Dealing with your insurance

Must I notify my insurance company before repairs?
Insurance policies require that you notify the insuring company or your agent to file a claim and to tell them the location of the vehicle.

Who pays the repair bill?
You, as the customer, are ultimately responsible for the cost of the repairs. JMC AutoworX will work with you and your insurance company to have your car repaired as quickly and easily as possible. Most insurance companies will pay JMC AutoworX directly, less any deductibles.

Who is responsible for the repairs?
The shop. That’s why it is important that you select a repair facility that is properly trained and equipped to restore your automobile to its pre-accident condition. JMC AutoworX stands behind our work 100% so you can feel confident that the repairs are done correctly.

Do I have the right to select the shop that will repair my car?
Yes. In order to expedite your claim, select the repair shop, leave your automobile there and notify your insurance agent or company with the location of the vehicle.

Do I need to get three estimates?
No. Your insurance adjuster may need to inspect the damage however. Never get an estimate from a shop you would not let repair your vehicle.

My insurance company says they won’t pay for OEM parts. What does that mean?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) are parts made by the company that produced your vehicle. While the quality of imitation parts have improved greatly in recent years, they are not always as good as the original, and I believe our customers should be assured of a top quality repair. After all, you pay premiums month after month just to have the assurance that your car will always be protected. JMC AutoworX uses only OEM parts unless you, the customer, not the insurance company, specifies otherwise. Check your insurance policy to make sure it does not specify the use of aftermarket parts.

If there is a problem with the repair, who should you contact?
First, the facility manager. If your problem is still not resolved, contact your insurance company claims manager. You may also want to contact the North Carolina Attorney General’s office of consumer protection at 1.877.566.7226. At JMC AutoworX you deal directly with me, the owner. Your satisfaction is my top priority.

If my insurance company fails to process my claim or pay the amount agreed upon, what can I do?
First contact your insurance agent. If the problem persists, then talk to the Branch or Regional Claims Manager of the insurance company. If that fails, then contact the North Carolina Department of Insurance at 800.546.5664.

Here are some common mistakes people make and what to watch for

Mistake Number One …
Most people have little or no idea what their insurance policy really says. They think they have full coverage and their insurance company will take care of everything. They come to us to have their vehicle repaired and are shocked to find out they don’t have rental car coverage. Then, after checking further, they discover the policy gives their insurance company permission to use NON-FACTORY parts. You’ll want to avoid this pitfall.

JMC AutoworX encourages you to get that policy out and read it until you know what you pay for every time you make your payment. Call your agent and have him or her review it with you. Feel free to contact us with your questions. There’s a very good chance we’ve seen your insurance company in action. There are many solid insurance companies and agents out there with excellent products. Make sure you really have the full coverage you think you have.

Mistake Number Two …
Most people are not prepared to make decisions they’re forced to make when their vehicle is damaged. We have people call us and say: “I just wrecked my car. What do I have to do to get it fixed”? If you have avoided pitfall number one, some of these decisions will be easy to make. Other decisions can be thought through in advance. Sit down with your spouse, a close friend, your agent, etc., and ask: “If I was involved In a collision, what would be some of the decisions I might need to make, and how would I make them?”

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have so you will be better prepared. We’ll be glad to answer them and help you avoid this pitfall.

Mistake Number Three …
You have just been involved In an accident. You have avoided pitfalls 1 and 2. The next pitfall to avoid is thinking since the insurance company is paying the bill they should make the decisions. Don’t forget, it’s your money the insurance company is using to pay for the repairs. You have faithfully made your premium payments counting on the insurance company to be there for you. It’s your money. It’s your car. You make the decisions.

Again, know what your policy really says. Make sure you haven’t signed anything that limits the decisions you need to make in order to protect the investment you’ve made in your vehicle. Talk to your friends and family, find out which insurance companies let you make decisions and which ones think they should decide for you.