6015 S Adams St, Tacoma, WA 98409 | (253) 476-0564
Tacoma’s Trusted Collision Repair Experts Since 1999

Insurance Process FAQs


Collision Specialists Tacoma Building From Street

Simple, fair, and transparent

Insurance can feel complicated. Our goal is to keep your claim moving, keep you informed, and repair your vehicle to pre-loss condition based on manufacturer procedures. You choose the shop. We coordinate with your carrier. We document everything.

How the process works

  1. Free visual assessment and photo documentation.
  2. We write an estimate. If your insurer wrote one first, we compare and explain differences.
  3. You authorize repairs. We help confirm coverage and deductible.
  4. Tear-down and parts ordering. If hidden damage is found we send a supplement with photos to your insurer. Washington rules expect insurers to consider added loss-related damage and explain any estimate differences.
  5. Repairs, quality checks, and refinish.
  6. Pick-up. You typically pay only your deductible if your claim runs through your policy. Your insurer pays the balance. If the other driver is at fault your insurer will seek reimbursement and recover your deductible when possible.

FAQs

Do I have to use the shop my insurance recommends?

No. In Washington you can select any qualified repair facility. Insurers cannot require repairs at a specific shop or force unreasonable travel. They must also pay the reasonable cost to restore the vehicle to pre-loss condition and explain estimate differences in writing.

Can you work with my insurance company so I do not have to?

Yes. We share estimates, photos, and repair documentation with your carrier and handle approvals. If their initial estimate is lower than ours we submit a supplement with proof. Washington regulations require insurers to consider additional loss-related damage and to explain any differences.

Do I need more than one estimate?

You may get multiple estimates, but it is not required by law. If you meet in person and the work exceeds 100 dollars, Washington law requires a written estimate from the repair facility. The Attorney General’s guidance mirrors this and caps charges without your approval to within a small margin of that estimate.

Who pays the deductible and when?

If you use your own collision coverage, you usually pay your deductible to the shop at pick-up and the insurer pays the rest of the approved amount. If your company later recovers from the at-fault carrier, they must include your deductible in that recovery.

What about a rental car while my car is in the shop?

Rental coverage depends on your policy. Many policies include optional rental reimbursement with daily and total limits. The Washington Insurance Commissioner notes these limits and recommends checking your policy. If the other driver is clearly at fault, their carrier may cover rental once liability is accepted.

Will filing a claim raise my rates?

It depends on your carrier, coverage, and fault. Ask your agent how your policy handles surcharges and accident forgiveness. We can provide documentation to help you discuss the claim with your insurer.

What if my car has hidden damage the first estimate missed?

This is common. After disassembly we document any additional damage and submit a supplement. Washington rules require insurers to consider new loss-related damage and to explain if they disagree.

Do you guarantee the repairs?

We provide a written warranty on our workmanship and refinish. Terms are reviewed with you at drop-off and printed on your final paperwork. Parts warranties follow the manufacturer or supplier. We do not advertise a blanket lifetime warranty because coverage terms vary by component and paint system.

Do I need to sign anything to start?

Yes. We will review and ask you to sign a repair authorization and any insurer forms needed to share claim information. We also confirm who pays, what your deductible is, and whether you have rental coverage.


What to bring

  • Claim number and adjuster contact
  • Your insurance card and photo ID
  • Any estimate already written
  • Policy details if you plan to use rental reimbursement

Ready to start your claim

Request an appointment or call. We will document the damage, coordinate with your insurer, and keep you updated at each step.

Tacoma’s Trusted Collision Repair Experts Since 1999
6015 S Adams St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 476-0564