Your Rights For Your Vehicle Repair After an Accident
By Devlin Reasy
Most state laws prohibit the operation of a vehicle that is defective or unsafe. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, you need to get it repaired to its pre-accident condition so that drive it again. If you vehicle is damaged, there are some things you need to be aware of and consider when getting it repaired. These vary according to state laws and regulations, but the following points can be used as guidelines.
Getting Estimates - Unless your insurance policy states otherwise, you do not need to get more than 1 estimate.
Choosing a Repair Shop - Unless your insurance policy states otherwise, the choice of the repair shop is totally up to you. You shouldn't feel pressured to have your vehicle repaired at any particular shop, just because the price is lower.
Getting Your Car Repaired and Back on the Road Quickly - Choose a reputable repair shop, and talk directly with the manager. Advise the shop's manager to contact your insurance company to report the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs. After leaving the car at the shop, call your insurance company and let them know the vehicle's location, as well as letting them know who will be making the repairs, and who will be contacting them. Also, unless your policy states otherwise, you should be presented with an estimate before the shop begins work on the repairs. Repairs are generally not made without the vehicle owner's knowledge and consent.
Drive-In Claim Services - Many insurance companies use a drive-in claim service. Unless your insurance policy states otherwise, it's not required to use this service unless you want to. You can also contact your insurance company and make arrangements for a claims person to come examine your car instead. Again, depending on the requirements of your policy, when using a drive-in claims service, you don't generally have to take the vehicle to its preferred shop. If you do choose to use the shop, you can ask your insurance company to implement its "elects to repair" clause. This varies among insurance companies, but could have the advantage of having your insurance company assume responsibility for things such as the quality of the repairs.
Responsibility for the Repair Bill - As the owner of the vehicle, you are responsible for the repair bill. The repair shop will expect the bill to be paid when you pick up your vehicle after the repairs are completed. You may instruct the insurance company to pay the repair shop directly, but if not, you will be paying the bill, and then your insurance company will be reimbursing you.
The Responsibilities of the Repair Shop - The repair shop is generally the one responsible for the repairs being made, not the insurance company. These include all guarantees, as well as the safety and workmanship of the repairs.
Following these guidelines can help you be confident that your vehicle is safely & quickly repaired after being damaged in an accident. Always be aware of what your insurance policy states in regards to getting repairs made. If you experience any problems with the insurance company, you can contact the state insurance commissioner's office for help.
Showing posts with label mechanic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mechanic. Show all posts
Friday, February 11, 2011
Guidelines and Tips for Vehicle Owners
Guidelines and Tips for Vehicle Owners
By Devlin Reasy of Custom Autobody & Repair in Baudette, MN
It's important to keep your vehicle well-maintained, so that it runs efficiently and safely. Studied have shown that lack of proper auto maintenance causes about 5 percent of vehicle fatalities. By keeping up on the maintenance of your vehicle, not only will you be keeping it running safely, but you'll extend its life and reduce its negative impact on the environment.
Important Regular Maintenance
Keep your tires inflated properly:
Checking your tires once a month is one of the easiest and least expensive things you can do to for good fuel efficiency, as well as safety maintenance. If all 4 of your tires are not inflated to the proper level, your fuel efficiency suffers. Remember to check the spare tire also.
Check All Fluid Levels:
Your vehicle's fluids are its "life blood", and need to be kept at proper levels in order to run efficiently and safely. Check all fluid levels on a regular basis, including your power steering, transmission, brake, antifreeze and windshield washer fluids. It's a good idea to check your oil level as well.
Get Your Oil Changed:
As a general rule, most owners' manuals suggest having your oil changed, as well as the oil filter, every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
Keep Your Engine Tuned:
Your fuel efficiency can be reduced by as much as 30 percent if you have fouled spark plugs, or if your fuel injector is restricted in any way.
Check Your Battery and Cables:
Battery cables and posts should be checked regularly to ensure that they are not corroded, and if they are, they should be cleaned. If your battery is not a "maintenance-free" battery, you should also be checking battery fluid and filling it as needed.
