May 21, 2024

A Step-By-Step Guide to Filing an Insurance Claim for Collision Repairs

Crashing your car is a stressful event in anyone’s life. Having to navigate the insurance claims process on top of that doesn’t make the situation any better. This blog is a step-by-step guide to filing an insurance claim for collision repairs. 


Step 1: Assess the Damage 


The first step in filing your insurance claim starts with checking out the damage that was done to your car, which is something you’ve most likely already done. You should take pictures of the damage from different angles and document any other important details of the crash. Some things you can make note of when documenting the event are where the crash occurred, how bad the damage is, what the weather was like, road surface conditions, sun direction, any potential witnesses, as well as any other details you can think of that may have caused this crash. The last piece of assessing the damage is to get a written estimate from an auto body repair shop to give to your insurance company. Pick any auto body shop that is convenient to you and your location. 


Step 2: Get in Contact with Your Insurance Company 


After assessing the damage, if you feel it is necessary, you should contact your insurance company to report the crash and start the claims process. Be prepared to give them specific details about the accident when you report it. They will most likely ask you about the date, time, location, and if anyone else was involved in the crash. Depending on your insurance company, a claims adjuster may assess the damage and determine your collision coverage. You should also set up a rental vehicle at this time, which your insurance company or claims adjuster can help you with! 


Step 3: Call and Schedule an Appointment for an Estimate 


After you file your insurance claim, you can get an inspection scheduled with the claims adjuster that was given to you by your insurance company. The adjuster will examine the damage to your vehicle and estimate the cost of repairs covered under your insurance policy. When you meet with your claim adjuster, be sure to provide any documentation or estimates you’ve received from the collision center you’ve chosen. 


Step 4: Review Your Coverage 


Before bringing your car in for repairs, it would be a smart idea to review your insurance policy. This will help you understand your coverage and any deductibles or limits you may have. Your insurance company will provide you with an estimate of the repair costs covered under your policy, and you may be in charge of paying any deductibles or expenses that exceed your coverage limits. 


Our team at Morrow Collision Center fully understands that the insurance claim process can be difficult to manage. That’s why we work with all auto insurance companies, so you have one less factor to worry about. 


Step 5: Choose a Repair Shop 


Once your insurance claim is approved, you can pick a repair shop to complete the repairs on your vehicle. Selecting a reputable auto body shop like Morrow Collision Center ensures high-quality repairs and excellent customer service throughout the process. Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians can handle any type of loss, big or small. The I-CAR gold seal means our technicians are always up to date with new technology and procedures. We want you to feel confident knowing your vehicle is being taken care of safely and efficiently. 


Step 6: Double Check Repairs 


Once you choose your auto body shop, you should double-check with them to ensure that they’re aware of the exact repairs that need to be done. Morrow Collision Center works closely with your insurance company to coordinate repairs. Morrow Collision Center may be a direct repair partner with your auto insurance, making the insurance claim process much easier for you. Reach out to Morrow to learn more about the companies we are a DRP with. 


Step 7: Final Inspection and Payment 


When the repairs are all finished, you should do a final inspection of your vehicle to make sure that all repairs were performed to standard. Your insurance may also send a claims adjuster to inspect the repairs and verify that they meet their expectations. Once approved, your insurance company will send payment directly to the repair shop. You may be responsible for any additional charges. 


Filing an Insurance Claim for Collision Repairs Doesn’t Have to be Stressful 


By following this step-by-step guide and working with a trustworthy auto body repair shop, you can navigate the insurance claims process with confidence and ease. From start to finish, we're here to support you every step of the way. Morrow Collision Center makes dealing with insurance an easy and seamless process. Always remember, no matter the collision center, you have the right to choose your auto shop, without feeling pressured to use your insurance company’s referral.  Contact us today to schedule an estimate and experience the difference of working with a team that loves what they do. 

