After being involved in a car accident in California, you will likely contact your insurance company to discuss next steps. Your carrier might request that you take your vehicle to a preferred body shop right away.

 

The insurance company’s main priority is to save money. You should remember this as you continue to work with them throughout the duration of your claim. Although you might expect that your insurance company is on your side since you’ve been a loyal and paying customer for months or even years, but this can be a major mistake.

 

The insurance company’s preferred body shop, though, is not always the best choice after you’ve been involved in a car accident.

 

Certainly, you need to cooperate with your insurance company over the life of your claim and in particular, if you choose to file a personal injury claim. But the recommended repair center could offer a convenient and quick estimate but you will run the risk of being short-changed for the replacement or full repair value. It’s a much better idea to get several estimates of what it might cost to fix the damage on your car. It is within your rights to get multiple estimates for fixing your vehicle’s damage and then to take your car to any shop that you choose.
With so much on your mind after a car accident in California, it’s easy to forget these basic steps of managing your claim. Working with a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex world of dealing with the insurance company when you have been involved in an accident.