Keizer's Automotive - Keizers Collision Centre FAQs
What should I know before having my vehicle repaired?
- Never drive a vehicle that could be unsafe because of the damages.
- You are not required by law to obtain more than one estimate or appraisal
- You have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice. Your insurance company cannot make you go to a particular shop.
- Some insurance companies may want you to visit their drive-in claims center before having your car repaired. You can do this or you may leave your car at our shop and ask that the insurance company inspect the car here.
- Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work. If you are not sure why one estimate is different from another you have received, please ask us.
- Choose a shop that has unibody repair equipment and certified (by I-CAR or ASE for example) technicians.
- Ask if the shop offers a repair warranty.
- Your car is the second largest investment you are likely to make. Preserve its’ value and your safety by having it repaired professionally.
- Some insurance companies may want you to visit their drive-in claims center before having your car repaired. You can do this or you may leave your car at our shop and ask that the insurance company inspect the car here.
What should I do if I had an accident?
- Get the facts
Immediately after an accident, gather as much information as possible. Get the other driver’s name, address, telephone number, insurance policy number and license plate number. - File a police report.
File a police report. In Nova Scotia, a police report is required by law if there is more than $2000.00 worth of property damage to either vehicle. But even if it doesn’t look like there are significant damages it is a still a good idea to file a report. Without a police report, there is no independent verification that an accident even happened. - Call your insurance company
Call your insurance company as soon as possible. Some companies will send their own investigators to the scene of a serious accident to gather photos and other evidence that can later be used to help your claim. Your insurance policy also contains a deadline by which you must notify your insurance company of the accident. If you fail to meet this deadline, you may lose the ability to receive benefits if you have to make a claim. - Write down your statement
When everything settles down, write down what happened as you remember it. Include how the accident happened, the date, the time, the weather, what people said at the scene, and any other relevant details. Car accident claims can take months or years to resolve, and this record will help your memory down the road. Emailing yourself is a good way to do this so there is proof of the date and time that you wrote down these facts, if you are later accused of making something up after the fact. - See your family doctor
Even if you don’t believe you are injured, schedule an appointment with your family doctor at the earliest possible time following the crash. The effects of a concussion can be subtle and may not be apparent to the injured victim. Internal injuries may not be immediately visible or noticeable, especially with adrenaline flowing following a crash. Your doctor may be able to identify and document symptoms of injuries you weren’t aware of.