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Winter Driving Safety: Tips and Tricks from Morrow Collision

December 11, 2025
Winter in Nebraska brings beauty, snow‑covered landscapes, cozy evenings, and holiday cheer. But for drivers, winter also brings challenges: icy roads, reduced visibility, surprise snowstorms, and slick pavement. At Morrow Collision , we know that a little preparation and cautious driving can make all the difference between a safe trip and a visit to our repair shop. Whether you drive daily or just occasionally, here are our top recommendations to help you stay safe on the road and minimize the risk of damage to your vehicle. 1. Prepare Your Vehicle Before snow hits, take time to get your car winter ready. Small maintenance checks can pay off big. Inspect tires: Cold temperatures lower tire pressure, and worn treads lose grip on snow or ice. Check lights and wipers: Dark, early nights and snow‑or salt‑covered roads demand clear visibility. Ensure headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and taillights work properly. Fill essential fluids and top off gas: A fuller tank can help reduce the risk of fuel line freeze and ensures you have enough fuel if you get stuck or delayed. Stock a winter emergency kit: Include a snow shovel, ice scraper, flashlight, jumper cables, blankets, snacks, water, and a phone charger. 2. Drive More Carefully Winter roads require winter-ready driving habits. Even good tires and a maintained car won’t prevent all accidents, it’s your driving habits that matter most. Slow down and increase following distance: Lower your speed and give yourself extra space between vehicles. Avoid sudden moves: Accelerate, brake, and steer gently. Stay alert to black ice and shaded spots: Bridges, overpasses, and shaded corners freeze first and may hide thin ice layers that are hard to spot. Don’t rely on cruise control or aggressive driving: In winter conditions, cruise control can make it harder to maintain control. 3. Maintain Full Visibility Before you even back out of the driveway, make sure your vehicle is safe and visible. Clear all windows, mirrors, lights, hood, and roof: Snow or ice left on the top of a vehicle can slide down and block your windshield or fly off and endanger other drivers. Use winter-grade washer fluid and ensure wipers work: Snow, slush, road salt, and ice accumulation reduce visibility fast. Good winter fluid and fresh wiper blades help keep your view clear. 4. Plan Ahead When there is a bad snowstorm, the safest option is waiting and not speeding through it. Check the weather and road conditions before you go: I f heavy snow, ice, or blizzard conditions are forecasted, consider postponing nonessential travel. Allow extra time: Snow and ice slow you down. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Have a backup plan: If conditions worsen or visibility drops, pull over safely and wait it out. 5. Know What to Do if You Get Stuck or Skid Even with the best preparation, winter can be unpredictable. Having a plan if things go sideways can keep you safe. If you skid, stay calm: Don’t slam on brakes. Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Stay with your vehicle if it is stranded: Once you’re off the road, clear snow from the exhaust pipe and run the engine only intermittently to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Use your emergency kit if needed: Blankets, water, snacks, and essentials like a flashlight or phone charger could make a difference if you’re stuck for hours. 6. After Any Incident — Trust Morrow Collision to Help Despite all precautions, sometimes slipping on ice or an unexpected patch of black ice leads to a collision. When that happens, you want trustworthy, experienced help. That’s where Morrow Collision comes in. We specialize in repairing winter-related damage from cracked bumpers and dents to frame damage and helping you get back on the road safely and quickly. We also recommend getting a winter inspection after any accident: tires, brakes, alignment, and suspension are all especially vulnerable during cold weather crashes. Addressing them promptly can prevent long-term damage and improve safety. Stay Safe, Stay Prepared, and Drive Smart This Winter Winter driving doesn’t have to be dangerous. Not if you prepare carefully, adapt your driving habits, and stay alert. With the right approach, you can protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle all season long. If you do encounter trouble and need professional collision repair or maintenance, Morrow Collision is ready to help. Contact us or visit us at one of our 3 Lincoln locations. Safe travels, and here’s to making it through winter with confidence and care.

