Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. Dealing with insurance paperwork, phone calls, and approvals can make it even worse. The good news? A professional collision repair shop can handle most of that work for you.
Here’s how body shops work with insurance companies — so you don’t have to.
Step 1: Helping You Start the Claim
After an accident, many body shops help you begin the insurance claim process. This includes:
- Collecting accident and policy information
- Confirming coverage and deductibles
- Explaining what your insurance covers
This step helps avoid confusion and delays right from the start.
Step 2: Damage Inspection & Estimate
Once your vehicle arrives at the shop, trained estimators inspect it for both visible and hidden damage. They then create a detailed repair estimate that includes:
- Parts
- Labor
- Paint and materials
- Safety procedures
This estimate is submitted directly to your insurance company for review and approval.
Step 3: Communicating With the Adjuster
Insurance adjusters may review the estimate in person or digitally. The body shop communicates directly with the adjuster to:
- Answer questions
- Explain repair needs
- Justify safety-related repairs
If additional damage is found during repairs (called a supplement), the shop submits updated documentation and photos to the insurance company.
Step 4: Handling Approvals & Payments
Once repairs are approved:
- The body shop tracks insurance payments
- Confirms what the insurance pays vs. your deductible
- Ensures no vehicle is released without proper payment
This protects you from surprises at pickup time.
Step 5: Keeping You Informed
While the shop handles insurance communication, you stay informed. Most professional shops provide:
- Repair status updates
- Estimated completion dates
- Clear explanations if delays happen
If you ever want details about the estimate, the shop can walk you through it.
Step 6: Final Billing & Claim Closure
After repairs are completed:
- Final paperwork is sent to the insurance company
- Any remaining payments are processed
- Rental car companies are notified (if applicable)
- The claim file is closed properly
This ensures everything is documented and complete.
Why This Matters to You
Letting a body shop handle insurance communication means:
✔ Less stress
✔ Fewer phone calls
✔ Faster repairs
✔ Proper, safe repairs done the right way
Experienced shops know insurance rules, limits, and procedures — and they work to make sure your vehicle is repaired correctly, not just cheaply.
Choose a Shop That Works for You
Not all body shops offer this level of support. A quality collision center acts as your advocate, handling the insurance process while focusing on safe, high-quality repairs.
At Top Finish Collision Center, we work directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to. From claim setup to final billing, we make the process smooth, transparent, and stress-free.
If you’ve been in an accident, let us take care of the insurance — so you can focus on getting back on the road.
