What You Should Do After An Auto Accident
So now that the auto accident is over and you followed steps 1-8.
You…
- Assessed the situation
- Exchanged information
- Didn’t admit fault
- Documented everything
- Got witnesses
- Spoke to law enforcement
- Drew a diagram
- Called your insurance company
All there is left to do after the auto accident are steps 9 and 10!
Step 9. Take Your Car To A Collision Shop Of YOUR Choice
After your auto accident your insurance company will recommend a repair shop (this is called steering and it’s illegal) but YOU have the right to select the repair facility of YOUR choice for the repairs to YOUR vehicle under California Code of Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 5, Section 2695.8(e)(2). AN INSURANCE COMPANY SHALL NOT REQUIRE THE REPAIRS TO BE DONE AT A SPECIFIC AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP.
Once you decide the collision repair shop you want, if your car is driveable, take your car to that auto body and paint shop or have it towed there. They will write up an estimate of repairs.
The auto body shop will need the following:
- Your information
- Your car insurance information
- Claim number
- Adjuster’s name
- Adjuster’s number
Step 10. Tell Your Car Insurance Company What Auto Body Shop Your Vehicle Is At
Give the insurance company all the information of the auto body and paint shop your car is at and will get its work done.
- The insurance company will send out an appraiser to go look at your car at that body shop.
- The appraiser will give an estimate of repairs to the shop.
- The insurance company will deal with your collision shop to repair your vehicle.
The insurance company and the repair shop will keep you posted on the status of your vehicle.
Pick Up Your Car At The Auto Body And Paint Shop
Once your car is back to its pre auto accident state the auto shop will call you to pick it up. Before you can take your car, the collision shop will need:
- Your deductible* and
- Insurance payment check
*The deductible is the amount of a claim that the vehicle owner must pay, with the remainder paid by the insurance company.
And that’s it.
We hope this checklist helps you out.
If you have any questions give your insurance company a call or drop us a line.
Safe Driving,
-Jaider A.
“We have been to West Coast Body & Paint several times the past few years. Jaider & his crew does excellent work restoring our vehicles to new condition after getting into accidents. Over the years, he & his crew restored my father in law’s Toyota Rav 4 & my wife’s Honda after getting rear ended, my 4Runner after backing into a pole, my mother in law’s Honda & my aunt’s car after minor accidents. He does excellent work for a reasonable price. Before I went to Jaider, I received 5 different quotes throughout the San Fernando Valley & Jaider’s was the lowest. He is kind, honest & doesn’t try to rip you off. I definitely recommend West Coast Body & Paint for your body shop needs. Thanks Jaider for doing a great job!”
-Henry, 2019
Thank you for taking the time to read this page.
As of January 2022 we have some good news and some bad news…
The BAD NEWS is we have moved out of our location and are in search of a new home for the West Coast Body and Paint shop.
The GOOD NEWS is that we have a West Coast Body and Paint mobile paint repair service unit that will come to you! The mobile paint unit provides auto services for minor body and paint repairs.
Our estimates are always free and you are welcome to schedule an appointment. After we receive your images we will provide you with an initial estimate. The estimate is a ballpark figure, and after we assess your vehicle’s damage in person, we will review the estimate with you. If you agree with the final estimate, we will begin repairing your car. Fill out the form below to schedule your mobile service appointment or contact us through WhatsApp.
***FILL OUT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH OUR MOBILE PAINT REPAIR UNIT***
Are you looking for an honest auto accident repair shop in the Van Nuys or Los Angeles area?
If you were involved in a collision and need professional repair, please give us a call, text 818.793.7728 or email us wcbodyandpaint@gmail.com, we can help and give you a free estimate. We work with all insurance companies and will get you back on the road safely and quickly. Read our reviews and see our before and after pictures.