Navigating Insurance Claims After an Accident

November 12, 2025
Being involved in a vehicle accident is stressful and navigating insurance claims afterward can feel overwhelming. At Morrow Collision , we pride ourselves on helping drivers in Lincoln and the surrounding areas understand and manage the claims process, so your repairs go smoothly, and you get back on the road faster. Here’s what to expect and how to make informed decisions after an accident. 1. Prioritize Safety & Document the Scene Right after an accident, make safety your priority: Check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Move your vehicle (if safe) to a shoulder or safe spot. Photograph the scene: all vehicles involved, license plates, surrounding context, damage close-ups, road signs, skid marks. Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle info with other parties. Collect witness names and contact info, if available. File a police report (if required in your jurisdiction). Having solid documentation is crucial when filing an insurance claim and later negotiating repair coverage or liability. 2. Contact Your Insurance Company Early Notify your insurer as soon as possible because many policies require prompt reporting. When you call: Provide your policy number and accident details (time, location, parties involved). Submit your photos and documentation. Ask your insurer whether they require you to get estimates from their approved shops or whether you may choose your own repair facility. Clarify which repairs or parts are covered, deductible amounts, and whether rental car coverage is included. Be clear and concise in your descriptions, and keep records of every call (date, time, agent’s name, and summary of the conversation). 3. Choose Your Repair Shop (Smart Decision) While some insurers encourage or mandate using their network shops, you should know your rights and options: Morrow Collision works with all auto insurance companies (insurance-agnostic), so you’re free to bring your vehicle to us. Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians ensure repairs meet modern safety standards and follow manufacturer guidelines. We offer lifetime warranties on repairs to back the quality of our work. We assist with the estimate and billing processes, helping to reduce stress. For your convenience, we provide mobile estimates, vehicle pick-up/delivery, and after-hours key drop options. Choosing a shop that assists with claims and maintains transparency can make a big difference in your experience. 4. Obtain a Detailed Estimate & Review It Carefully Once you’ve selected a repair shop: The shop (or insurer’s appraiser) will inspect your vehicle, including hidden damage (structural, frame, mechanical) that may not be obvious upfront. Request a line-item estimate: parts, labor, paint, additional charges. Compare with your insurer’s estimate to identify discrepancies. Ask your repair shop to justify “supplement” costs (e.g. hidden damage discovered later). Be wary of “cheap” estimates, as they may cut corners. Ensure OEM or quality aftermarket parts are used unless you explicitly agree otherwise. A clear, detailed estimate helps prevent surprises down the road. 5. Understand Your Rights & Responsibilities Right to choose repair facility: In many states, policyholders have the right to select which auto body shop repairs their vehicle, even if the insurer recommends one. Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs: Be clear on what portion you’re responsible for. Dispute resolution: If you disagree with the insurer’s assessment, consult your repair shop. Many shops, like Morrow Collision, offer assistance negotiating with insurers. Rental car coverage: If your policy includes it, the insurer should cover a rental while your vehicle is repaired. Ensure that the shop coordinates this or informs you how to get reimbursed. Knowing these rights helps you avoid surprises or under-compensation. 6. Stay Informed & Communicate Throughout the Repair Transparency and communication are key: Ask your repair shop for progress updates like what’s completed, what’s delayed, and why. Keep photos of your car’s condition before, during, and after repairs. If new damage is found during repair, approve any additional work (often called “supplemental repairs”) before it proceeds. Coordinate with your insurer to approve additional costs, delays often stem from waiting for supplemental approval. Maintain open lines: shop, insurer, rental agency (if applicable), and yourself. At Morrow Collision, we strive to keep you updated at every step, so you feel informed and confident. 7. Final Walkthrough & Quality Assurance Once repairs finish: Inspect the vehicle carefully together with the shop representative. Check alignment of panels, paint matching, gap tolerances, and ensure all features (lights, sensors, electronics) work. Ask the shop to demonstrate any changed systems (e.g., adaptive sensors, parking assist). Retain all paperwork, receipts, parts replaced, and warranty documents. If problems arise later (e.g., paint defect, misalignment), contact the shop promptly. Morrow Collision stands behind their work with warranties. 8. Learn & Prepare for the Future After your claim and repair experience: Reflect on what went smoothly and what didn’t, like insurance responsiveness, communication, delays. Choose an insurer and shop relationship that prioritizes clarity and customer service for future coverage. Keep a digital folder of all accident and repair records because it can help with resale, future claims, or disputes. Consider reviewing your auto insurance policy annually to ensure your coverage, deductibles, and shop choice rights still suit you. Navigating Claims with Confidence & Quality Repairs Navigating an insurance claim after an accident doesn’t have to add anxiety to an already stressful situation. By knowing your rights, documenting carefully, choosing a repair shop you trust, reviewing estimates, and staying in the loop throughout the process, you position yourself for a fair outcome and quality repair. If you’ve been in an accident and need a shop that works with insurance companies (not for them), contact Morrow Collision today. Our team in Lincoln, NE, is ready to guide you through every step from estimates, repairs, coordination, and deliver repairs you can rely on.