Questions on Insurance and Payment
Q: Do I have to take my vehicle to the insurance company's recommended shop?
A:
No. Some insurers only recommend shops that offer the insurer a
discount for sending the customer there. Bob Moore
Collision will probably not be the cheapest shop, but you will get a
quality repair at a fair price. The insurance company is not allowed to
discriminate against you if you choose to take your vehicle to the shop
of your choice. Steering is illegal and you should report any company
that tries to force you to a particular shop. YOU own the vehicle, YOU
choose the shop.
Q: Do I have to get three estimates?
A:
No. There is no law in Oklahoma that requires you to get estimates.
Some insurers may want you to visit their drive-in claims office. You
can do this or simply choose the shop you want to repair your vehicle
and take it there. The adjuster can go to the shop to inspect your
vehicle. Never drive a vehicle that could be unsafe due to damages.
Q: Where do I get a claim number?
A: Your
insurance company will give you a claim number when you report your
accident. Be sure to bring it with you when you drop off your vehicle or
call it in to us if your vehicle is towed in. The staff at Bob Moore
Collision will do the rest.
Q: What's a total loss?
A: A total loss occurs when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company's determined value of your vehicle.
Q: Why is there a difference in estimates from different shops?
A: Differences
are common. Lower estimates may not include all the necessary work to
ensure your vehicle is returned to pre-accident condition. Using
lower-quality parts and materials will also affect the price. Bob Moore
Collision will repair your vehicle using high-quality
parts and materials at a fair price. Ask us to explain any differences;
we'll be glad to help.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Bob Moore
Collision accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover,
insurance checks, cashier's checks, cash, and personal checks with valid
drivers license. We do not offer any type of payment plan.
Q: What if the check has a lien holder's name on it?
A: The
lien holder must endorse the check before we can accept it. The lien
holder will usually want proof that the vehicle has been repaired before
signing the check. We can usually help with this by providing
documentation or pictures.
Q: Can the insurance company leave the lien holder's name off the check to avoid the hassle?
A: Yes.
Most of the time, the insurance company will include the shop's name
instead of the lien holder if you ask. This is much more convenient for
everyone. If the check has already been issued in your name and the lien
holder's name, you can ask the insurance company to reissue it in the
above described manner.
Q: Do I have to pay a deductible?
A: That
depends on your policy. Usually, if you were not at fault and you carry
broad collision, the insurance company will waive the deductible for
you. Also, if you are a claimant (the accident was the other person's
fault) and the other person is insured, you will not owe a deductible.
You can check with your agent if you're not sure.
Q: Who do I pay the deductible to?
A: If you owe a deductible, you must pay the shop before your vehicle can be released.