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.