INSURANCE CLAIMS

Insurance Companies

The collision repair business has become more and more sophisticated over the years with technology improving nearly every aspect of what we do, including insurance claims. Cushman Paint and Body has a Direct Repair Relationship with most major insurance companies making us a one-stop shop for appraisals, insurance billing assistance and repairs.

But that does not mean we work for the insurance companies. At Cushman Paint and Body, the customer always come first. We will never compromise quality or our commitment to customer service for any insurance company program. In fact, we only participate in insurance programs that do not ask us to make concessions on quality or repair techniques. We continually monitor these programs to protect your interests. We are your representative, not theirs.

Insurance adjusters make their determination of damages and repairs needed based on a visual inspection. It is up to the repair facility you choose to write a thorough estimate to protect your interest. It costs no more to choose the best repair center in Augusta than it does any other. In the event of an accident resulting in an insurance claim, you should only be responsible for your deductible and the cost of any additional work you might ask us to do.

Remember...you have the right to decide what body repair shop will work on your vehicle. You make this important decision, not your insurance company. Cushman Paint and Body is always the right choice.

We participate with all major insurance companies and have a Direct Repair Center relationship with most. If you don't see your insurance company listed here, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can assist with any and all insurance claims. Please click on any logo at right for a direct link the company's claims page.

FOUR STEPS TO FOLLOW AFTER ACCIDENT

Car accidents are stressful events that can raise dozens of questions at once: Should I call the police? Should I move my car? When should I make a claim?

The following tips can help guide you through the most important decisions you need to make if you've been in an accident.

DO A HEALTH CHECK

Immediately following a car accident, consider taking the following actions:

Check yourself for injuries. If you're injured, call 911 or ask someone else to do so. If you're seriously injured, try not to move, and wait for emergency personnel.

If you're not too hurt to move, check on the well-being of your passengers. If anyone's injured, get on the phone with emergency services or ask a bystander to call for help.

Get to safety if you're able to, either on the side of the road or on a sidewalk. If your car is safe to drive and is causing a hazard where it is, pull it to the side of the road. Otherwise, leave it where it is and get yourself to safety.

Wait for help. Turn off your engine, turn on your hazard lights and use road flares to warn other vehicles to slow down.

NOTIFY AUTHORITIES

Call the police. Whether an accident is considered a minor fender-bender or a major collision, calling the police is important — and in some states, it's legally required.

Notify your insurer. You may also want to call your insurance agent while you're at the scene. That way, they can tell you exactly what they will need to process your claim.

DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT

Avoid discussing fault when going over the facts with the other driver. Only speak with your lawyer and the police about the details of the accident.

In order to protect yourself, the Insurance Information Institute (III) also recommends taking the following steps:

Identify the officers. Once the police arrive, get the name and badge number of all responding officers.
Get a copy. Ask the police officers present where you can obtain a copy of their accident report.
Take pictures. Document the accident thoroughly by taking snapshots from different angles, showing the damage done to both cars.
Take names. Write down the names and addresses of all parties involved, including any passengers in the other vehicle.
Talk to witnesses. If there were any witnesses to the accident, take down their names and their contact information, as well.

EXCHANGE INFO

Once you've filed the report with the police officer, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver before you leave. According to the III, the most important information includes:

Full name and contact information
Insurance company and policy number
Driver's license and license plate number
Type, color and model of vehicle
Location of accident

An accident can leave even the most seasoned driver frazzled, but following these steps may help protect you against unnecessary worries and will give your insurance company enough detailed information to begin processing your claim as smoothly and as quickly as possible.

Content provided by Allstate Insurance