Here are some things to keep in mind in the event that you are involved in a traffic accident. Keep on hand your insurance company's claim service card with your policy identification number as well as a copy of the company's procedures for filing a claim.

Notify the police immediately. Get the name and badge number of the responding officer and find out how to obtain a copy of the accident report. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Get the name of the other driver as well as the driver's address, work and home phone numbers, type of vehicle, license plate and driver's license number, the other insurance company name and policy number. Obtain the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all passengers and witnesses.

Make notes describing the accident, the vehicles involved, their approximate speeds, the setting, the weather, traffic signs and signals, and the road conditions. Take photographs of the scene or draw diagrams of the roads and the accident. Do not make any oral or written statements as to the responsibility or blame. Do not tell others involved in the accident how much insurance you carry. Do not discuss the specifics of the accident with others involved.

Be very careful about accepting offers for payment on the spot; you could be held liable at a later date for the same damages.

Yes. Insurance policies state that you notify the insurance company or you must file a report with them, and let them know where the damaged vehicle can be viewed by the insurance adjuster. If they do not offer a claim number, ask them for one.

Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Just jot it down and bring it in with you when you come in to begin the repair process, we'll do the rest.

Yes. You have the right to have your car repaired at any shop you choose. Your insurance company is required to pay the reasonable cost to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition according to the coverage you purchased. Even if your vehicle needs to be towed, you can still choose your repair shop. The insurance company is responsible for paying for your repairs and should be responsible for paying the tow bill to the shop of your choice. If the insurance company selected a shop, and you prefer to go elsewhere, they should be obligated to pay for the additional tow.

No. Your only obligation is to inform the insurance company of the collision repair facility you have chosen to perform the work and the vehicle's location for insurance adjuster viewing.

The repair process is determined by the extent of damage to your vehicle. Once the vehicle is inspected, and the estimate written, our body shop can gauge the repair time and determine the approximate completion date. A good rule of thumb is one day for each six (6) hours of labor being performed.

Some jobs will have changes or additions, known as "Supplements" to the original estimate. For example, a part was to be repaired on the original estimate. During the course of the repair work it is determined the part must be replaced. An estimate for the additional claim or "Supplement" is provided to the insurance company, approved, and work proceeds with little or no delay. Supplements do not change your out-of-pocket expense, such as a deductible, which remains constant.

It is the role of the collision repair facility to restore the safety, function, and appearance of your car to pre-accident condition. There is a big difference between repair shops, but there is a bigger difference in how a repair is done.

Yes. You will receive a lifetime warranty when you pick up your vehicle. In addition to our warranty your insurance company generally gives a warranty on top of ours. Warranties are applicable to the current owner only and are not transferrable.

The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy.  If you carry broad collision, and you were not at fault, your insurance company most likely will waive your deductible. Insurance companies determine fault by your account of the accident when you make the claim, and by reviewing the accident report filed with the police department. If you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether you will be responsible to pay this when you pick up your vehicle.

If your deductible is not waived, it will be your responsibility to pay Maaco-Hulen when you pick up your vehicle. If you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether it will be your responsibility.

The insurance payment, by check, can be sent to either you or to Maaco-Hulen. In some cases the check may also need to be endorsed by the vehicle finance company if applicable. If you have any questions on who will receive the check or if it needs a third party endorsement please call us or your insurance agent. This process can take several days so it's a good idea to get it going as soon as your vehicle is dropped for repairs.