Is the Amount of Loss Assessment Directly Paid to the Repair Shop?
2 Answers
No, the amount of loss assessment is not directly paid to the repair shop. The insurance loss assessment is not directly related to the compensation amount. You need to apply for claims settlement with the insurance company based on the actual loss assessment document. Verification of authenticity during claims settlement: The insurance company will verify the authenticity and reasonableness of the repairs during the claims process. It is not mandatory to retain the original invoices. If they are indeed lost, you can request a copy of the invoice stub from the 4S store and have it stamped with the financial seal. Generally, the insurance company will process the claim. Claims settlement process: First, report the incident to the public security authorities. You can choose to report immediately or afterward. Prepare the necessary materials yourself, usually by reporting to the local police station where the accident occurred. After reporting to the public security authorities, immediately report the incident to the insurance company, ensuring it is done within 48 hours of the accident. After reporting to the insurance company, a loss assessment must be completed within 48 hours. If you are busy with work, you can drive the car to a location near your workplace and wait for the insurance company to inspect it. For minor damages, the process usually involves taking photos, reviewing the accident report, and then issuing the loss assessment document. If you disagree with the compensation amount proposed by the loss assessor, it is best to clarify the issue on the spot.
I've handled similar issues multiple times. After insurance assessment, the payment isn't necessarily made in full directly to the repair shop. If you choose a network shop partnered with your insurer, they usually settle part of the amount directly, but you'll need to pay the deductible first—the deductible is the portion you're responsible for as stipulated in your insurance policy, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand. If you opt for a non-partnered repair shop, the insurer might pay you, and then you pay the shop, sometimes needing to cover the difference if repair costs exceed the assessed amount. The key is to confirm all details with your insurer before repairs to avoid disputes. Personally, I lean toward partnered shops for simpler procedures, but be mindful of repair quality. Also, the assessed amount is just the maximum payout the insurer approves and doesn't cover all potential costs, like tire or electronic component damage, which may incur extra charges.
