Auto Insurance FAQs
Dealing with the stress of a collision is hard enough without trying to figure out how your accident insurance works. Here are some answers to frequently-asked questions about insurance policies.
Will the insurance company guarantee your work?
We guarantee our own work, but the insurance company does not have the legal right to guarantee a third party's work.
Who pays for repairs?
It depends on the circumstances. If you were at fault, but have comprehensive or collision insurance, the insurance company would pay the costs minus your deductible. If the other party was at fault, their insurance company should pay.
Do I have to accept the insurance company's appraisal of damage?
No. Check the "Appraisal Clause" in your policy if you have differences with their appraisal. It allows you and the insurance company to gather an opinion from an appraiser you both agree upon, or a third-party "Umpire" if you cannot agree.
Do I have the right to a rental car?
If you have purchased rental car coverage and were not responsible for the accident, you may seek reimbursement from the insurance company or, if another driver was responsible for the accident, their insurance company. If you do not have rental car coverage and were responsible for the accident, you have no grounds to ask for reimbursement. If the other driver was liable, you can generally seek reimbursement from their insurance company.
Who do I call to file a claim?
Reach out to your agent or insurance provider. If someone else is liable for your damages, it's essential to also get in touch with their insurance agent or company. The assigned adjuster will then guide you on any further necessary actions.
What does my policy require me to do after an accident?
Inform your insurance provider about the accident's details, including the time, location, and circumstances of the incident. Provide the names and addresses of individuals injured in the accident as well as any potential witnesses. Collaborate fully with the investigation process. Lastly, acquire or grant authorization for your insurance company to secure necessary documents, medical records, and relevant information.
Want more information on your rights? To make an appointment, call us at 805-497-2818 or make an appointment online!Partners
What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
Absolutely love Shelley's and I am a repeat and ongoing customer! I'm always looking for a place that I feel comfortable going to on my own without my fiance as I'm not mechanically savvy and this is it! Christy, who is at the front desk and keeps this place running is so warm and welcoming. She does her job well and is always moving whether it is answering phone calls or managing all the different keys and customers. She remembered me after my first visit! The mechanics here are trustworthy and do their job well. I've gotten two reasonably priced oil changes and also brought my car in for a tire repair and I'm very happy with all my interactions at Shelley's. I would suggest making an appointment or dropping off your car because this place IS BUSY. If you are doing a walk in expect to wait a couple of hours, but otherwise I will definitely be back for all my car related concerns!
Christy, who runs the front of the shop, is the best. I needed to get my car smog checked. The problem was I had a check engine light. Shelley's did a diagnosis and was able to clear the check engine, but the codes would still not pass. We were able to assess the problem that could have been $$$ in parts and labor for a catalytic converter, but there was an alternative to flush out the codes for an indefinite amount of miles. I checked once a week before work at Shelley's to see if it my car cleared. Every time, denied. Then my check engine light went on again! Hope was lost. I gave up going to Shelley's for months. Until today. When I got in my car and was heading to work the check engine light was off. I immediately went to Shelley's. The codes were clean! We ran the smog and passed. I am legit on the road again. Thanks for your persistence with me Shelley's! I'll be a lifetime customer.