Stress-Free Car Insurance Claims

To file an auto claim, contact your insurer online, through an app, or by phone. Provide necessary details, including the accident report, photos, and any repair estimates. An adjuster will assess the damage and determine the cost of repairs. You can then choose a repair shop to complete the work. While insurers may have preferred repair shops, you can choose your own.

No. In Minnesota, you have the right to choose your own repair shop without insurance approval. Insurance companies may recommend their preferred shops, but they cannot force or pressure you into using them—doing so is known as steering, and it is illegal. If you feel your insurer is steering you, remind them of your rights and insist on your preferred shop. You can also report any violations to the Minnesota Department of Commerce or your preferred repair facility.

We understand that vehicle damage and accidents happen and that they can be stressful. Here at Modern Auto Body, we work with you and your insurance to mitigate the stress and hassle. We work hard to provide a seamless, quality, and timely experience for all our customers. We will submit any estimates and supplements to your insurance and work on your behalf to restore your vehicle to pre-loss condition, with quality and safety as our priorities.

The cost difference between your insurance estimate and our repair estimate may vary by repair and insurance company. If there's a discrepancy, we will notify you before proceeding with the repairs. We strive for transparency, ensuring you are aware of any costs, fees, or changes to avoid unexpected charges when you pick up your vehicle. Keep in mind that your insurance is responsible for restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. If you believe the insurance estimate is insufficient, discuss it with your insurer or consult your repair shop for guidance.

An economic total loss occurs when the cost to repair or restore a damaged vehicle exceeds its actual cash or market value before the loss. This means that, even if repairs are technically possible, they are not financially justifiable. Your insurance company will determine if your vehicle is an economic total loss after it has been inspected by both the insurance company and a repair facility.

Your deductible is the only cost you're responsible for. Insurance companies control costs tightly, making it impossible to overestimate damages legally. Shops that waive deductibles cut corners, risking fraud, incomplete repairs, and safety issues. If a shop is willing to cheat an insurance company by waiving your deductible, what is to keep them from cheating you? Your vehicle could suffer diminished value due to incomplete repairs or safety-related problems. In the end, you always get what you pay for.

Insurance companies typically do not provide warranties on repairs, but reputable auto body shops do. Most quality repair shops offer a limited lifetime warranty on their workmanship, covering paint, labor, and parts (excluding normal wear and tear). Here at Modern Auto Body, we are proud to provide a limited  lifetime warranty on our work. If you have questions regarding our warranty, let us know! We are here to help you.