Do I need to pay upfront when getting my car repaired at a 4S shop through insurance?
2 Answers
Upfront payment is required. Below is additional information: 1. Will insurance premiums increase in the second year after car repairs through insurance: Whether the insurance premium for a motor vehicle repaired at a 4S shop through insurance will increase depends on the specific circumstances. The premium adjustment is determined by the cause of the claim. If the claim was made under the other party's insurance due to an accident, your premium in the second year will not increase. However, if the claim was due to your own fault, the premium in the second year will rise. 2. Is it better to use insurance or pay out of pocket for car repairs: When a motor vehicle needs repairs, the decision to use insurance or pay out of pocket should be based on the repair location and cost. If the accident is significant and involves multiple repairs, using insurance is more appropriate. For minor accidents with small repair costs, it is more suitable for the car owner to pay out of pocket.
As a seasoned driver with ten years of experience, I've been through this quite a bit. Generally, when getting your car repaired at a 4S shop through insurance, you don't need to pay the full amount upfront because the insurance company will settle the claim directly with the shop. However, pay attention to the details. For instance, after my car was scratched last time, the shop required me to pay a small deposit or the deductible portion before repairs to prevent costs from exceeding the budget. Especially in clear-cut at-fault accidents, the other party's insurance might cover everything without me paying a dime. But if there's a self-pay clause, you need to be cautious. I recommend first sending the accident photos to the insurance customer service to confirm the process, then discuss the repair plan with the shop. They usually handle these procedures. This way, it's hassle-free, cost-effective, and ensures repair quality.
