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4 Tips To Get An Accurate Post Accident Repair Estimate In Baton Rouge

Chris Medine • Jun 13, 2023

Editor's note: This post was originally published on February 13, 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.


You’ve probably heard the expression, “good work isn’t cheap and cheap work isn’t good.” Well when it comes to post accident repair, that phrase is true for a number of reasons. First of all, you need to make sure that all the work your car needs is actually being done. Secondly, that work needs to be done using parts that are up to par. When you are in a car accident, it is very easy to fall victim to charges you didn’t expect, or substandard work leading to future problems. But, if you ask the right questions, and stand your ground, you can walk away knowing that what you are quoted is what is needed. No more. No less. To help you get the service you need, here are 4 tips to get an accurate post accident repair estimate in Baton Rouge.


Use A Shop You Trust

After an accident, one of the first things that can happen is, your insurance company may try to steer you to a particular repair shop. Shops like this are called direct repair shops and they have agreements with the insurance companies that are mutually beneficial to both the shop and the insurance company. Unfortunately, they aren’t as beneficial to the customer as these shops almost always use aftermarket parts, minimize the amount of work they have to do, or cut corners from time to time.


Make Sure You Speak For Yourself When Getting An Estimate

Do not let the insurance company speak for you. Even if you don’t know much about cars and feel you can’t fully explain everything that is wrong, do your best to describe the problems directly to your mechanic. If you let the insurance company speak on your behalf, things can get overlooked or missed.


Demand OEM Parts For Your Repairs

Original Equipment Manufacturer (O.E.M.) parts are absolutely essential to having your car repaired the right way. If a shop is telling you that aftermarket parts are the same quality at a cheaper price, they are not being honest with you. Aftermarket parts were not made specifically for your vehicle. Because of that, they don’t provide the perfect fit that your vehicle needs when being repaired.


Question A “Low Ball” Estimate

If you receive an estimate that seems too good to be true, it probably is. This could mean needed repairs are being overlooked, or it could mean that the repair shop knows of further work that needs to be done, but is “sandbagging” until they have your business. It is important to remember that cheaper isn’t necessarily better. The most important thing when it comes to having your car repaired after an accident is having it done right the first time. A low ball estimate that ends up with you having to return for further repairs down the road ends up costing you more. Likewise, if the repair shop does a sloppy or substandard job, the costs down the line will escalate as well.


The most important thing to remember is that you are in control. You have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. The insurance company does not pick the shop, nor do they control the prices. What they do, by contract is pay for the necessary repairs after an accident. If you have any questions about an estimate you have received, please contact our team at Medines and we will be happy to walk you through it to make sure it is accurate and you understand every procedure.

Get Started Today!

Get your free estimate from Medine Collision today.

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