Did you know that the global automotive collision repair market was worth $185.98 billion in 2020? The projections expect it to grow by 2.1% every year until 2028.

Like most people, you probably don’t know much about auto body repairs. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the red flags you need to watch out for when getting your car fixed.

You can avoid dishonest repair shops taking advantage of you if you know what to look for. Nobody wants to deal with a shady auto body repair shop, but you can avoid them and get the best service possible with these tips.

Please read our article on five red flags to watch out for when getting auto body repairs now!

Red Flags for Auto Body Repairs

It’s never fun when you have to deal with car repair issues. But if you know what to look for, you can spot potential problems before they become expensive. Some of the things to watch out for include:

1. Reputation Issues

If the repair shop doesn’t have a good reputation, beware. Make sure to check online reviews and talk to friends and family to see if they have had any bad experiences. One way to find a good auto body repair shop is to check if they have approval from the Better Business Bureau.

This could mean that they have a history of providing quality repairs.

2. Upselling

Be cautious of repair shops that try to upsell you on services you don’t need. These shops may be looking to make a quick buck rather than providing quality repairs. This is why it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion if you’re not sure about a repair they recommend.

3. Shoddy Work

If the shop is unable or unwilling to provide a warranty on their work, that’s a red flag. A reputable shop should have a guarantee if something goes wrong with the work they did. This shows that they stand behind their repairs.

4. Inferior Parts

Make sure the shop uses original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Aftermarket parts are not as good as the original manufacturer parts. The original manufacturer parts are for your make and model with exact specifications.

They are also more likely to fit the correct way and last longer.

5. Communication Issues

Some technicians won’t communicate or update you on the progress of repairs. Before agreeing to repairs, ask for an estimate in writing to avoid overcharge fees. This also prevents unexpected repairs without your permission.

This will help you find a reputable shop that can provide quality service.

Getting Repairs Done Right

When getting auto body repairs, it’s essential to find a reputable shop. Plus, you want to make sure they have experienced technicians.

This will help reduce the hassle and frustration of repairing your car. These are the five red flags to watch out for when getting repairs. This way, you can be sure you’re getting your vehicle fixed with precision.

Do you want to ensure you’re getting auto body repairs done right? Contact us today to get your auto body repair in Limerick, PA.

The average American pays around 3% of their income on car insurance alone each year, with the average cost of car insurance topping $1548 annually.

Car insurance policies are complex and come with risk factors (to you) buried deep in their paperwork.

Should the unfortunate happen and you get into an accident and file a car insurance claim, you count on your car insurance to help you out. But what if it doesn’t and your claim gets denied?

Reasons for Denial of Car Insurance Claim

You receive a letter from your car insurance company, stating: Insurance claim denied. Be sure to read the letter fully to find out the reason(s) why the adjuster denied your claim. Some of the more common causes of denials are:

Your Policy Has Lapsed

It sounds like a no-brainer, but in our busy lives, things can get overlooked. If you miss paying your car insurance and have an accident, your claim will surely get denied.

Policy Exclusions

Perhaps you have collision coverage but not comprehensive coverage and your car was stolen, which is a claim that falls exclusively under comprehensive coverage, resulting in you not having coverage for theft.

Other gotchas are the limits on bodily damage/injury. If there are multiple or serious injuries, you could run out of coverage if your limits are too low.

Not Enough Coverage

Let’s use the example of an accident where your car was totaled and would cost $35,000 to replace, but you only have $25,000 in property damage coverage. You would be denied the difference of $10,000.

The Other Driver’s Insurance Denied Coverage

If you are in an accident that isn’t your fault, the other driver’s insurance comes into play. For reasons beyond your control, the other insurance company could deny coverage for your losses.

The Information Provided Was Incomplete or Inaccurate

It is important to be precise and accurate when filling out forms for car accident insurance claims and then when speaking with an adjuster. If the information given is incomplete or inaccurate, you could get denied.

If possible, you should document all the information about the accident as soon as possible after it happened.

1. Get testimony and phone numbers of witnesses
2. Make a drawing/map of the accident and a description of how it occurred
3. Get the driver’s license and other contact information of the other driver

Steps to Take After Claim Denied

Gather Evidence

Such as witness testimony, police reports, damage estimates, and anything else that pertains to the accident. The more, the better.

Send an Appeal Letter

Address it to the department that deals with denied claims. Include policy and claim number and name of the agent who rejected the claim and the date of the denial. Include all your gathered evidence.

Keep your tone formal and professional. Write only about facts that pertain to the claim and avoid adding anything extra.

Get Legal Help

If your written appeal is also denied, your last step is to contact a lawyer and have them review your claim denial. A lawyer may see a way to help you reclaim your losses.

Don’t Give up When Denied

A car accident is traumatic, and getting your car insurance claim denied can be equally so.

Once you have settled the matter of your insurance claim, your next step will likely be to find an auto repair specialist. Please visit Limerick Auto Body on the web and fill out our form for an estimate in the Limerick, Pennsylvania area.