Insurance Paid Your Claim? Now What?

     A: If you intend to have your vehicle repaired, contact your body shop of choice and schedule an appointment to review the estimate an schedule the repairs. 

     A: It is not uncommon that the final repair bill is more than the insurance adjuster's preliminary estimate. The body shop communicates with the insurance company once the repairs are underway and the actual repair costs are known. 

     A: Once you have selected a body shop, contact your insurance company to request that the check be reissued co-payable to you and your body shop of choice. 

     A: The difference between the adjuster's preliminary estimate and the check is your insurance deductible. It is your responsibility to pay your deductible to the shop much like you would pay your physician a co-pay.

     A: Of course, the choice is yours; however, you will want to ask your insurance agent if there will be an impact on future claims.

     A: Again, make sure that there will not be an impact on future claims.