Immediately following a car accident, your attention might shift from making sure everyone is alright to evaluating the extent of the damage to your vehicle. Since collision repair can involve everything from replacing your wheel axles to restoring the custom paint job, it isn’t always easy to iron out the details with the professionals helping you.

Here are three tips for working with your collision repair shop and insurance company following an accident:

Follow Protocol

Although you might be tempted to do your own thing following a car accident, it’s always best to follow common protocol, including calling the police to report the incident. By doing things like calling the police, contacting your insurance company, and choosing collision repair shops carefully, you can streamline the repair process and avoid undue hassles.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage 

Before you give the green light for collision repair, take the time to understand your coverage by reading through your policy. In addition to helping you become familiar with coverage limits and deductibles, understanding your coverage could help you identify errors in your insurance billing, which could prevent additional fees. If you have questions about your policy, always speak directly with your insurance agent, and don’t be afraid to ask them to call your collision repair professionals to work out problems.

Be Patient

Having your car professionally restored and waiting for your insurance paperwork to be processed can take time, which is why you shouldn’t panic if either aspect of collision repair seems to be stalled. Instead, communicate clearly with auto body professionals and your insurance agent to ask about time estimates. Mechanics often have to wait for parts and custom paint colors, and insurance agents may have to wait for adjusters to review paperwork before they can give the go-ahead for repairs.

Do you have a vehicle that needs repair? The auto team at Whitesell Collision in Waynesboro, VA, understands how intimidating and frustrating it is to have your car repaired after an accident, which is why they focus on providing a superior level of customer service. In addition to helping customers with full auto body repairs, this team of professional technicians also offers top-notch paint service to revive your car. For more information about their business, explore the website or call (540) 943-3361.