In Manchester, NH, there are more than 150,000 traffic accidents each year, on average. While Louisville has a humid, subtropical climate, extreme weather conditions are known to occur in January and February, with snowfall almost guaranteed. These snowy and icy road conditions usually lead to an increase in car accidents in the winter months. If you have been in a car accident in Manchester, NH, you probably have contacted your insurance agent about collision repair. But before you decide about where to get your car repair done, you need to know that you have choices when it comes to collision repair.

Insurance Companies Have In-Network Body Shops

Many car insurance companies operate with a network of collision repair body shops in most major cities such as Manchester, NH. These in-network collision repair body shops are not special in any way, except that they have a working relationship with the insurance company. When you contact your auto insurance company, they will likely refer you to one of their in-network collision repair body shops to get an estimate. They may even give you the contact information for up to three in-network collision repair body shop so that they can get an average of the cost of the repair.

You Don’t Have to Stay In-Network

Once the insurance company has received the estimate, you will be approved or not. But did you know that you don’t have to stay in-network? Once the estimate cost is approved, you can go anywhere you want to have the actual work done. The insurance company may require you to get an estimate from one of their in-network repair shops, but you don’t have to actually get the work done there. The estimate is just so the insurance company knows how much they need to pay out. Once you know that number, you can shop around and find your own collision repair shop, such as Manchester Collision Center, to have the actual work done. In fact, you have that right legally. Legally, your insurance company can’t force or coerce you into using their in-network collision repair shop. And now that you have a copy of the estimate in hand, you have knowledge so that you know how much the repair should cost at any other collision repair shop in Manchester, NH.

Your Deductible Still Stands

Your insurance deductible still stands, no matter where you have your car repaired. Your insurance company has to cover the cost up to the amount they approved, and they have to honor your deductible. They can’t ask you to pay more just because you go to an out-of-network car repair place.

It is important to know your rights when it comes to having your car repaired after a collision. Remember, it is your car. You have a right to ensure that the repair is done by a car repair shop of your choosing. The quality of the repair has a direct impact on the lasting value of your car over time. If you have any questions or need help with your car repair, please contact Manchester Collision Center today.

Please feel free to reach us at (603)634-0700 if you have any questions or comments.