Redeemed Collision Thoughts

In the collision repair industry, working with insurance adjusters is a daily reality. At its core, the process involves dealing with people, and like any profession, insurance companies are powered by individuals with diverse personalities and approaches to their work. Most of the workforce is behind the scenes, but the adjusters—the ones interacting directly with claimants and repair shops—are the face of the company. And here’s where the journey gets interesting. The Lucky Break: Cooperative Adjusters Sometimes, you hit the jackpot and get an adjuster who’s a pleasure to work with. These are the adjusters who understand their role in helping claimants get the financial support they deserve. They’re open-minded, willing to ask questions, and receptive to the expertise of the shop. When you get one of these adjusters, the process feels collaborative and productive—a win for everyone involved, especially the vehicle owner. But then, there’s the flip side. The Sword-Wielding Deniers If you’ve been in this business long enough, you’ve encountered them: the adjusters who seem to approach every claim with a chip on their shoulder. These individuals are less interested in facts and more determined to prove their own (often misguided) point. Present them with clear, bold evidence—manufacturer guidelines, common industry standards, even common sense—and they’ll dig their heels in, insisting that "good enough" is somehow acceptable. These adjusters don’t just impact the shop; they’re also a huge disservice to the vehicle owner. As collision repair professionals, we’re here to restore vehicles to their pre-loss condition, following manufacturer guidelines and using the right parts and processes. Yet, some adjusters feel empowered to dictate repairs, even though they likely couldn’t change their own oil or replace a flat tire. What’s worse is their refusal to engage in constructive dialogue. Instead of explaining their reasoning or attempting to find common ground, they issue flat denials, leaving shops and claimants alike in the dark. A Culture of Denial Sometimes, it feels like the culture of denial runs deep within certain insurance organizations. It’s not just the adjuster—it’s their boss, their boss’s boss, and so on. It’s like the entire hierarchy is built to resist claims rather than facilitate fair resolutions. It’s frustrating, to say the least. And the irony? Some of these difficult adjusters used to work in body shops themselves. You’d think they’d empathize with the challenges we face, but instead, they seem to have adopted the very behaviors they likely once despised. Maybe it’s job pressure. Maybe it’s a lack of autonomy. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t excuse the disservice they provide to customers and repair professionals alike. The Real Problem: Denial Without Justification At the heart of the issue is the denial of necessary repairs or operations, even when the adjuster knows they’re wrong. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a serious problem. Every day, shops like ours fight battles over proper repairs, using all the documentation and evidence at our disposal. Yet, some adjusters remain steadfast in their denial, wielding what I like to call "the sword of denial," slashing through claims without regard for the facts. Not All Adjusters Are the Enemy Now, let me be clear—not all adjusters are like this. Many are professional, courteous, and genuinely want to do right by the claimant. But the prevalence of negative adjusters, especially in certain organizations, makes the repair process unnecessarily difficult. It’s disheartening, frustrating, and, frankly, exhausting. A Call for Change The collision repair process shouldn’t be a battlefield. Insurance adjusters and repair professionals should work together, using their unique expertise to ensure the best outcome for the vehicle owner. That means open communication, respect for manufacturer repair standards, and a commitment to doing what’s right—even if it’s inconvenient. Until then, we’ll keep fighting the good fight. Because at the end of the day, our mission is clear: to restore vehicles to their pre-loss condition and advocate for the people who trust us with their repairs. And that’s a fight worth fighting.

