Insurance & Claims Help

This is the part many drivers don't realize, so it's worth saying plainly: where your vehicle gets repaired is your decision. In Kansas, your insurer can suggest a shop from its network, but it cannot require you to use one, and your coverage is the same wherever you go.

Insurers sometimes steer drivers toward network shops because those shops agree to the insurer's pricing and turnaround targets. That can be efficient, and it can also put pressure on a repair. When you bring your car to us, your claim is paid the same way, and the repair team answers to you. If an adjuster tells you that you *have* to use a particular shop, it’s worth knowing that you have the right to choose.

A supplement is an addition to the original estimate. Once repairs begin and the vehicle is disassembled, we often uncover hidden damage that wasn’t visible during the initial inspection. We document it and submit it to your insurer for approval before that work goes ahead. Supplements are a normal part of most collision repairs, not a sign that anything went wrong.

Your deductible is the share of the repair you agreed to pay when you bought your policy. If you file a claim on your own coverage, it applies regardless of who caused the accident. We'll tell you the amount up front so there are no surprises. Be cautious of any shop that promises to waive or “cover” your deductible. Depending on how it’s handled, that can violate insurance laws or your policy terms and may put your claim at risk.

Insurance estimates don't always call for original-equipment parts. Some policies and approvals specify aftermarket or recycled parts to control cost. We'll tell you what your insurer has approved, explain the difference, and push for the parts your vehicle needs for a safe, correct repair, using original-equipment parts when the repair and your coverage allow. You always have the right to ask about the parts used for the repair of your car.

Sometimes the cost to repair a vehicle is close to or more than what the vehicle is worth. When that happens, the insurer declares it a total loss and pays you its value rather than paying for the repair. If your car reaches that point, we'll help you understand the assessment and your options. If you believe the offered value is low, you can question it, and documentation of your vehicle's condition and history helps.

You have two options. You can file through the other driver's insurance, or you can file on your own policy and let your insurer recover from theirs, which is often faster. Either way, we work with whichever company is handling the claim and keep the repair moving while the fault question gets sorted out.