What if my insurance company's appraisal is less than your estimate?

Most insurers write a low estimate to begin with, and they will tell you once the car is under repair, your shop can request a supplement.  That's our job, no need to worry. Once the car is in our shop for repairs, we will renegotiate with the adjuster to make sure the insurance company allows us to restore your car to pre-accident condition to the highest degree possible.

1) My insurer has a preferred repair shop, do I have to use them?

No. This is called insurance steering. Insurance steering occurs when your insurance company tries to persuade you to use a specific repair shop through their Direct Repair Program. This is a contract between a body shop and an insurer to provide reduced repair costs using aftermarket parts that are not genuine OEM parts. This can compromise your vehicle's safety and lead to costly corrective repairs after the fact. Some insurance companies even have a stake in ownership or have contractual agreements that include concessions that are not in your best interest as a driver. Remember - only you can approve who carries out your repairs. Car Chemistry goes to bat regularly for our clients to ensure your repairs are done right, and your vehicle is restored to safe driving conditions. We never cut corners with your safety.

2) What if my insurance company tells me I have to get 3 estimates, or that I have to go to another shop and meet their adjuster

Tell them no and that you are dropping your car off at the shop of your choice. The adjuster can inspect your car there with the body shop manager. It is your car and you have the right to get your car fixed wherever you want. We work for you, not the insurance company, and want to provide you with all of the information you need to make us your shop of choice.

3) Can you communicate with my insurance company and work out all the details.

Absolutely. We take care of the estimate and notify you when the vehicle can go in for service. Most times, the insurance company will pay us directly so you don’t have to worry about payment. You will likely have to pay a deductible depending on your insurance. Contact us today to learn more about the process.

4) Do I have to use a body shop which is approved by my insurance company or can I take the car to a shop of my choosing?

Insurance companies have special arrangements with many auto body repair shops in every city. Therefore, they prefer you send your vehicle to one of these shops. However, no matter what they may suggest to you, you should know that the choice is yours. Therefore, you can always have your vehicle taken to the shop of your choosing

5) My vehicle suffered significant damage in an accident. However, my insurance company did not total it. After repairing, will my car still be safe to drive?

Yes, absolutely. Insurance companies will not “total” your vehicle unless the cost of repairing your vehicle exceeds a certain threshold when comparing it to your vehicle’s value. In the event they do not total a vehicle, you can rest assured that we are in the business of placing your vehicle back to original factory specifications after an accident. In addition to this, we even warranty our work. Safety is our primary concern when it comes to customer vehicles. Upon the completion of repairs, we always test drive our customer’s cars and complete a thorough checklist of items to assure operational safety

Why do I have to authorize work even if insurance is paying?

By law, our shop repairs your car for you (the consumer) and the insurance company is not involved in that contract. We make sure you know how the car is being repaired (and that the insurance company has agreed to pay for it) before the onset of the repair process.

What am I entitled to?

Generally, when you're having your car repaired you're entitled to an itemized written estimate from your chosen shop for repairs that you must authorize in order to commence work. Once repairs are underway, you also have the right to authorize any additional repairs and costs before that work is started.

When using insurance you're entitled to having your car repaired back to pre-loss condition. If your insurance company is paying for repairs then some items may be limited to specific policy provisions. Even if you're not at fault, and the at fault insurance company is paying for repairs there still may be some limitations as to what is and isn't covered.

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At Car Chemistry, we're more than just your local "body shop near me". We are an American quality body and paint provider committed to ensuring 100% customer satisfaction. We cater to a wide range of services, from auto collision and paint, auto dent removal to reliable towing services near you, ensuring we get it right the first time, every time.

Our team not only offers superior car body repair and automotive detailing, but they also excel in customer service. They keep you updated, explain processes, and provide transparent estimates while listening to your needs.

Choose Car Chemistry for top-quality collision repair in Venice, Florida. We are an auto body repair shop that values you. Whether it's car painting service, truck body paint, or just regular car servicing near you, we're here to help. Remember, we are open, even on Saturdays, ready to serve your auto repair needs.