Dealing with insurance after a car accident is one of the most stressful parts of the whole experience. Most people have never been through it before. Here is what to expect — and how Chapa Autocraft makes the process as painless as possible.
First: You Choose the Shop
This is the most important thing to understand. In Texas, you have the legal right to choose your own collision repair shop. Your insurance company will often give you a list of “preferred” or “direct repair” shops. These shops have agreements with the insurance company — which sometimes means they prioritize what the insurer will pay over what your car actually needs.
You are not required to use their preferred shop. Choose the shop you trust.
The Estimate Process
Once you bring your vehicle to Chapa Autocraft, we write a comprehensive damage estimate. This covers visible damage. However, some damage only becomes apparent once disassembly begins — hidden damage behind bumpers, structural components, or wiring that looks fine on the surface but was affected in the impact.
We submit the estimate to your insurance company’s adjuster. In most cases, we can begin repairs quickly — we don’t have to wait for an adjuster to come inspect the vehicle in person.
Supplemental Claims
When our technicians disassemble the vehicle and find additional damage not in the original estimate, we submit a supplement to the insurance company. This is normal and common — especially in moderate to severe collisions. We handle the supplemental process directly, so you don’t have to.
If the insurance company pushes back on a supplement, we’ll negotiate on your behalf. Our job is to get your car repaired correctly, not to make the insurance company’s job easier at your expense.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts
Insurance companies often prefer aftermarket (non-manufacturer) parts because they cost less. You have the right to request OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. There may be a difference in cost that you’d cover out of pocket, but for newer vehicles especially, OEM parts can mean better fit, finish, and long-term reliability.
We’ll walk you through your options and let you decide. It’s your car.
Rental Car Coordination
Most insurance policies include rental car coverage during the repair period. At Chapa Autocraft, we coordinate rental car arrangements so you have transportation from day one of your repair.
Ready to File a Claim? We Are Too.
Bring your car to Chapa Autocraft at 700 Veterans Dr, Kyle, TX 78640 for a free estimate. We work with all major insurance carriers and will handle the process from estimate to delivery. Call 512-504-9577.
Also see: Collision repair | Body shop in Kyle | Service area
“I brought my car in after my insurance recommended a different shop. Chose Chapa anyway and they handled the supplement directly with my insurer when extra damage showed up. Smoothest claim I’ve ever had.”
— Rachel V., Google Review
