Accidents happen, unfortunately.

If you have been involved in a vehicle accident – minor fender bender or worse – here are some important tips to keep in mind.

1) Call your insurance company and provide them with the details and they will assign you a claim number; they will also provide you with a list of accredited repair shops. Do NOT wash your vehicle. Shops look for evidence that corresponds with the type of accident. ie. Fur or blood when hitting an animal on the road.

2) Call a repair facility and arrange an appointment for an estimate to be done; the shop estimator would need to take series of pictures to be provided to the insurance company. Once the pictures have been taken we will wash your vehicle and get you back on the road, usually with an appointment date in hand. If your vehicle is considered a ‘non-drive’ we would get you in a courtesy car or a rental. Our agreement with insurance companies is that we will provide alternate transportation maybe a taxi ride home or bus fare or a replacement vehicle as long as you have ‘collision and comprehensive’ coverage on your own vehicle.

“Most people worry about the increase in their insurance premiums after an accident. You can always get a claim number but you don’t always have to use it and if you do you can always pay the insurance company back for the repairs. I always tell my customers protect yourself and get a claim number; that doesn’t mean you have to proceed with the claim. Sometimes it’s cheaper to pay out of pocket,” said Emily Oliveira, Northstar GM Bodyshop office manager.

“If you think you are not at fault for an accident you still must call your insurance company. It can get in contact with the other party and determine fault. I can’t stress enough protect yourself and get your own claim number. The same process applies whether you have private or ICBC insurance,” Oliveira explained, adding, “Sometimes private insurance has what we call “preferred shops” but as a customer you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. We want you back on the road ASAP; in the meantime we will fix your vehicle exceeding factory standards and we will ensure is clean in and out before we deliver it to you, just like when you first got it.”

Northstar GM Bodyshop is an ICBC c.a.r. shop VALET facility

What is that?

ICBC c.a.r. shop VALET facilities guarantee their repairs. They’re also certified to do on-site damage estimates and can help you with transportation while your car’s being fixed.

In addition to collision repairs, c.a.r. shop VALET facilities do damage estimates for ICBC, too. So, unless your estimate has to be done at a claim centre (we’ll let you know if it does when you report your claim), you can get the estimate and repairs done at one convenient place.

For no extra charge, a VALET shop may offer

– vehicle pick-up at your home or work (within 30 km), and drop-off when the repairs are done

– a courtesy car, or

– help arranging a rental vehicle (if you qualify for one).

Information obtained from the ICBC website.

It is very unfortunate that you just had an accident and we wish it didn’t happen but be confident that by bringing your vehicle to Northstar GM you are in good hands. We will take care of your vehicle and supply a courtesy car for your convenience until yours is fully repaired. We will assist you answering all your questions related to insurance procedures and autobody repairs, we are experts and have been in the Collision repair business for 49 years!

This message sponsored by Northstar GM Bodyshop

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