Understanding Your Deductible: What You Need to Know

Myth 1: I need to get estimates from multiple shops to see who can fix my car for what insurance wrote. Reality: Insurers write an initial estimate for your vehicle when you make a claim. However, these initial estimates often cover only about 50% of the actual repair costs. This underestimation occurs because many people make a claim, receive the payment, and then pocket the money without repairing their vehicle. To minimize payouts, insurers write conservative estimates. But don't worry! The supplement process exists to address this. When additional damages are discovered during the repair process, a supplement is created to cover the extra costs. Therefore, there’s no need to go from shop to shop trying to find one that matches the insurance price. Choose a reputable repair shop that can handle the supplement process and ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly. Myth 2: I don’t want to accept their first payment because I know it will cost more. Reality: It's common to worry that the first payment won't cover the full repair cost. However, accepting the first payment doesn’t mean you're settling for less. Once we disassemble your vehicle and write up a thorough and complete repair plan, we will submit a supplement to the insurance company for the additional necessary repairs. Accepting the initial payment won’t void any future payments, as long as it isn’t labeled as the “final payment.” Always check the documentation, and feel confident that further payments can be issued as needed through the supplement process. Conclusion Understanding these common myths can save you time and stress during the collision repair process. Trust your repair shop to work with your insurer and handle the necessary supplements to ensure your vehicle is properly repaired.

The First Estimate Is Never The Last

Important Things To Know When Getting Your Vehicle Repaired

What to Know Using Someone Else’s Insurance

Understanding Insurance Companies: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

YOUR RIGHTS, THEIR TACTICS, HOW WE CAN HELP

We all pay for auto insurance in Louisiana, contributing significant amounts each month to insurers. This money often ends up in savings accounts, generating large dividends due to the massive balances maintained, accruing interest over time. When you file a claim, insurers are required to cover your repairs, rental, medical expenses, and any other covered costs. However, they aim to minimize their payouts to maximize their savings. The most effective strategy for insurers to retain their money or reduce their expenses is to control the entire claims process. The Role of Preferred Shops When you file a claim, one of the first actions an insurer will take is to refer you to one of their “preferred” body shops. While Louisiana law mandates that they inform you of your right to choose any shop, insurers will strongly encourage you to use their preferred shops. Why do they push these shops so aggressively? Is a preferred shop the best shop in town? Not necessarily. Do they guarantee the highest quality repairs? Often, no. Do they boast the best customer ratings? Usually not. So, why are they “preferred”? The reason is simple: they agree to follow the insurance company’s guidelines, often at the expense of quality and thoroughness. The Preferred Shop Process Here’s how it typically works: a preferred body shop will assess your car and write an estimate. These shops often face restrictions from insurers, such as avoiding the use of factory OEM parts, bypassing proper paint techniques, and skipping necessary labor as outlined by OEM procedures. If a shop does write a comprehensive estimate using OEM parts and following correct procedures, the insurer will likely pressure them to revise the estimate. They may insist on using cheaper aftermarket or junkyard parts and eliminating certain line items to reduce the cost by thousands. To stay in the insurer’s good graces and maintain their preferred status, the shop will comply, even if it means taking a financial hit. The Dangers of Preferred Shops Preferred shops also face challenges when dealing with total loss vehicles. When a car that should be declared a total loss is brought to a preferred shop, the shop may withhold information from the insurer to avoid a total loss declaration, as they make little to no money from such cases. This can result in unsafe vehicles being repaired and returned to customers, with compromised structural integrity and subpar parts. While not all preferred shops engage in these practices, these scenarios are reported frequently by colleagues nationwide. It’s crucial to understand your rights and options when choosing a repair shop. Insurers may pressure you to use their preferred shops, but you are not obligated to comply. Know Your Rights Most states, including Louisiana, have anti-steering laws. Steering occurs when an insurer tells you they won’t pay for repairs if you choose a non-preferred shop. While insurers can’t outright refuse coverage, they may use scare tactics to influence your decision, suggesting you’ll face out-of-pocket expenses if you go elsewhere. Remember, it’s your car and your choice. The insurance company works for you. Be informed and assertive in your decisions to ensure your vehicle is repaired to the highest standards. Conclusion At Redeemed Auto Body, we prioritize proper repairs using factory OEM parts and following manufacturer procedures. We believe in transparency and quality, ensuring your vehicle is restored to its pre-loss condition. Don’t let insurers steer you away from quality repairs. Choose a shop that puts your safety and satisfaction first. Your car, your choice. Be the boss and make informed decisions for your vehicle’s repair needs