Testimonials
Tips from the Auto Body Shop
Select a auto body shop before you need one
Too often, the search for a body shop occurs after the accident. Car accidents, even small ones, are traumatic. Dealing with the health and welfare of the people involved, not worrying about where to take your car, should be top priority. Read the complete tip.
Steps to take after being in an accident
After an accident:
- Call for a police report unless the city is on accident alert.
To report the accident in Denver call (720) 913-2000. - Exchange insurance information.
- Exchange information with an eyewitness if you feel it may help your case.
- If your vehicle is driveable (no broken lights or turn signals and
the steering wheel is straight) drive your vehicle home or to the repair
facility of your choice.
*It is your right to choose who repairs your vehicle - If your vehicle needs to be towed; AAA members call the number on your card, or we can recommend 1st Class Towing at (303) 841-1869. The tow company will tow your vehicle to our lot for safe keeping.
- Report the accident to your agent. Most insurance companies will send an adjuster to write an estimate, at the repair facility of your choice. A few insurance companies require roadworthy vehicles to be driven to their drive-in claim center after scheduling an appointment. Some insurance companies will work from your repair shop's written estimate. Addison Auto Center works with all insurance companies.
What our body shop will do:
- We communicate with the insurance adjuster throughout the repair process.
- Repair your vehicle to pre-accident condition.
Please note, you're not required to get more than one estimate. If you do get multiple estimates and one was significantly lower than the other(s), it's probably because some part of the repair was overlooked. Compare the estimates line by line. Webster defines estimate as “a rough or approximate calculation.” Often it's initially impossible to estimate collision damage without dismantling the vehicle.
Why should I tell my insurance company after being in an accident?
If you've been in a collision, tell your insurance company for your own protection, even if injuries are not readily apparent. Informing the company doesn't mean you're filing a claim.
- If you disagree with the value assigned to your totaled vehicle, provide quotes from local dealers and proof that your vehicle was well-maintained. (See"12 secrets your car insurer won't tell you.") Still unsatisfied? Your options are mediation, arbitration and, finally, a lawsuit.
- Twenty-eight states require insurance companies to pay the sales tax on a replacement vehicle, based on the settlementvalue of your totaled car. Request it, as well as registration and title fees, wherever you live.
- In 14 states you can get payment for the "diminished value" of your damaged car.
- If the driver at fault in a crash is uninsured, consider "stacking" or collecting on all of your policies thathave uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to fully cover the damage, unless state law prohibits it.
- Body shops may be tempted to cut corners to meet insurance companies' pricing requirements. Check our local Better BusinessBureau for qualified repair shops. (See "7 things auto-body shops won't tell you.")
- If you cause an accident, does your policy require you to pay the difference between generic and original-equipmentmanufacturer parts? If someone else caused the accident, request original-equipment parts for your repairs.
Affiliations & Awards
Addison Auto Repair & Body Shop
2005 South Holly Street • Denver, CO 80222 • 303-691-9484