What to do if your car is not fixed properly after an insurance claim – Many people entrust their vehicles to their insurance claims for proper repair but that is not always the case. Normally, individuals expect an easy process that restores the pre-accident situation.
Sometimes, you will find out that your car or vehicle is not properly repaired after you file a claim with your insurance company. This can be daunting, leaving you wondering what to do next. So, what do you do when your car is not adequately repaired after filing an insurance claim? In this guide, you will learn about the necessary steps needed to protect your rights and make sure that your car gets the care it deserves.
How To Know If Your Body Shop Did the Job Correctly
Ensuring that your body shop does its repair job correctly is very important for your car or vehicle’s longevity and safety. Here is how to know if your body shop did their job correctly:
- Inspect the repaired area.
- Look out for signs of visible damage, mismatched paint, or rough panel alignment.
- Check for smoothness over the repaired area.
- Confirm alignment.
- Check the paint closely.
- Check for signs of overspray.
- Request for undercarriage if the repair was structural.
- Test drive the vehicle for unusual vibrations, handling issues, and noises.
- Ask for repair documentation.
More importantly, ask questions. Do not hesitate to ask your body shop questions about any concern, repair process, or material used. Careful assessment of these signs will help you find out if your body shop completed its task or not.
What to Do If Your Car Is Not Fixed Properly
If you are clueless about what to do when and if your car is not properly fixed by a body shop after filing an insurance claim, here is what you can do:
Contact the Repair Shop
Contact the repair shop that was responsible for the repairs. Oversight and miscommunication can be the cause of such issues sometimes. Explain your complaint and allow them to make the necessary changes.
Document the Issue
Take photos and videos of the problem areas as this will be a form of evidence if the issue increases or grows further.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Tell your insurance company or provider about the situation. This is because they can intervene and give you assistance on what to do next.
Ask for Re-inspection
Request your insurance provider to carry out a re-inspection of the repairs. They might send an adjuster to review the situation and tell you if there is any action necessary.
File a Complaint
If nothing is changing positively, you can proceed to file a complaint with the insurance regulatory agency of your state. They will help you investigate and resolve the problem between you and your insurance company.
Seek a Second Opinion
It is not a bad idea to seek the opinion of another good repair shop if you are not okay with the outcome of the current one. They will help you evaluate the work performed and give professional advice.
Ask for Legal Assistance
You should seek legal advice if there are unattended issues and discrepancies in your matter. You can get guidance from an insurance claim lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Prevent Similar Issues in the Future?
If you want to avoid this type of history in the future, it is better to select a reputable body shop with good reviews and professional technicians. Secondly, speak with the auto body shop about your concerns and expectations. Lastly, ask questions and check the repair estimate. It is also important that you are vigilant as well.
Is it Normal to Have Some Differences in Appearance or Performance After Repairs?
You can expect little or slight differences in the appearance or performance of a vehicle after repair because of minor adjustments or variations during the repair process. However, improper repairs can be indicated by significant differences in the performance or appearance of your car.
Are There Any Red Flags to Watch Out For?
What are the red flags to look out for when checking your vehicle after being worked on by the body shop? As mentioned earlier, look out for malfunctions after the repair, strange vibrations, and noises. Check for poor blending and matching as well as misalignment or uneven panel gaps.
What Can I Do if I’m Unsatisfied with the Repairs?
If you are not satisfied with the repairs of a body shop, here is what you can do; reach out to the body shop first, ask for a re-inspection by your insurance company, file a complaint, and ask for a second opinion. If you have any concerns, do not hold back on reaching out to your insurance company or the body shop.