Skip to Content
FREE CONSULTATION | HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL 239-970-6844
Top
Property Damage Claims Superior Client Service

Car Accident Property Damage Claims

Car damaged? Follow these tips to get it fixed quickly.

You have just been involved in a car accident. While you have been fortunate enough to walk away from the collision without injury, your car is now wrecked. If your vehicle has been damaged or totaled in an accident, the following tips can help you deal with your insurance company and get your car fixed and back on the road as quickly as possible.

Obtain a Damage Estimate

The first step toward getting your vehicle fixed is to promptly get an estimate of the damage. In many cases, your insurance company will have an adjuster travel to your vehicle and assess the cost of repairing your car. If your car is still in a drivable condition, you may be asked to drive your car to the nearest estimating facility.

In addition to your insurance adjuster’s estimate, it is important you receive a few additional estimates from third-party body shops and compare them. If the independent estimates are all substantially higher than the insurance estimate, chances are your insurance company’s estimate was poor and did not account for the full amount of damage. If your insurance company refuses to budge, it may be wise to contact an insurance attorney.

Review the Terms of Your Policy

Your insurance policy should contain detailed information regarding what formula your insurance company will use to determine how much compensation you will receive if your car is deemed a total loss, whether or not you are entitled to a rental car, and the extent of your coverage. It is imperative you carefully examine your policy to ensure your insurance adheres to their responsibilities.

Choose the Right Repair Shop

Some insurance companies write provisions into their policies that give them the right to choose where your car will be repaired, allowing them to choose the lowest-cost option. If your policy allows you to choose a repair shop, be sure to choose a body shop with a strong reputation for ethics and service. Furthermore, if repair technicians from a trusted body shop discover further damage to the vehicle during the process of fixing it, they will contact the insurance company on your behalf and ensure your vehicle is fixed correctly.

Watch Out for Used Parts

Some repair facilities may choose to fix your vehicle with parts that are used or made by parties other than your vehicle’s manufacturer to save money – especially if the body shop was chosen by your insurance. It is important you insist that the repair facility use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to ensure your repairs are safe and long-lasting. If your policy states that your insurance may fix your vehicle with parts of “like kind and quality,” be sure to request a written warranty of any aftermarket parts used in your vehicle.

Dealing with a repair dispute?

If you encounter a dispute over your property damage claim, you may have grounds to pursue legal action against your insurance provider for acting in bad faith. If you believe you have been a victim of insurance bad faith, head over to the Florida Bar’s website for more information on how an insurance bad faith lawyer can help you can seek justice.


After a car accident, you need experienced legal counsel and advocacy from our Fort Myers attorneys. Contact us today to request a free case evaluation and to learn how we can help you recover damages after an accident.


 

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At Your Advocates, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Ms. Jackman just wanted to say what a GREAT JOB you did."

    Ms. Jackman just wanted to say what a GREAT JOB you did. Thanks for making a nervous process easier to handle!! Take care!

    - Mark Z.
    "They were very efficient, pleasant, and professional."

    They were very efficient, pleasant, and professional. Based on this very positive experience, we would recommend this company, and would not hesitate to use them again in the future.

    - Former Client
    "The firm surely does stand by its name as Your Advocates!"

    He was extremely professional throughout the journey and very experienced in this matter. I would recommend this firm to anybody in an uncontested eviction, contested eviction or any legal needs. The professionalism and value I received was a pleasant surp

    - Terry A.
    "Highly Recommended!"

    I worked with Rita Jackman, she is very much respectful, she breaks down all the details, and cares about her clients‼️ ...

    - Rittney O.
    "I’ll definitely be sending family and friends your way."

    Rita Jackman is my attorney and I can’t recommend her enough! She’s been truly amazing through a difficult time. She always ...

    - Jordan H.
    "There was never a day that one of them didn't respond by phone or email to our questions or concerns."

    Rita Jackman was incredible working with us on my daughter's injury case and negotiating on her behalf. Thank you Noelle for ...

    - Brad M.
    "I will not hesitate to recommend them and I will be calling them the next time I need any help."

    Noel took great care of us! She was very helpful, professional, on point and an absolute pleasure to have on our side ...

    - Joseph B.
    "Diana's experience, professionalism, and dedication resulted in a most favorable outcome of my case and her negotiation skills proved it."

    I had the pleasure of working with Diana Castrillon on my workers' compensation case and the least I can say is that she is ...

    - Alberto S.