the "ONLY ONE" for Collision Repairs in West Alabama
Helfpul Hints and FAQs
What to do if you are involved in an accident:
- Stop. Stay calm. Do not leave the scene.
- Make sure everyone is okay. If not, dial 9-1-1.
- Call law enforcement authorities immediately.
- Do not discuss the accident with anyone except the police or your insurance company.
- Secure the names and addresses of involved parties and witnesses. Download an Accident Checklist here
- Take pictures of the scene
- Have your vehicle towed to Coker's Body Shop if not driveable. If your vehicle is driveable, contact us as soon as possible.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident and that Coker's Body Shop is doing your repairs
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
· Our shop will not work from or recognize any insurer’s “estimate” as a proper way to repair your vehicle. An insurer’s estimate is a document to justify the amount of money that the insurer must set aside to pay your claim. It is in NO way indicative of a proper repair. Insurers do not repair cars. We do, and we rely upon our analysis to properly repair your vehicle along with your express authorization.
· Only you and/or your legal counsel can settle/negotiate any claim(s) you may have with or against another party. According to an opinion issued in February of 2004 by Ryan Donaldson, Associate Counsel, of the Alabama Department of Insurance, only you or your legal counsel can negotiate any settlement(s) with any party that may be responsible to you. Mr. Donaldson states, “The contacting of an insurance company on behalf of an insured would constitute the unauthorized and unlicensed practice of law.” In October of 2007, Brenda Rawson, Consumer Specialist, of the Alabama Department of Insurance reaffirmed this position. Shops, sometimes known as “preferred shops”, that have direct repair agreements (DRP) or contracts with insurance companies may be violating state law. Our shop has no such agreements so you can rest assured that we are only concerned with satisfying you and operating within the law.
· Only you can authorize any repair(s) to your vehicle. Our shop takes direction from the vehicle owner, only. Our shop exists to serve you and allow you the opportunity to choose how best to satisfy your expectations.
· You are responsible for payment of all charges that you authorize.
· All amounts shall be paid in full before release of the vehicle.
· You are responsible for securing all endorsements for multiple party checks prior to release of vehicle.
· Please read and understand your insurance policy. There may be limitations of which, you are not aware. You may wish to discuss these limitations with your agent, insurance representative, Alabama Department of Insurance, and/or an attorney familiar with these issues. If during the course of repairs or after the repairs are completed, you are unhappy with how your insurance company handled the claim, you may notify the Alabama Department of Insurance. We can assist you with the contact information and necessary forms.
· You may be entitled to diminished value on your vehicle. It is far less expensive to repair a vehicle properly than to settle for less than adequate repairs and have problems down the road. Proper repairs reduce the diminished value of your property. At your request, we can suggest Diminished Value experts who may assist you in determining amounts that may be owed to you above the cost of repairs.
· Please select a shop that works for you to make sure your vehicle is properly repaired. The insurance company may “recommend” repairers that have agreements with them “to provide quality repairs at competitive prices”. Many of these shops view the insurance company as the customer instead of you, the vehicle owner.
· We recommend that you get all information, communications, acceptance, and denials in writing so there is no confusion later. This is very important as it will help you should the need arise for you to seek assistance.