When your vehicle is damaged in a car accident, you should get at least two to three repair estimates before proceeding with any repairs. This helps you understand the fair cost of repairs, ensures you’re not being overcharged, and gives you leverage when dealing with your insurance company. Whether you’re in Chicago, Illinois, or elsewhere, taking time to compare estimates can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. At Phillips Law Offices, we often advise accident victims to get multiple estimates to make informed financial decisions and protect their legal rights after an accident.
Why Getting Multiple Estimates Matters After a Car Accident
After an accident, it’s tempting to accept the first repair quote, especially if the insurance adjuster recommends a particular shop. However, this could limit your options and potentially reduce the payout you’re entitled to. Multiple estimates give you a clearer understanding of what’s fair, help detect inflated pricing, and ensure your car is repaired correctly with quality parts.
In Illinois, repair costs can vary significantly based on the body shop, brand of vehicle, and extent of the damage. One shop may quote $2,500 for repairs, while another could estimate $4,000 for the same work. These differences often arise from labor rates, diagnostic tools, and replacement parts used. By comparing at least three estimates, you can confidently decide which shop offers the best service and value.
Also, if your insurance company undervalues your claim, multiple estimates serve as strong evidence to negotiate a higher settlement. Lawyers at Phillips Law Offices frequently use these estimates to challenge unfair insurance offers and help clients recover the true cost of their damages.
How Insurance Companies Handle Repair Estimates
When you report your accident, your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage. The adjuster’s goal is to minimize the insurer’s payout, which may not always align with your best interests. Their estimate is typically based on standard labor rates, average costs, and sometimes limited inspection.
However, what the insurance adjuster lists as “minor damage” might turn out to be more serious after a full inspection by a certified mechanic. For example, what looks like a small dent might hide deeper structural damage to your vehicle’s frame or alignment. Getting independent estimates ensures these hidden issues are not overlooked and that you receive full compensation.
In Chicago, Illinois, insurance companies cannot force you to use a specific repair shop. According to Illinois state law, you have the right to choose where to repair your vehicle. That means even if your insurer recommends a preferred provider, you can—and should—get other quotes. Having multiple estimates helps you stay in control of your repair decisions instead of letting the insurer dictate the outcome.
The Ideal Number of Estimates to Get
While there’s no legal rule requiring a specific number of estimates, most legal and insurance experts recommend getting at least three.
- First Estimate: Often serves as a baseline, giving you a sense of the overall repair costs.
- Second Estimate: Allows you to compare pricing, parts, and warranties.
- Third Estimate: Helps confirm which shop provides a balance between quality, speed, and cost.
If you’re filing a claim with Phillips Law Offices or working with another car accident lawyer, these multiple estimates can strengthen your case. They help prove that your damages are legitimate and that the insurance offer should reflect the full cost of quality repairs.
For smaller damages like minor scratches or fender repairs, two estimates might be enough. But for severe accidents involving frame or engine damage, three or more estimates are best to ensure accuracy.
What to Look for in a Car Repair Estimate
Not all estimates are created equal. A detailed repair estimate should clearly list:
- Parts replacement costs: Ensure they specify whether the parts are new, used, or aftermarket.
- Labor rates: Check if the hourly labor rate matches the average in your area.
- Additional services: Look for charges related to paint, alignment, or electrical diagnostics.
- Warranties: Confirm if the shop offers a guarantee on parts and labor.
A transparent, itemized estimate helps you understand exactly what you’re paying for and avoid hidden charges later. Reputable shops in Chicago often provide digital estimates, which you can easily compare and share with your insurance provider or attorney.
When you work with a legal team like Phillips Law Offices, they can review these estimates for fairness, ensuring no one takes advantage of you during the repair or claims process.
Can You Choose Your Own Repair Shop in Illinois?
Yes. In Illinois, you are not obligated to use the repair shop your insurance company suggests. The law clearly states that you have the right to choose any auto repair shop.
This is an important protection for accident victims because some insurance companies steer customers toward preferred shops that might offer lower costs—but sometimes at the expense of quality repairs.
Getting multiple estimates allows you to compare your insurer’s “preferred shop” with independent businesses to determine who offers the best service. If your car requires specific manufacturer parts or certified technicians (such as with luxury or electric vehicles), you can ensure those standards are met by your chosen repair shop.
At Phillips Law Offices, we often remind clients that saving a few dollars upfront with a low estimate might lead to bigger problems later. Always prioritize quality repairs and parts to preserve your vehicle’s safety and value.
What If the Insurance Estimate Is Too Low?
It’s not uncommon for insurance estimates to be lower than the actual repair costs. If this happens, don’t feel pressured to accept it. You can submit competing estimates to the insurer and request a reassessment.
Document all damages with photos, and if possible, get written explanations from your mechanic about why the costs are higher than the insurer’s quote. This documentation becomes crucial if you need to appeal the decision or involve a lawyer.
Phillips Law Offices frequently assists clients in Chicago with insurance disputes like these. Their experienced attorneys negotiate directly with insurers to ensure fair compensation for both property damage and potential injuries.
If the insurer still refuses to pay the true cost, your attorney can file a bad faith insurance claim under Illinois law. This type of lawsuit holds insurance companies accountable for unfair settlement practices.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Dealing with the insurance process can be stressful, especially when you’re recovering from an accident. Having a skilled car accident attorney in your corner makes the process easier and ensures you’re not taken advantage of.
At Phillips Law Offices, we assist clients throughout Chicago and Illinois by reviewing repair estimates, negotiating with insurance adjusters, and helping recover full compensation for both vehicle damage and personal injuries.
A lawyer can also help if your car was totaled and the insurance payout seems too low. They can use market value comparisons, expert assessments, and third-party estimates to prove your vehicle’s worth and secure a higher settlement.
Tips for Managing Repair Estimates Efficiently
- Get estimates quickly: Don’t delay—prices can fluctuate, and insurers work on deadlines.
- Keep copies of all paperwork: Save digital and printed copies of every estimate, receipt, and communication.
- Ask questions: Clarify any unclear terms, especially regarding labor, parts, or warranties.
- Take photographs: Capture all visible damage before and after repairs for documentation.
- Consult a lawyer: If your insurer disputes costs or denies coverage, legal help can make a difference.
Being organized and proactive with your estimates not only speeds up your repair process but also protects your financial and legal interests.
Get the Right Legal Help for Your Car Accident Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Getting multiple repair estimates is just one step — the next is making sure your insurance claim and compensation reflect the true cost of your damages. The experienced attorneys at Phillips Law Offices are here to help you review estimates, handle insurance negotiations, and protect your rights every step of the way.
Contact Phillips Law Offices today for a free consultation and let our skilled car accident lawyers help you secure the fair settlement you’re entitled to.
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