Collision Repair Through Insurance in Detroit
Been in an accident? The Collision Repair Shop works with all insurance companies and helps Detroit and Metro Detroit drivers navigate the collision repair process from the initial claim through final vehicle delivery.
Insurance collision repair can involve estimates, adjusters, repair authorization, damaged-part documentation, disassembly, supplements, parts decisions, structural repairs, diagnostic scanning, refinishing, calibration, and final billing. Our team helps manage the repair process while keeping you informed about what is happening with your vehicle.
*Some restrictions apply.
We Work With All Insurance Companies
You do not need to search for a different collision shop simply because of the name on your insurance card. The Collision Repair Shop works with insurance companies throughout the collision repair process and can communicate repair information, estimates, documentation, and supplements when additional collision damage is identified.
Insurance Estimates
We can review the insurance estimate and compare it with the vehicle's actual collision damage and the repairs required after inspection.
Claim Communication
Our team can communicate repair-related information and documentation with the insurance company while your vehicle moves through the collision repair process.
Supplement Documentation
When additional collision-related damage
You Have the Right to Choose Your Collision Repair Shop
Your insurance company may recommend a collision repair facility, but you are not required to use the repair shop they recommend BY LAW ITS YOUR CHOICE!
Michigan consumers can choose the collision repair facility they want to repair their vehicle. An insurance company may have a network or direct repair program and may recommend participating repair facilities, but that program should does not restrict the policyholder's choice of repair facility.
In a Michigan insurance-paid vehicle repair transaction, the vehicle owner or operator is the customer. The insurance company cannot tell you where to take your car.
Hidden Damage Is One of the Biggest Reasons an Insurance Estimate Can Change
An insurance estimate written from exterior photographs or a preliminary inspection may not show every damaged component. Once damaged parts are removed, additional collision damage may become visible.
What Happens When the Insurance Estimate Does Not Include Everything?
The first insurance estimate is not always the final repair plan. Collision damage can extend behind exterior panels and into components that cannot be properly evaluated until disassembly begins.
When additional collision-related damage or necessary repair operations are identified, the repair facility can document the additional items and submit the information to the
How to Handle an Auto Insurance Claim After an Accident
Dealing with an insurance company after an accident can be confusing. Understanding the basic claim process can help you stay organized, communicate clearly, and understand what is happening while your vehicle is being repaired.
What to Do When Filing a Collision Claim
Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
After an accident, address immediate safety concerns first. Contact police or emergency services when appropriate and avoid driving a vehicle that appears unsafe.
Document the Accident
Take photographs of the vehicles, visible damage, license plates, accident scene, road conditions, and other relevant information when it is safe to do so.
Exchange Information
Obtain the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information, vehicle information, and license plate number.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the accident and obtain your claim number. Ask what information your insurer needs from you and write down the name and contact information of the representative handling the claim.
Choose a Collision Repair Facility
Select the collision repair facility you want to work with and provide the shop with your claim information so the repair and insurance process can begin.
Insurance Damage Inspection
Depending on the insurance company and claim, an adjuster may inspect the vehicle in person, review photographs, prepare a virtual estimate, or review documentation from the repair facility.
Initial Estimate
The first insurance estimate is often based on visible damage. It may not represent the complete repair cost if additional collision damage is hidden behind exterior components.
Vehicle Disassembly
When authorized and necessary, damaged components may be removed so the repair facility can identify damage that could not be seen during the initial exterior inspection.
Insurance Supplement
If additional collision-related damage or required repair operations are identified, additional documentation may be prepared and submitted to the insurance company for review. This is commonly called a supplement.
Repair Authorization & Repairs
Once the necessary authorizations are obtained, repairs can proceed according to the repair plan. The vehicle owner remains an important part of the authorization process.
Final Inspection
After collision repairs, refinishing, reassembly, and any applicable diagnostic or calibration procedures are completed, the vehicle undergoes final inspection.
Vehicle Delivery
Review the completed repair and final documentation. Depending on the claim and policy, the customer may also be responsible for the applicable deductible or other customer-authorized charges.
Information to Get From Your Insurance Company
When reporting the accident, keep a record of the information associated with your claim. Having this information available can make communication between you, the repair facility, and the insurance company easier.
Save emails, estimates, photographs, claim documents, and other correspondence related to the accident and repair.
Remember: The Vehicle Owner Is the Customer
In a Michigan insurance-paid motor vehicle repair transaction, the vehicle owner or operator is generally the customer—not the insurance company.
The insurance company may be paying some or all of a covered repair, but the repair transaction still involves the vehicle owner and repair facility.
Repair authorization should therefore be understood separately from an insurance company's decision regarding what it will reimburse under the policy.
The Insurance Estimate May Not Be the Final Repair Cost
An initial insurance estimate can be an important starting point, but collision damage is not always completely visible before disassembly and detailed inspection.
Visible Damage
The initial estimate may primarily address damage that can be identified during the first inspection.
Hidden Damage
Brackets, reinforcements, structural components, wiring, cooling parts, suspension components, and other damage may become visible later.
Required Operations
Repair procedures, diagnostics, calibrations, refinishing operations, and other requirements may also affect the complete repair plan.
Don't Panic If Your Repair Needs a Supplement
Supplements are a normal part of many collision repairs. They are used