Collision, Claims & Insurance Questions

Frequently Asked Question’s

Lee’s Paint and Body is a full-service automotive collision center that specializes in classic car, luxury car, and exotic car restorations. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing superior craftsmanship, exceptional paintwork, and excellent customer service. We understand that accidents can be stressful, and you may have many questions about the repair process. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of common questions about collision, claims & insurance questions to help you navigate the process with ease.

Our team is always available to answer any additional questions you may have. Contact Us TODAY to learn more about our services and how we can help you get back on the road in style!

What should I do in case I’m in an accident?

Accident can be very shocking, especially right after the impact occurs. Try to remain calm and do the following:

• Stop your vehicle. If you drive away, you could be charged with a “hit and run.”
• If you are blocking traffic in a dangerous place, pull off to the side of the road or into a well-lit parking lot.
• Contact the authorities. Try to assess the scene if anyone else is hurt. Otherwise, wait for the ambulance and/or police.
• Be courteous to all parties.
• If you suspect the other driver may be drunk, do not confront him or her. Tell the police and let them handle the situation.
• Avoid making statements about responsibility to the other driver, witnesses, police or anyone else. Do not state that you
  are at fault, even if you think you may have caused the accident.
• Call us for assistance with repairs to your vehicle.

Were you in an accident caused by another driver?

If you think the other driver was at fault, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Get the other driver’s license plate number and their insurance information. Make sure you get policy number and the exact name of the company and not just the agent’s name.
• Get the names and contact information of any witnesses if possible.
• It’s also helpful to take photos of the damage to the vehicles.

­Contact the other driver’s insurance company to make sure the accident was reported to them. Also, contact your agent or insurance company to let them know about the accident.

Accident claims take time! Insurance companies need to speak to all parties involved before accepting fault for the accident. Sometimes the insurance company decides that both drivers share fault and will only pay part of the claim. If the other driver’s insurance company accepts liability they should pay for the repairs to your car as well as a rental car while your car is being repaired. If their policy limits are not enough to cover the full cost of fixing your car, file on your own policy if you have collision or uninsured/under-insured coverage. You’ll have to pay your deductible, but your company may be able to recover that from the other driver or insurance company and pay you back.

Should you take your car to an insurance (in-network) preferred shop?

Another common collision, claims & insurance questions questions is: Should you allow your Insurance provider to take your vehicle to one of their preferred shops?

This is a benefit to the insurance company not to you. These “Preferred Shops” save the insurance money and work for them not for you “the customer”. Most legitimate body shops will offer limited or lifetime warranty on the repairs done to your vehicle, simply ask the shop.

What if my insurance company says I have to get three estimates or that I have to go to another shop and meet with their adjuster?

Tell them NO and you are dropping your car off at the shop of your choice to get repaired and the adjuster can inspect your car there with the body shop manager. It is your car and you have the right to get your car fixed where you want. We work for you, not the insurance company.

Tow truck drivers and storage lots

Tow truck drivers DO NOT have to take your car where they tell you to. It’s your car and you have the right to choose. Talk to the tow truck driver or police officer and let them know where you want it taken.

If you have the vehicle towed to your house, you may have to pay for the tow fee upfront but that beats having to pay daily storage fees + administrative fees at a storage lot and your insurance company should reimburse you.

My car was totaled! Now what?

If your car is declared a total loss after an accident, you may be wondering about your options. Here are answers to three common questions.
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What does ‘totaled’ mean?

The insurance company will look at the value of your car vs. the cost to repair it. If the cost to repair it is about the same or more than the value of your car, the insurance company will likely consider it totaled. Some companies might total your car even if the cost to fix it is lower. You can ask the insurance company what source it used to decide your car’s value.
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Can I fix it?

If you want to keep your car, let the insurance company know as soon as possible. The insurance company will subtract the car’s salvage value from the amount they were planning to pay you. The car also may be issued a salvage title. After it’s repaired, you’ll need to get a new title from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles before you can drive it.
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What if I think my car is worth more?

If you think your car is worth more than what the insurance company decided, you can try to negotiate. Be prepared to show what the car would sell for in your area as well as receipts for anything you may have added or done to your vehicle that you think has increased the value. Lee’s Paint and Body appraisals are certified and accepted by Hagerty, J.C. Taylor, Grundy Insurance, State Farm and many others. We can provide you a certified appraisal that insurance companies accept.

Can you communicate with my insurance company to work out the details?

Absolutely. We take care of the estimate and notify you when the vehicle can go in for service. Most times, the insurance company will pay us directly, so you don’t have to worry about payment. Contact us today to learn more about the process.

Do you charge for Estimates?

No. We provide free Estimates as a courtesy to our customers.

Need a car rental?

This is a very common collision, claims & insurance questions our clients ask. We strongly suggest that you Contact your insurance agent to determine if a rental car is available under your policy. If you are not making a claim on your policy, a rental car should be provided by the at fault party.

How do I know that I am getting the best service?

We know what we’re doing and strive to consistently offer not only the very best repairs but customer service as well. We do not attempt to compete with lower-end production paint and body shops, or even other so called “quality” restoration shops. To preserve and protect the value of your vehicle, every precaution is taken to ensure the final finished product will be free of over spray, no defects in paint, and repair quality just like a factory new vehicle.

What is Diminished Value?

Were you in an accident that was not your fault? Does your policy include “Diminished Value”? If so you could be entitled to receive a settlement from your insurance company to compensate you for the “loss of value” to your automobile.

Diminished value is when you are involved in a “non-at fault” accident. Anytime your vehicle is involved in an accident, your vehicle incurs an accident history report, even if it’s not your fault. When your ready to sell or trade-in your car, truck, motorcycle or classic vehicle, vehicles with accident history are worth less than the same vehicle, that have never been in an accident.