What should be noted when repairing a car through insurance?

[VanChristopher]

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.

[HenryFitz]

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.

[DeCecilia]

File insurance claims for car repairs promptly, ideally within 48 hours for the safest process. Remember not to admit full liability hastily—wait to sign until you've reviewed the liability determination document. Don't rush to sign the assessor's report either; last time, I noticed they only listed "repair" for a clearly broken headlight bracket. It's advisable to prioritize insurance company-affiliated 4S shops—though you might queue longer, parts are guaranteed. Stay vigilant by cross-checking replacement part codes; a friend once encountered used parts passed off as new at a repair shop. Watch out for labor cost tricks too, like itemizing a bumper replacement into five or six charges. During repairs, visit frequently to monitor progress—I checked daily and caught an overlooked scratched wheel hub, prompting an immediate work order addition. At pickup, don’t just inspect paintwork; test-drive for odd noises. Once, my steering was misaligned post-repair, requiring three reworks.

[KarterFitz]

The biggest fear when filing an insurance claim is incomplete documentation leading to wasted effort. After an accident, immediately use your phone to take photos of the vehicle license, driver's license, and compulsory traffic insurance policy. Remember to clearly capture the inspection sticker on the windshield. Bring all original documents for the damage assessment—I once forgot my ID and had to make an extra 30-kilometer trip. Before repairs, clarify whether it will affect next year's premium; for minor scratches under 2,000 yuan, paying out-of-pocket might be more cost-effective. Special reminder for modified car owners: file the modifications in advance. A friend's unregistered xenon headlights only got compensated for the original halogen lights. When picking up the car, focus on checking the original packaging of replaced parts—aftermarket parts' QR codes often don't scan. Keep all repair invoices and payment records; these are your evidence in disputes. Don't forget to request a repair warranty—standard parts should have at least a six-month guarantee.