Car not properly fixed after insurance claim

Imagine you've just gotten your car back from the body shop following an insurance claim, only to notice there's something off with your vehicle. Whether it be unusual noises, chipped paint, visible damage, or other concerns, if you feel strongly about the state of your vehicle following a car repair, there are a couple of things you can do to navigate the aftermath. For more information, stick around as we outline all there is you need to know as a car owner.

What to do if your car was not fixed properly after visiting an auto body shop

So, you've just gotten your vehicle back from the repair shop. What steps can you take to ensure that proper repairs have been done to your car? Here's what you can do:

Conduct a post-repair inspection

Before you leave the repair shop parking lot, we recommend that you inspect your car. Look for any chips in the paint and other visible signs of damage that may not have been there during your vehicle's pre-accident condition. Then, on the way home, keep an ear out for any strange sounds or changes in your driving experience that may seem odd to you.

Document any of the issues with your vehicle repairs

If you notice that there are repair issues with your car, it's important that you document what problems you pick up on. The more evidence you provide the repair shop and your car insurance company, the easier it will be for you to actually have your car correctly repaired by a reputable body shop.

Speak with the repair shop

Once the damage and the poor-quality repairs have been documented, you can go ahead and give the repair shop a call if you feel comfortable doing so. We recommend speaking to management and explaining the situation. You can also provide them with the evidence you've documented. Most of the time, the repair shop will fix the car repairs needed. However, if they refuse to address the issue that you have brought to them, it's time to reach out to your insurance company.

Contact your insurance company

Now, contact your insurance policy and speak with your claims adjuster. You will again need to explain the issue you've found with the car repairs. They'll likely ask you to submit your evidence, which could lead to a longer claims process or a new insurance claim altogether.

File a formal complaint

In the event that the repair shop refuses to have your car properly repaired and does not agree with the post-repair inspection you've conducted, car owners do have the option of filing a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau and the Bureau of Auto Repair or Ministry, depending on which province or territory you live in.

Common concerns following car repair work

Before we get into the details about what car owners need to do if their car hasn't been fixed properly by a repair shop during a car insurance claim, let's take a closer look at some of the common reasons why your vehicle may have been repaired poorly:

Poor workmanship

One of the most common reasons why the quality of your vehicle repairs may not have been up to standard is due to mechanic negligence. When mechanics deliver poor workmanship, it'll be easy for customers to notice that their vehicle has not been fixed properly.

Delays in the repair process

To ensure that your vehicle is repaired properly, the repair shop will take their time. However, when you've been told you can pick your vehicle up from the repair shop on a certain date and it keeps getting pushed back without a clear reason, car owners can become frustrated with the lack of transparency.

Further problems compared to pre-accident condition

Another issue car owners may experience after they've received their vehicle from a body shop is the discovery of additional problems later down the line. For example, if you take your vehicle to a repair shop for a broken windshield and later discover that the repaired area and expenses have doubled in size and price, you may have some questions about the integrity of the repair shop.

The auto body shop uses aftermarket parts

Some repair shops use aftermarket parts for repairs, which could decrease the overall quality of the work that was completed on your vehicle. It can also lead to later problems down the line that may require more expensive repair work that may not be covered by an insurance company.

Can I keep my car after my insurance writes it off?

Yes, you can keep your vehicle if it has been written off by your claims adjuster if you want to use it for spare parts. At the same time, you do have the ability to take your vehicle to a junkyard to have it disposed of safely.

How long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim?

While there is no specific or legal timeframe insurance companies must abide by to investigate claims, most will do their best to move you through the claims process within 30 days, if not quicker. That being said, the more complex your claims are, the more time it will take to come to a decision. As such, we recommend that you document as much evidence as possible of your vehicle damage at the time the collision occurs. The more evidence you give your adjuster, the more information they'll have to go off of, which could result in a faster claim. Regardless, throughout the claim, we recommend staying in contact with your adjuster for updates and further information about your car repairs.

How can I properly maintain my vehicle throughout the year?

Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibilities. Whether you're looking to avoid costly repairs or going on a cross-country road trip, taking care of your vehicle and scheduled car maintenance is essential if you want to keep yourself and others on the road safe. Brush up on maintenance requirements for your vehicle with these guides:

• Winter car maintenance checklist
• Summer car maintenance tips
• Car maintenance tips for road trips
• Electric car maintenance
• Canadian car maintenance tips

Can I find my own repair shop following an accident?

