible.

  • Notify your insurance company immediately.

  • The accident must be reported to the DMV within ten days if there are injuries or the vehicle damage exceeds $750.00.

  • In the event that the owner of one of the vehicles involved is not available, leave a note with the names and addresses of the drivers.

  • Do not argue with the other drivers or sign any statements!  Prepare your story for the proper officials.

  • Contact Greenwood Collision’s Seattle auto body shop for all your repair needs.

What are Aftermarket Parts?

Posted on by Greenwood Collision Auto Body Shop Seattle

Sometimes an auto collision repair job at our Seattle body shop may call for replacing damaged parts with what are called “aftermarket parts.” These are simply parts that were not made by the original manufacturer. It is perfectly legal to use such parts, and their aftermarket nature should be no particular indicator of a low-quality or second-rate product.

Consumers should be aware that an auto body shop is required to provide them with an invoice of all parts used in the repair of their car, and that this invoice should identify all aftermarket parts used. Check your invoices to assure that your shop is complying with this, as a failure to do so may be indicative of dishonest repair work.

What Do I Do if My Car Suffers Flood Damage?

Posted on by Greenwood Collision Auto Body Shop Seattle

It’s a pretty good bet that your car was not meant to go underwater.  If you get caught in a flood, drive into a lake, or otherwise submerge your vehicle, you’ve got a big problem on your hands.  The good news, however, is that your local Seattle auto body shop can help you through such an ordeal.  So stay calm, call your insurance agent, and try following these simple tips to keep the risk of further damage to a minimum.

Firstly, DO NOT START THE CAR.  This could damage the engine further.  Assess the damage, taking note if the engine or the interior got wet.  Taking photographs can help you in an insurance situation, and possibly give your mechanic insight on what to look for.

Have the car towed if you need to, preferably somewhere that can help you dry it off.  High powered fans are the best way to do this.  You’ll want to watch out for mold in case the car can be salvaged, so take special care of the interior.

Even after your car dries out, you can’t expect it to perform like it used to.  Your electronic systems may have to be replaced altogether.  Be prepared for some lengthy repairs, and get your water-logged wreck down to Greenwood as soon as possible.

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Dodging the Tire Switcheroo

Posted on by Greenwood Collision Auto Body Shop Seattle

How well do you know your tires?  If you woke up one day and had a different set on your car, would you notice?  If you’re like most Americans, you probably wouldn’t, and Seattle auto body shops that are less honest than Greenwood know how to take advantage of this.

Tires are expensive, and we go through a lot of them.  Each year, our country spends a total of about twenty billion replacing tires, adding up to an average of five per driver.  With this in mind, an unscrupulous auto mechanic stands to make a shady bit of extra profit off of you by replacing your wheels with older tires.  It’s easy enough to do once your car is in the shop, and nearly impossible to prove after it’s been done.

If you’re ever dealing with a mechanic whom you don’t yet trust, try discretely marking your tires to foil potential tire thefts.  Document this marking and inspect your bill carefully to see if they’ve recorded any services that you didn’t ask for.

Of course, you can always choose the easy route and take your car to Greenwood instead.  We have a reputation and an integrity as robust and stable as a good set of tires ought to be!

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