“Considering how the accident happened, it’s a miracle no one was seriously hurt,” Angie said. The mother of three was involved in a multi-vehicle collision in Southeastern Massachusetts. “And the fact that my mini-van came through with only somewhat minor damage is another miracle.” She laughed. “Now, if I can get the car insurance company to do what they’re supposed to do and pay for the repairs I had done at the collision repair center, that will be another miracle.”
Car insurance companies are always happy to accept your premium payment, but when it comes time for them to be handing out money, it’s another story. Many car insurance companies have complicated claim procedures. One little mistake can lead to the payment of your claim being delayed or denied.
Some important things to know: your car insurance company doesn’t decide where you get your car repaired after an accident, you do. While some insurers maintain a network of preferred providers, it is always your choice where your car goes to be repaired.
Some car accident repair shops in Southeastern Massachusetts have special expertise in assisting customers with their car insurance claims. When you’ve never gone through the process before, having the assistance of a skilled professional with lots of experience is very helpful.
It is absolutely appropriate to ask the auto body repair shop you’re considering working with if they can help you with your insurance claim before deciding to do business with them. Don’t be shy about getting specific—ask if they handle the paperwork directly, and whether they’re experienced with insurance jobs. Shops that are licensed and have certified technicians, such as those with I-CAR certification, are often better equipped to guide you through the process, ensuring your claim is handled smoothly and your car is restored to pre-accident condition. Many reputable collision centers also offer services like paint matching, custom paint jobs, and frame repairs, which can be important if your vehicle has unique needs after an accident.
You should also ask if they can assist you with getting a rental car so you can continue to go to work and take care of your family while your car is in the shop. A third and equally vital question is how much experience the collision shop has with your particular make and model of car. I-CAR Certified Technicians Make a Difference
The best car accident repair shops in Southeastern MA have their techs extensively trained and certified to ensure all repairs are done properly. Look for shops that employ I-CAR Certified Technicians—these professionals have completed rigorous training and meet industry standards for quality and safety. Having I-CAR certification means the technicians working on your vehicle are up-to-date with the latest repair procedures and technologies, giving you peace of mind that your car will be restored to pre-accident condition.
You should also ask if they can assist you with getting a rental car so you can continue to go to work and take care of your family while your car is in the shop. A third and equally vital question is how much experience the collision shop has with your particular make and model of car. The best car accident repair shops in Southeastern MA have their techs extensively trained and certified to ensure all repairs are done properly.
What Types of Repairs Can You Expect?
When you bring your vehicle in after an accident, you might be surprised by the range of repair services available. Whether your bumper is dented in or your suspension feels off-kilter, most full-service collision centers in Southeastern Massachusetts can handle just about anything you throw at them. For example:
- Panel and Body Realignment: If your doors don’t close quite right or there’s visible damage to body panels, technicians can straighten things out so your vehicle looks (and works) like it did before your fender suffered that encounter with the shopping cart at Market Basket.
- Comprehensive Collision Repair: From significant front-end damage down to minor scrapes, skilled repair techs know how to restore both the safety and appearance of your car after a collision.
- On-the-Spot Diagnostics: These days, even minor accidents can set off warning lights on your dashboard. Diagnostic services can pinpoint the source of the problem—whether it’s an issue with sensors, electronics, or hidden mechanical problems—before you end up stranded at the worst possible moment.
- Frame Straightening and Structural Repairs: If the force of the collision left your car’s frame a little out of whack, don’t worry. Auto body shops use specialized equipment to bring your car’s structure back into line, protecting how your vehicle drives and ensuring it meets safety standards.
- Paintless Dent Removal: For dings and dents that haven’t chipped the paint—think shopping carts or hail—paintless dent repair can smooth things out quickly, often without the time or cost of a complete repaint.
- Suspension Services: Feel like your car is leaning to one side or your ride’s gotten bumpier? Shops can address damaged shocks, struts, and other suspension issues that occur as a result of accidents.
Between these services and a little expertise, you’ll be back on the road in no time—hopefully with fewer stories to tell at the dinner table.