Yes, in most scenarios, your insurance company will allow you to find your own repair shops for your vehicle if you wish. However, there are some providers who are more strict when it comes to the repair process and where you have your repairs done. In this case, your provider may give you a list of repair shops they have worked with in the past, which you will have to choose from to get your car fixed. If you are unsure what your insurance company's preference is, make sure to ask them when you file your claims so you know what to expect during the entire process moving forward.

How much is car maintenance?

So, how much will car maintenance cost? Maintenance expenses can add up quickly, especially if you've neglected your vehicle for a while. Although costs will vary between makes and models, car owners can anticipate their maintenance to be anywhere between $200 and $1,500 a year on average. Ultimately, finding an auto mechanic that is affordable and trustworthy can help you save money on costly repairs in the future and prevent other problems from arising in the first place. To ensure your vehicle is safe while on the road, we recommend conducting an inspection yourself each month and booking professional maintenance once a year or as needed to maintain the quality of your vehicle for as long as possible.

How long should my vehicle be in a repair shop?

We understand that taking your car to the shop for car repairs can impact your week. So, how long can you anticipate your car being out of service? If we're being honest, it really depends on the severity of the damage and what the scope of the car repairs are. For example, if the shop needs to wait for replacement parts or runs into setbacks, it could take anywhere between a couple of days or weeks to complete. The best thing you can do is contact your repair shop and get an estimate from them on how long the repairs will take to complete so you can get a better idea about how to go about your week. And if your insurance policy covers rental vehicles, you'll be able to get a replacement car for the time being.

Does electric car maintenance cost more?

A big part of owning a car is dealing with maintaining it over the years. So, if you're in the market for a new vehicle, you may be wondering if electric cars require less maintenance than a traditional gas vehicle. In general, electric cars do require less maintenance over time, given that they do not need oil changes, engine checks, or regular fluid changes, which a traditional gas vehicle requires every few thousand kilometres. That said, whether an electric car requires frequent maintenance will depend on whether you purchase the car, whether it is new or used, and the make and model of the vehicle itself. Local weather conditions and usage habits can also determine how much maintenance is needed to keep your vehicle running safely throughout the year.

Protect your vehicle with quality car insurance

Accidents can happen at any time, which is why having high-quality insurance is a must. While some types of auto insurance are mandatory for all motorists, others are optional if you wish to supplement your standard insurance portfolio for added protection:

Third-party liability insurance

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory insurance coverage. However, minimum coverage requirements differ between provinces and territories. Third-party liability coverage protects policyholders if they cause bodily injuries or property damage while operating a vehicle by covering the cost of repairs, medical costs, legal fees, and other associated costs related to a lawsuit.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is another mandatory insurance policy. It protects you if you are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who is either uninsured or underinsured by covering the cost of repairs or replacements. It will also cover you if you are involved in an accident with a hit-and-run driver.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is the final mandatory insurance policy for most provinces and territories in Canada. If you, your passengers, or any pedestrians are injured in the collision, accident benefits coverage will cover the cost of your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other associated fees required during your recovery, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

Collision coverage

If your vehicle is damaged in a collision where you are found at fault, your collision car coverage will kick into place and cover your repair costs up to your policy limits. Keep in mind that you will need to pay a deductible before your insurance provider will cover the rest of the expenses.

Comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive car coverage is similar to collision insurance as it will cover the cost of vehicle repairs. The only difference is that Comprehensive will pay for damages that occur as a result of non-collision repairs. For example, if your car is damaged as a result of a theft, vandalism, a fallen tree, or other insured perils, your repairs will be covered. With this policy, you'll also need to pay a deductible ahead of time.

Accident forgiveness

Accident forgiveness is a one-time policy that you can add to your portfolio for an additional cost. Normally, after an at-fault collision, your insurance rates will increase. But with accident forgiveness in place, you can avoid a rate increase following your first collision. This insurance policy is great for new drivers and those with clean driving records. In the meantime, to prevent collisions in the first place, brush up on our safe driving tips!

Need help with your insurance? Contact BrokerLink today

Are you looking to save on car insurance? Have questions about preventative auto insurance? BrokerLink has the solutions you're searching for. BrokerLink has years of experience and is one of Canada's leading brokerages trusted by customers just like you! With locations across the country, BrokerLink is pleased to work and live in your neighbourhood.

If you're nearby, don't hesitate to come in and speak to a broker in person. Not in the area? Don't sweat it; you can always reach us over the phone! And, if you're really in a rush, take advantage of our free online quote tool for a competitive insurance quote in minutes.

Get an auto insurance quote 1-866-724-2372