Where should one go to repair a damaged car?

1. Can I choose where my car is repaired after an accident?
2. Can you fix a damaged car?
3. Can I choose where my car is repaired after an accident UK?
4. Should I repair my car through insurance?
5. Can I choose my own body shop?
6. Do you tip a body shop?
7. What does a body shop fix?
8. How long does it take to get an estimate from a body shop?
9. Is it cheaper to repair or replace a bumper?
10. Can I drive with a damaged front bumper?
11. Can I drive my car with body damage?
12. Can I take my car to any garage?
13. Can an insurance company force you to use their body shop?

Can I choose where my car is repaired after an accident?

You have a legal right to choose who repairs your car, even if you're making a car insurance claim for it. According to legislation known as the Block Exemption Regulation, your insurer can't force you to use their repairers and they'll still pay out for the repairs if your claim's accepted.

Can you fix a damaged car?

Auto body repairs can range from fixing small scratches and dents to completely replacing parts. Collision repair costs can also vary widely: You may be handed a bill for as little as $50 or as much as $2,500 or more, depending on the damage, your car and who you hire.

Can I choose where my car is repaired after an accident UK?

The right to choose your own repairer

Not only are you free to choose your own repairer, it's your legal right to do so. The Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations is an EU law which gives car owners the right to freely choose any repairer or body shop to repair their vehicle.

Should I repair my car through insurance?

Under the California Insurance Code, a consumer is not required to have repairs done at any insurance company recommended automobile repair shop. However, if a consumer does use an insurance company recommended repair shop, the insurance company must stand behind the repairs if your vehicle is not repaired properly.

Can I choose my own body shop?

You Get to Choose

The answer is yes! Your insurance company can, and probably will, recommend a shop, but it is your decision. In fact, if your insurance company refuses to pay for repairs at the shop of your choosing, they are likely violating the law.

Do you tip a body shop?

Although it's perfectly acceptable to abstain from tipping your mechanic, there's a guideline that's worth remembering if you feel better tipping to show your appreciation. If your repair bill is less than $500, consider tipping $10 or $20; if the bill is more than $500, tipping $50 is often appropriate.

What does a body shop fix?

A normal auto repair shop will fix engine components and related parts that wear out during normal driving, whereas a body shop fixes the body: frame, doors, windows, bumpers, etc. These parts aren't involved mechanically in powering the vehicle or bringing it to a stop.

How long does it take to get an estimate from a body shop?

After a car accident, a claims adjuster from your insurance company will estimate the damage to your car and produce a repair estimate. Getting a collision body repair estimate can take anywhere from two to five days depending on the insurance company you use.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a bumper?

Bumper repair is more affordable but may take more time to complete. Bumper replacement is faster but will be more expensive. ... Bumper repair can be performed in-shop and is often cheaper than bumper replacement. Bumper repair normally costs between $100 and $1,000.

Can I drive with a damaged front bumper?

As long as the damage is minimal, it's probably safe to drive. As another poster mentioned, if the bumper cover is rubbing on the tires, or is a hazard to cars or pedestrians, or is likely to fall off, it should be repaired.

Can I drive my car with body damage?

Even if your car can move after a collision, it may not be drivable in the eyes of the law. Although laws may differ based on your location, most states have laws that prevent driving damaged cars if the damage represents a danger to passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.

Can I take my car to any garage?

The simple answer is no, you don't have to take your car to your insurance provider's approved garage. ... It may, however, mean that the insurance company will not provide some of the 'added extras' that come with your policy – in most cases this is a courtesy car.

Can an insurance company force you to use their body shop?

No. In most states, including Oregon and Washington, your insurance company cannot force you to use their specific body shop. Thankfully, both states share similar collision repair laws, and it is illegal in both states for an insurance company to require you to use a particular repair shop as a condition of payment.