What should be noted when repairing a car through insurance?
2 Answers
Experience in car repairs through insurance: Insurance companies have a time limit for damage assessment, requiring them to assess damages within 48 hours; otherwise, the repair invoice will be used as the basis. Considerations for car repairs include: Check if it's within the warranty period: If the vehicle is within the warranty period at a 4S store, repairs should be done there to ensure the user benefits from the warranty policy. If the vehicle is out of warranty, opt for auto repair centers or similar places, which are cheaper than 4S stores with lower labor costs. Negotiate the price before repairs: 4S stores have fixed prices with no room for negotiation, whereas other repair shops allow price discussions. Before repairs, clarify the parts to be repaired and the labor costs to avoid unexpected additional charges.
Last time I dealt with insurance after a rear-end collision, I learned some hard lessons and have a few important reminders. Don't panic after an accident - immediately call 122 to file a report while contacting your insurance company to make a claim. For minor accidents, it's best to take comprehensive photos of the scene yourself, including clear shots from front, back, left, and right angles plus close-ups of the collision damage. When the claims adjuster assesses the damage, watch closely - they often default to repairs rather than replacements, but things like deformed bumpers won't be sturdy after repair, so insist on new parts. If you pay for repairs yourself, always get formal invoices - a colleague of mine once got denied reimbursement because he couldn't obtain receipts. Before signing anything, carefully review the repair details - I once had my door repainted but was charged for a full car polish that I only noticed after payment. The worst are shops that scam insurance by replacing undamaged parts with aftermarket components - it's best to bring a car-savvy friend when picking up your vehicle for inspection.
