Insurance Claims After an Accident: An Arcadia Driver's Playbook

You have the right to choose your own shop

California Insurance Code §758.5 makes it illegal for an insurer to require you to use a specific repair facility. If an adjuster pressures you toward their 'preferred' shop, you can politely decline and choose any licensed body shop in the state — including Next Gen Auto Body.

What to say when you call your insurer

Keep it factual: date, time, location, other driver's information, and a brief description of damage. Do not speculate about fault, injuries, or repair costs. Never give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without speaking to your own agent first.

Comprehensive vs. collision coverage

Collision covers damage from impacts — another vehicle, a guardrail, a pothole. Comprehensive covers everything else — theft, vandalism, hail, flood, animal strikes, fallen branches. Most full-coverage policies in California include both, but check your declarations page so you know your deductibles.

How we handle the claim for you

Once you choose us, we contact your insurer directly, submit our estimate, negotiate any parts or labor disagreements (supplements), coordinate rental car authorization, and bill the carrier directly. You pay only your deductible at pickup — we handle the rest.

Diminished value claims

Even after a perfect repair, your vehicle's resale value drops because of its accident history on Carfax. If you weren't at fault, you may be entitled to a 'diminished value' payment from the at-fault driver's insurance. We can refer you to appraisers who specialize in California DV claims.

Major insurers we work with

State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, Farmers, Mercury, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, AAA, Auto Club, Wawanesa, Travelers, USAA, Nationwide, Kemper, and most regional carriers serving the San Gabriel Valley.

Need help filing a claim? Call (323) 702-0186 — we'll walk you through it for free.