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Your Guide on General Accident and Automotive Knowledge

Wouldn’t you feel safer if you knew how to respond after a car accident?  You may not be able to control what happens in the moment but you can always plan for what comes next.

If you have questions about general accidents or automotive knowledge, here’s a guide that can answer it all!

1. Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Some of the basic steps to take after an accident are common sense.  However, it helps to review them anyway so you can be confident in the heat of a real situation.

Step 1: Check yourself and others for injuries

Step 2: Get to safety and secure your car if you can

Step 3: Call 911 (This is legally required for minor and major accidents in some states)

Step 4: Exchange name, contact, and insurance info with other involved drivers (required in all states)

Step 5. Give the police all details of the accident to construct a report.

Step 6. Request a copy of the report from the police (insurance companies may request this from you)

2. Additional Steps: Proving Fault in a Car Accident

There are other steps you may need to take after everyone leaves the scene of the accident.

If you’re confident the other driver is at fault, you’ll need to prove it to your car insurer and file a claim.  This is where the police accident reports come in handy.

The other driver is then required to pay for any damages or sustained injuries either through their own insurance or out of pocket.

Unfortunately, sometimes claims are denied by insurance companies.  If this happens to you, your other option is to file a lawsuit against the other driver.

You can also take legal action if you need help navigating compensation for critical injuries or extensive property damage.

Filing a lawsuit also requires proof that the other driver is at fault.  However, negligence law generally covers auto accidents.

3. Automotive Knowledge After an Accident

So, what happens to your car after an accident?

If another driver is at fault in the accident, they are required to pay for your damages or injuries once your insurance claim is processed and approved. Their insurance would pay for any repairs to your car up to the policy limit.

You would also receive compensation for your medical bills covered by the other driver’s liability coverage.

If you are at fault in the accident, collision coverage is the only way to get financial assistance from your insurer.  Typically, this coverage isn’t required by insurance companies unless you’re leasing or financing the car but it can still be advantageous.

No matter who is at fault in the accident, there are optional coverages that can help you take care of your car afterward.

For instance, emergency roadside assistance is helpful for anyone with extensive damage to their car and needs a tow.

Protect Yourself with Better Automotive Knowledge

Accidents happen.

The best thing you can do is prepare yourself with better automotive knowledge.  With all of the above steps to consider, there are accident aftermath services you can take advantage of.

Limerick Auto Body can help you right at the scene of the accident.  We’ll also walk you through the repair process and help you understand what insurance benefits you’re entitled to.  Contact us today to get started.

5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Auto Repair Service in Collegeville

Owning a vehicle can be a blessing and a curse. While a set of wheels gets you where you need to go, it comes at a hefty price.

Pennsylvania residents spend an average of $3,563 on their vehicles per year. If you want to keep your car running smoothly, you need a well-trusted auto repair service.

Asking questions helps you locate an auto body shop that can keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. Let’s review five top-notch things to ask your next auto repair shop.

1. What Are Your Business Credentials?

Before you choose an auto repair shop, make sure the business is in good standing. Inquire about the company’s history, credentials, and employees.

Find out how long the shop has been in business. There is always a correlation between quality service and the number of years a shop has been operating.

An autobody shop should possess a license to conduct business and proof of insurance. You can also check the business’s grade provided by the Better Business Bureau.

Auto repair employees should be ASE certified. The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence tests and certifies mechanics. The certification is a sign the people inspecting your vehicle are well-qualified to do so.

2. What Auto Repair Services Do You Offer?

Ask about the different repair services offered to ensure your new auto shop has the solutions you need.

Find out if the shop has experience working on your specific vehicle. Talk to the mechanics about fixing your issue and if they have experienced the problem before.

If you’re dealing with a specific issue or have a custom vehicle, you may need to seek out a specialty repair shop.

3. Do You Have Any References and Reviews?

If you ask a business owner if he or she believes in the business, the answer will always be yes. To find honest answers, turn to reviews.

Inquire if the auto shop has customer testimonials on file or references you can contact.

Ask friends and family if they have been to the auto shop, and how their experiences went. Inquire about the business’s organization, hours, pricing, and if the mechanics solved the problem.

You can also use the internet to learn more about your prospective autobody shop. Check Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Angie’s List for unbiased reviews of the establishment.

4. Will You Provide an Estimate?

Auto repair fees can quickly add up, so it’s in your best interest to get an estimate before any work is done. Estimates give you a good understanding of what you will be charged for, so you can decide if you want to go through with the repairs.

A written estimate prevents any extra charges or hidden fees from being added to your final bill. It helps you ensure you receive fair prices for the services provided.

5. Do You Provide Loaner Vehicles?

The most frustrating part of getting vehicle repairs is losing your transportation.

If you have a busy schedule and can’t afford to lose your wheels, ask if your auto shop provides loaner or renter vehicles for customers. Some repair shops have on-site loaner vehicles or courtesy cars that you can use while your vehicle is under maintenance.

If You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers

Finding a reliable and affordable auto repair service can be difficult, but not if you ask the right questions. Take your time finding a dependable auto shop that provides fast, effective, and high-quality vehicle maintenance.

If you have questions for your next auto repair service, we can answer them.

Give us a call and we’ll get you an estimate for your repairs. We can also answer any other inquiries you may have to ensure your vehicle is in the right hands.