Many car insurance companies are coming out with mobile apps. They recognize the hassle that comes with securing coverage and scheduling repairs and are attempting to increase convenience for drivers. However, auto body shops are warning against the use of these apps for several reasons and encourage customers to consider their options. Here’s why. 

A Guide to Navigating Car Insurance Apps

How Do Car Insurance Apps Work?

Insurance company mobile apps let clients take a picture of the damage and send it right over to their agent. This eliminates having to save the pictures to your phone and loading them one at a time into an email. Once the agent receives the photos, they’ll examine the extent of the damage and calculate the amount of money that they think you’ll need to complete the repairs. A final estimate will be sent over, along with a check in the mail once you accept the offer.

What Are the Problems?

Auto body shops warn against the use of these apps because they don’t allow for accurate estimates. Insurance companies are only seeing the angle at which their clients take the picture and can’t get a full idea of the damage. This leads to lower coverage and inadequate assistance for financing repairs. There’s also a voice feature within the app that allows drivers to provide a report of what they see on the vehicle. Any words that they use are recorded and can be used by the company to justify the amount of the estimate.

What Should You Do?

Talk with a car repair expert first before reaching out to the insurance company. They’ll perform a thorough inspection and provide a recommendation based off of their findings. In fact, many auto body shops work directly with insurance companies and can help save you money once they complete their diagnostics check. This will ensure that the agent receives all of the information that they need and you secure the coverage you deserve.

If you need automotive repairs, reach out to Whitesell Service in Augusta County, VA. This auto body shop has been in the family for three generations and provides a vast selection of services, including frame repairs and dent removals. They offer competitive rates and work with most major insurance companies to provide the quality solutions their clients seek. Call (540) 943-3361 to set up an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their team’s qualifications.