Inspect Engine Belts:
If your belts are worn, your engine performance will suffer. Inspect them on a regular basis, looking for any cracks or missing sections.
Check Your Air Filter:
Your air filtration system is important to the performance of your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to have your air filter checked during every other oil change, replacing it if necessary.
Check Your Lights:
It is unsafe to have any of the lights on your vehicle not working properly. Check all lights frequently, including your headlights, brake and tail lights, and turn signals.
Keep Your Windshield Wiper Blades in Good Condition:
Good windshield wiper blades are important to your vision and safety while driving. They should be checked regularly to make sure there are no cracks or tears, and to ensure they are making good contact with the windshield. Replace them immediately if you spot damage or if window streaking starts to occur, and plan on always replacing them at least once a year.
Keep the Chassis Lubricated:
The moving parts of your vehicle's suspension system need to be kept lubricated in order to work properly. This step will also extend the life of your vehicle.
Important Emergency Supplies
Sometimes, even with the best of vehicle maintenance, breakdowns occur. Or, you might be involved in an accident, or stuck in bad weather. You should make sure to always be prepared by having a safety kit in your vehicle. This safety kit should include:
- Basic tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable wrench
- Jumper cables - at least 8-10 feet
- Seat belt knife
- First-aid kit
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Bottled water
By Devlin Reasy of Custom Autobody & Repair in Baudette, MN
It's important to keep your vehicle well-maintained, so that it runs efficiently and safely. Studied have shown that lack of proper auto maintenance causes about 5 percent of vehicle fatalities. By keeping up on the maintenance of your vehicle, not only will you be keeping it running safely, but you'll extend its life and reduce its negative impact on the environment.
Important Regular Maintenance
Keep your tires inflated properly:
Checking your tires once a month is one of the easiest and least expensive things you can do to for good fuel efficiency, as well as safety maintenance. If all 4 of your tires are not inflated to the proper level, your fuel efficiency suffers. Remember to check the spare tire also.
Check All Fluid Levels:
Your vehicle's fluids are its "life blood", and need to be kept at proper levels in order to run efficiently and safely. Check all fluid levels on a regular basis, including your power steering, transmission, brake, antifreeze and windshield washer fluids. It's a good idea to check your oil level as well.
Get Your Oil Changed:
As a general rule, most owners' manuals suggest having your oil changed, as well as the oil filter, every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
Keep Your Engine Tuned:
Your fuel efficiency can be reduced by as much as 30 percent if you have fouled spark plugs, or if your fuel injector is restricted in any way.
Check Your Battery and Cables:
Battery cables and posts should be checked regularly to ensure that they are not corroded, and if they are, they should be cleaned. If your battery is not a "maintenance-free" battery, you should also be checking battery fluid and filling it as needed.
Inspect Engine Belts:
If your belts are worn, your engine performance will suffer. Inspect them on a regular basis, looking for any cracks or missing sections.
Check Your Air Filter:
Your air filtration system is important to the performance of your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to have your air filter checked during every other oil change, replacing it if necessary.
Check Your Lights:
It is unsafe to have any of the lights on your vehicle not working properly. Check all lights frequently, including your headlights, brake and tail lights, and turn signals.
Keep Your Windshield Wiper Blades in Good Condition:
Good windshield wiper blades are important to your vision and safety while driving. They should be checked regularly to make sure there are no cracks or tears, and to ensure they are making good contact with the windshield. Replace them immediately if you spot damage or if window streaking starts to occur, and plan on always replacing them at least once a year.
Keep the Chassis Lubricated:
The moving parts of your vehicle's suspension system need to be kept lubricated in order to work properly. This step will also extend the life of your vehicle.
Important Emergency Supplies
Sometimes, even with the best of vehicle maintenance, breakdowns occur. Or, you might be involved in an accident, or stuck in bad weather. You should make sure to always be prepared by having a safety kit in your vehicle. This safety kit should include:
- Basic tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable wrench
- Jumper cables - at least 8-10 feet
- Seat belt knife
- First-aid kit
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Bottled water
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