Getting into a car accident can be stressful. After checking that everyone is safe, the next step is often dealing with your insurance company. For many drivers, this can feel confusing and overwhelming.
You may have questions like:
- How do I file a claim?
- Can I choose my own collision center?
- What if more damage is found during repairs?
- How long will repairs take?
At Chris Crain Collision, we work with insurance companies every day and help customers understand the repair process. Whether you visit our Benton or Conway location, our team is here to help make the experience easier from start to finish.
Can I Choose Chris Crain Collision?
Yes, absolutely.
Many people believe they have to use the repair shop recommended by their insurance company. However, the choice is yours.
No matter who your insurance provider is, you can choose Chris Crain Collision for your repairs.
We regularly work with all major insurance companies and have experience handling claims from a wide range of carriers.
Some of the insurance companies we work with most often include:
- State Farm
- Farm Bureau
- Shelter Insurance
- Progressive
Even if your insurance company is not listed above, you can still bring your vehicle to Chris Crain Collision.
Filing an Insurance Claim
One of the first things you should do after an accident is contact your insurance company and start a claim.
While we cannot file the claim for you, we are happy to help answer questions and guide you through the process.
Before you call your insurance company, it helps to have some information ready.
Try to gather:
- Your policy number
- The date of the accident
- The time of the accident
- The accident location
- Information about your vehicle
- Information about any other drivers involved
- Photos of the damage
- A police report, if one was completed
Having this information ready can make filing your claim much easier.
Bring Your Claim Number
Once your insurance company creates a claim, it will give you a claim number.
This number is very important.
When you bring your vehicle to Chris Crain Collision for an estimate or repairs, having your claim number available helps us get started faster.
The claim number allows us to communicate directly with your insurance company and review the information connected to your claim.
Keep your claim number handy and bring it with you when you visit us.
Do I Need an Appointment for an Estimate?
No.
We accept walk-in estimates at Chris Crain Collision.
If you want to stop by and have your vehicle inspected, you do not need an appointment.
Of course, if you prefer to schedule a time, you are welcome to do that as well.
Our team will inspect the visible damage and prepare an estimate based on what is visible during the initial inspection.
Why Does My Estimate Change?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
Many customers receive an estimate from their insurance company and expect that amount to stay the same throughout the repair process.
However, vehicles often have hidden damage that may not be apparent right away.
Today’s vehicles are built with many parts located behind bumpers, fenders, and body panels. Sometimes damage is hidden until technicians begin taking the vehicle apart.
When additional damage is found, the repair estimate may increase.
This is normal and happens more often than many people realize.
What Happens When More Damage Is Found?
If our technicians discover additional damage, we do not proceed to repair it without approval.
Instead, our estimator documents the damage and contacts the insurance adjuster.
The insurance company reviews the additional repairs and decides whether they are covered under the claim.
This process is called a supplement.
A supplement is simply an approval request for repairs that were not visible during the first inspection.
Once approval is received, repairs can continue.
Our goal is to keep customers informed throughout the process so there are no surprises.
Do You Work With Insurance Adjusters?
Yes.
One way we help make the repair process easier is by communicating directly with insurance adjusters.
This means customers do not have to handle every conversation themselves.
Our team regularly works with adjusters regarding:
- Repair approvals
- Additional damage
- Parts needed for repairs
- Claim information
- Repair updates
Good communication helps keep repairs moving forward and can reduce delays.
How Long Will Repairs Take?
This is usually the first question customers ask after an accident.
The truth is that every repair is different.
A vehicle with minor damage may be repaired quickly. A vehicle with major collision damage may take longer to repair.
Repair time can depend on:
- The amount of damage
- Insurance approval times
- Parts availability
- Additional damage was found during repairs
Because every situation is unique, it can be difficult to give an exact completion date right away.
Our team works hard to provide updates and keep customers informed throughout the repair process.
Why Customers Trust Chris Crain Collision
After an accident, you want a collision center that makes the process easier—not more complicated.
At Chris Crain Collision, we work hard to provide quality repairs and excellent customer service.
Customers trust us because we:
- Work with all insurance companies
- Help customers understand the claims process
- Communicate directly with insurance adjusters
- Accept walk-in estimates
- Provide repair updates
- Have convenient locations in Benton and Conway
We understand that being without your vehicle can be frustrating, and our team works hard to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Let Chris Crain Collision Help
Accidents are stressful, but the repair process does not have to be.
Whether you are filing a claim with State Farm, Farm Bureau, Shelter, Progressive, or another insurance company, Chris Crain Collision is here to help.
With locations in Benton and Conway, our experienced team can answer your questions, work with your insurance company, and help guide you through every step of the repair process.
From your first estimate to the day you pick up your vehicle, we are committed to making your collision repair experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
