- March 10, 2025
- By Carl's Auto Body
- In Insurance Claims & Repair Estimates
- Tags Carls Auto Body, Hopkins, Insurance, Local, Minnetonka, Repair Service
- 30
- 0
Insurance-Approved Auto Body Repair in Minnetonka: How to File a Claim
Dealing with auto repairs after an accident or storm damage can be stressful, but filing an insurance claim doesn’t have to be. At Carl’s Auto Body, we work directly with all major insurance providers to handle the paperwork, coordinate repairs, and get you back on the road quickly. We know how important insurance-approved auto body repair is!
Whether you need collision repairs or hail damage fixes, our team ensures your vehicle is restored correctly and efficiently without the hassle.
How Auto Body Insurance Claims Work
Filing an insurance claim for auto body repairs may seem complicated, but understanding the process makes it easier. Here’s how it works.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Take clear photos and videos of your vehicle from multiple angles. Document all visible damage, including dents, scratches, and broken glass.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Provider
Report the accident or damage as soon as possible. Provide details like the date, time, and location. An adjuster will be assigned to assess your claim.
Step 3: Get a Repair Estimate
Your insurer may recommend a repair shop, but you have the right to choose your own. A trusted auto body shop will inspect your vehicle and provide an accurate repair estimate. If hidden damage is found later, the estimate may need to be adjusted.
Step 4: Insurance Review and Approval
Your adjuster will review the estimate and determine what’s covered. The auto body shop will work with the adjuster to approve all necessary repairs.
Step 5: Repairs and Payment Coordination
Once approved, the shop will order parts and begin repairs. You’ll be responsible for your deductible, while insurance covers the remaining costs. Many insurers pay the shop directly, but some may send you a check.
At Carl’s Auto Body, we handle the entire process, so you don’t have to.
What Repairs Does Insurance Cover?
Car insurance covers certain types of damage but not everything.
Covered by insurance: Collision damage, repairs after an accident with another vehicle or object, hail damage and weather-related issues under comprehensive insurance, damage from hitting an animal, fire, theft, and vandalism.
Not covered by insurance: Routine maintenance such as brake pads, tires, oil changes, and filters, mechanical failures unless directly caused by a covered event, wear and tear due to normal aging of vehicle components.
If your car is damaged in an accident, insurance may cover mechanical repairs, but you may need to prove the damage was directly caused by the accident.
Comprehensive coverage can help with non-collision damage, such as fire, theft, vandalism, or a tree branch falling on your car. Learn more about comprehensive vs. collision coverage here .
Not sure what’s covered? Our team at Carl’s Auto Body can help you navigate your policy and claims process.
How to Get an Insurance-Approved Auto Body Repair Estimate
An accurate repair estimate is essential for filing a claim. Here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: File Your Insurance Claim
Notify your insurer before getting an estimate. Some insurers send an adjuster to assess the damage.
Step 2: Obtain a Repair Estimate
Choose a trusted, insurance-approved repair shop. The estimate should include labor, parts, and repair time. If hidden damage is found, the estimate may need adjustments.
Step 3: Insurance Review and Approval
Insurers may negotiate costs or require additional documentation. Payment can be made directly to the shop or reimbursed to you.
Tips for a Smooth Estimate Process: Choose a reputable repair shop that provides detailed assessments, watch out for low-ball estimates that don’t include all necessary repairs, and avoid delays. If the insurer is slow, you may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement.
Before getting an estimate, notify your insurance provider about the accident. Check Minnesota’s official guide on filing an auto insurance claim.
At Carl’s Auto Body, we work with insurers to streamline approvals and ensure you receive proper coverage.
We Work with All Major Insurance Providers
We partner with all major insurance companies to simplify the repair process.
How We Help: We handle the paperwork so you don’t have to, provide accurate estimates approved by insurance providers, advocate for proper repairs to fully restore your vehicle, and offer direct billing to your insurance company.
Your Choice, Your Shop – You are not required to use the repair shop your insurer suggests. Carl’s Auto Body provides high-quality, insurance-approved repairs with a focus on your satisfaction.
Filing a Claim for Collision or Hail Damage
If your vehicle has been damaged in an accident or hailstorm, here’s how to file a claim.
Step 1: Report the Damage
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.
Step 2: Document Everything
Take clear photos and videos of all visible damage.
Step 3: Get a Repair Estimate
You have the right to choose your repair shop. If our estimate is higher than the insurance adjuster’s, we’ll negotiate on your behalf.
Step 4: Insurance Review and Repair Approval
The adjuster will determine what repairs are covered. Once approved, we begin repairs immediately.
What If My Car Is Totaled?
If repair costs exceed your car’s value, the insurer may declare it a total loss. If you disagree with their valuation, you can request an appraisal dispute.
Contact Us for Insurance-Approved Repairs
At Carl’s Auto Body, we understand that dealing with insurance claims can be overwhelming. That’s why we handle the process for you and ensure your repairs meet the highest standards.
Why Choose Carl’s Auto Body?
We handle insurance claims from start to finish, guarantee high-quality repairs using approved parts, work with all major insurance companies for hassle-free service, and offer accurate estimates that insurers approve quickly.
Get Back on the Road with Confidence!
Contact Carl’s Auto Body today to schedule your insurance-approved auto body repairs. Whether it’s collision repair, hail damage, or a full restoration, we’re here to help.
