been in an accident, car, vehicle, accident, what should you do, know your rights

What should you do if you have been in an accident

The most important thing to remember if you are in an accident is information.

At the scene obtain as much information about the other people and cars involved and take pictures if possible. Please click on the link and print this accident printout sheet and keep it in your glove box for reference.

NEVER drive a car that may be unsafe. 

Call us and we can help arrange towing. If it is after normal business hours you can call NK Towing at (760) 745-3495 and they can move your car from an accident scene and deliver it to our locked facility. Otherwise, the CHP can arrange for your car to be transported to a tow yard and we can have it towed here the next day.

You have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice, it's the law. 

Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular shop. You should always feel comfortable with the shop repairing your car. We encourage you to come down to our shop, meet us, take a tour of our facility, and see the cars we are currently working on.

Most insurance companies will evaluate the damages to your car themselves and write their own estimate.

This can either be done at a location of your choosing such as your home or work, one of their approved repair shops, or you can drop your car off with us and they will inspect it here.

Some insurance companies may ask you to submit your own estimate of repairs for review and approval.

They may ask for multiple estimates for comparison, but this is not required by law.

We would be happy to fax or email our estimate to your insurance company for review.

Differences in repair estimates are common. 

A lower estimate may not include all necessary work or the same quality parts. If you’re not sure why one estimate is different from another you’ve received, please ask us.

If you have rental coverage on your insurance policy or are a claimant, a rental car should be set up with your claim. 

Enterprise and Hertz are each within a few blocks of us.  They both have shuttle services to pick you up from our shop.

If you don’t need or don’t have access to a rental car, we would be happy to give local rides back home or to work.

Your car is the second largest investment you’re likely to make. 

Preserve its value and your safety by having it repaired professionally.

If you have any questions, please ask us. 

Our trained professionals are ready and willing to help in any way they can.

For further information, click here to read the Auto Body Repair Bill of Rights, revised January 1, 2010 by the California Department of Insurance. For information on choosing a repair facility visit the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s website.