Were you recently involved in an accident that resulted in damage to your vehicle? If so, there are a few things that you should know about collision repair. You can learn more about these three important facts below.

Fact #1: You Have The Right To Use Any Auto Body Shop You Choose 

Many people simply assume that they need to use the auto body shop suggested by their insurance company in order to use their coverage to cover the cost of their collision repairs. However, the fact is that you have the right to use any auto body shop that you choose even if you plan on using your insurance coverage. With that being said you should know that your insurance company may limit the amount of your coverage to the lowest bid submitted for the required repairs. If you choose to use a different repair shop, you may need to cover any additional expenses out of your own pocket. Furthermore, if the repair shop you choose does not accept direct payments from the insurance company, you will need to cover the cost of the repairs and then seek reimbursement from your insurance provider. 

Fact #2: You Will Need To Pay Your Deductible Upfront

If your insurance policy requires you to pay a deductible for any collision repairs, you will be required to pay this deductible upfront regardless of whether or not your insurance company has already provided payment for the remaining balance. If you cannot cover the cost of this deductible, you will want to talk to your repair provider before any repairs are completed. This will allow you to explore any financing options that may be available to you. This is very important since you will not be able to reclaim your vehicle until your deductible has been paid and many financing options must be put in place prior to the work being completed. 

Fact #3: You May Be Able To Save Money By Having Non-Accident Related Repairs Completed At The Same Time

While your immediate focus may be on repairing the damage done by the accident, you may also want to consider having non-accident-related repairs completed as well. In many cases, you may be able to save money by completing all necessary repairs at once due to decreased labor costs. For example, if you have put off having a dent removed from your car, having this dent repaired along with your accident damage could result in savings since other work is already being done. 

To find out more, contact a company like Ingram Collision Center Inc.