What should the non-liable party pay attention to when assessing damages at a 4S shop?
4 Answers
Precautions for vehicle damage assessment: 1. First precaution: Determine the repair method for the damaged parts before vehicle repair. Generally, insurance companies prefer repairing damaged parts if they can be restored to normal functionality. Only if the damaged parts cannot be repaired should they be replaced. 2. Second precaution: Determine the amount of vehicle repair costs. Disputes often arise over the cost of vehicle repairs. Insurance companies usually assess repair costs based on the qualification level of the repair facility. For replacement parts, they quote prices according to the regional market price of the parts. However, some repair shops may charge higher prices for parts due to procurement channels or other reasons, or higher labor costs. In such cases, it is advisable to negotiate the total repair cost in the presence of the insurance company's damage assessor and the repair shop's reception staff.
When going to the 4S shop for damage assessment, the most important thing is to bring all the required materials, especially the accident liability certificate issued by the traffic police, which must clearly state that the other party is fully at fault. Remember to take photos of the damaged parts of the vehicle in advance, capturing them clearly from different angles, so that no damage will be missed when verifying with the assessor. At the shop, have the assessor inspect the vehicle condition in person, and confirm the damaged parts and extent together with them—don't rush to sign and leave. Review the repair plan carefully, confirming whether original or aftermarket parts will be used, and ensure every repair or replacement item is clearly listed. Finally, coordinate with the insurance company to ensure the claim payment is directly transferred to the 4S shop's account, so you won't have to pay out of pocket first and then seek reimbursement, avoiding potential disputes later on.
As someone who has been the non-liable party in two accidents, my deepest lesson is never to completely leave everything to the dealership. Before the damage assessment, you must carefully inspect the vehicle yourself, especially in easily overlooked areas like bumper seams and headlight brackets, marking any new scratches on the spot. Go through each repair item in detail, such as the extent of panel beating and whether the paint is fully resprayed. Be mindful of pricing—the same part can vary by 30% across different dealerships, so it's best to have the other party's insurance company step in to negotiate. Keep all repair receipts throughout the process, even photocopying work orders, as these serve as proof for any subsequent repair issues. Most importantly, pay attention to the vehicle handover time to avoid disrupting daily use.
The damage assessment process is quite straightforward but details matter. After an accident, don't move the vehicle and immediately report to police for a liability statement. Before going to the 4S shop, save photos of the other driver's license and insurance policy on your phone to avoid time-wasting searches. Stay present during the assessor's inspection, pointing out each dent and scratch to ensure proper documentation. Common tricks include cutting corners on repairs, like fixing parts that should be replaced. It's best to request repair process photos, especially for hidden work like frame straightening. When picking up the car, don't rush to drive off - walk around it three times checking for color mismatches and panel gaps. Addressing flaws on the spot saves hassle later.
