How an auto insurance claim works

Opening the file

Everything starts with reporting the accident to your insurer, following the terms of your contract. That report is what officially opens your claim: the insurer creates a file and gives you a claim number. Keep that number handy; it becomes the reference everyone uses from then on, your insurer and your repair shop alike.

If you are not sure where to begin right after the collision, our guide What to do after a car accident walks through the first steps one by one, from getting to safety to the joint report.

The information generally requested

Every insurer has its own way of doing things, but a few items generally come up from one file to the next:

• the joint accident report, if there is one (the Groupement des assureurs automobiles offers an online version), or a description of the circumstances;
• your driver’s licence;
• your proof of insurance;
• photos of the damage, if you were able to take some;
• the date, time and location of the accident, and the contact details of those involved.

The more complete your file is from the start, the fewer back-and-forths it takes. Your insurer will tell you exactly what they need: the list can vary with the circumstances and with your coverage.

The inspection and the estimate

The shop then inspects your vehicle and documents the damage: photos, a list of the affected parts, an estimate of the work required. That estimate goes into your file and becomes the basis for the discussion with the insurer.

How long this step takes depends on the extent of the damage and how accessible it is: a scuffed bumper is quick to document, while a crushed fender can hide damage that only shows up once panels come off. That is normal, and it is exactly why the estimate exists.

Choosing the shop

Even if your insurer recommends a shop, you generally keep the choice of where your vehicle is repaired. If you choose Beaucage Carrossier, just tell your insurer: we handle the rest with them.

To know what to look for before deciding, our guide Choosing a collision repair shop covers the questions worth asking.

Authorizing the work

Before the repair begins, the insurer reviews the estimate and approves the work according to what your contract provides. The insurer has the final say on what is covered: the shop repairs what is authorized in the file. If questions come up about the estimate, the shop and the insurer sort them out directly, so you do not have to play messenger.

The deductible

The deductible is the portion of the repair cost you pay yourself when your coverage applies; the insurer covers the rest according to your contract. The amount is set in your policy, and it can vary with the type of coverage and with the responsibility established in your file. In some situations set out in the contract it may not apply; in others it does.

Your insurer is the one who confirms whether a deductible applies to your claim and how much it is. Nobody else can guarantee that for you, not even your repair shop.

Parts and repair methods

Depending on the repair, different types of parts may be used: original manufacturer parts, equivalent aftermarket parts or recycled parts. The choice can depend on what your contract provides, the insurer’s requirements and parts availability.

At Beaucage Carrossier, we favour original parts when possible. To see how we work, have a look at our collision repair page.

The courtesy vehicle

While your vehicle is in the shop, a courtesy vehicle may be lent to you, subject to availability and the eligibility of your file. Separately, your insurance contract may or may not include coverage for a replacement vehicle: that clause varies from one contract to the next.

The right reflex: bring it up on the very first call, with your insurer for the coverage and with your shop for the availability. That way you know what to expect before dropping off your vehicle.

Additional work found during teardown

It happens regularly: once the vehicle is taken apart, the shop finds damage the initial inspection could not see, behind a bumper or under a panel. It is not a sign the estimate was poorly done; it is the reality of collision repair.

When that happens, the shop documents the new damage and has it approved by the insurer before continuing. Your file is updated, and the work resumes once the authorization comes in.

The repair and the quality check

Once the work is authorized, the repair runs its course: straightening, replacing parts, paint, reassembly. Before handing back the keys, the shop runs a quality check to make sure everything is up to standard.

At Beaucage Carrossier, eligible collision repairs are covered by the CarrXpert warranty. You leave with a vehicle that has been repaired, inspected and warrantied.

Questions to ask your insurer

A few simple questions that will save you surprises:

• Which coverages apply to my claim?
• Does a deductible apply, and how much is it?
• Do I have coverage for a replacement vehicle while mine is being repaired?
• What should I expect as next steps and timelines in my file?

Write the answers down next to your claim number: you will have everything in one place for what comes next.

When to call Beaucage Carrossier

Before or after talking to your insurer: both work. If you call us first, we help you prepare your claim and gather what you need for the report. If your file is already open, we pick it up with your claim number and coordinate the rest with your insurer.

And if the accident just happened, our Just had an accident page guides you step by step, from towing to getting your keys back. For the full picture of how we work with insurers, see our insurance and claims page.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to wait for my insurer before calling the shop?

No. You can call the shop first: we help you prepare the claim and, if your vehicle no longer drives, we can tow it to the shop while the file gets opened. Reporting the accident to your insurer is still what opens the claim.

Who decides what gets repaired?

The insurer authorizes the work based on your contract and your file, starting from the estimate prepared by the shop. If additional damage shows up during teardown, it is documented and submitted to the insurer before the repair continues.

Will my deductible be waived?

That depends entirely on your contract and on the responsibility established in your file. Some situations set out in the contract mean no deductible applies; others do not. Only your insurer can confirm it: ask the question as soon as the file is opened.