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• Can you use any shop you choose?
Do you have to use cheap parts?
What are some common pitfalls to watch for?

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First of all, do NOT get an estimate from a body shop that you do not trust or that you would not let repair your vehicle. As in any industry, a few bad apples can give the rest of us a bad name. Always choose a reputable paint & body shop. If you are unsure about the reputation of a particular body shop, check with the Better Business Bureau.

• Do I have the right to select the body shop to repair my car?
Yes. In order to expedite your claim, select the collision repair shop of your choice, and notify your insurance company or your agent. The choice of the repair facility is yours!

• Do I need to get three estimates?
No. Notify your insurance company or your agent. Your insurance adjuster may need to inspect the damage. If your insurance company has a drive-in claims service and your car is safe to drive, you should call them for an appointment and take your car there. Make sure you get a written copy of the insurance adjuster's estimate, and take it to the body shop of your choice.

Some insurance agents may tell you to get two or three estimates. Talk to your insurance adjuster first. Generally claims are handled by the insurance company's claims department, not the agents.

In some cases your insurance agent may be authorized by their company to pay your claim. If he or she tells you to get more than one estimate, ask if your claim will be paid from the agent's office. If the answer is “yes,” getting additional estimates may speed up the claims payment process. If the answer is “no,” talk to your insurance adjuster first.

Longhorn Collision Center • 1607 S. Lamar • Austin, TX 78704 • 512-441-DENT • FAX 512-441-3090
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