Hi again, its Barry from Barry’s Auto Body with another blog to make collision repair less intimidating. The varying terms and phrases used in collision repair can be confusing, so today we’re going to go through terminology used in collision repair and break down what they mean for you and your car. We at Barry’s Auto Body employ collision repair experts who make the process simple and easy for all our customers.
Collision Insurance is insurance coverage that covers damage to your vehicle in the event of a covered accident such as colliding with another vehicle, your car rolls over or your car hits a pothole.
Now keep in mind that collision insurance will only pay for damage done to the car and not any property that was also damaged. Another detail to keep in mind, there is a limit to how much the insurance will pay for. The limit is actually the cash value of your car minus the deductible. So, if you choose a $1,000 deductible and your car is later damaged in an accident, you’d have to pay $1,000 toward repair costs.
If you own your car outright, collision insurance is optional. If you lease a car or if it is financed, you will be mandated to keep collision insurance on the car until it is returned or paid off.
Comprehensive Insurance pays for damage to your vehicle caused by events such as theft or vandalism or if your car is damaged by an object such as hail or a falling tree. Damages due to fire or natural disaster and animal collisions are usually covered by comprehensive insurance.
Appraisal, is a written estimation of the value of the damage your car sustained. An estimate will vary depending on the extent of the damage and is usually very close to the end cost when done professionally. Appraisals can be done by an insurance adjuster, vehicle repair specialist or body shop estimator.
A DRP or Direct Repair Program is an agreement in the collision repair business where an insurance company and a Collision Repair shop have a contract that establishes business practices, repair parameters and standard procedures. So if you are involved in an accident and you contact your insurance company, they would refer you to specific repair facilities that are on their list. DRP’s create a level of convenience because of the relationship between the insurance and body shop. But it may not always be your best bet because DRP’s work for the insurance company – not for you.
Last on the list is a Insurance Premium, the amount of money paid to the insurance company in order to maintain your insurance policy coverage.
I hope you found this list of collision repair terminology and their meanings helpful!