Auto accidents can be very scary for drivers, and navigating the auto collision repair process that comes afterward can sometimes be nearly as intimidating. From filing insurance paperwork to finding the right repair shop, the tips below can help reduce your stress while you get your car fixed following a collision.

Auto Collision Repair Tips for Those Who Have Recently Been in an Accident

1. Determine Which Insurance to Use

In many cases, drivers have the option to use their own insurance to cover the related costs after an accident or rely on the at-fault driver’s insurance. Using your own insurance often means you’ll need to pay a deductible, but relying on someone else’s coverage might delay your payout, so you need to decide what’s most important to you. If the damage is minimal, you might even opt to simply pay for repairs out of pocket instead of going the insurance route.

2. Find a Reputable Auto Collision Repair Shop

Unless you have a car loan from a lender that requires you to go to a specific shop, you have the right to choose your own provider for auto collision repair. To get the best possible service, choose a shop that offers a variety of collision-related services and employs certified technicians. This will help you ensure that they can get your car looking and functioning like new again and that the work will actually last.

3. Ask Many Questions

Throughout the entire process, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary information before making a decision. As soon as possible after the accident, you should speak with someone from your insurance company to find out about how much of the repairs you’ll need to cover, when and how they’ll provide their portion of the payout, and if there’s any specific information they need from you to speed the process along.

You should also get as much information as possible from your auto collision repair shop, like how long they expect repairs to take, if they work directly with insurance providers, or if there’s any paperwork you need to provide.

If you’re looking for an auto collision repair shop to help after an accident, contact Valiante Auto Body in Norwalk, CT. The shop provides a variety of auto body repair services, including dent repair, framework, and auto body painting. The owners have more than 100 years of combined experience in the industry, so you can rely on them to bring unmatched knowledge and expertise to every job. Visit the company’s website to view a full list of services. To request more information about your vehicle, call (203) 847-3043.