Page 17 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – December 2020/January 2021

PARKED VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Another common type of collision often happens in a parking lot. Not all incidents that involve a parked car are hit and run, however it does happen more frequently. If you find yourself in this type of situation, your approach to following our suggestions below should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
We recommend that you first call the police. They
can start an investigation and help you complete an accident report. Then, you should look around the vehicle, perhaps the person left a note somewhere
on the vehicle with contact information. If you are at a store, stop by the customer service desk, let them know what happened and ask if anyone mentioned anything. Talk to anyone near the vehicle. Explain the situation
and ask if they saw anything. With most people having smartphones, it is feasible that someone caught a picture or a video of the incident. Depending on location, try to see if there are security cameras. The incident may have been caught on tape. The police would then be able to ask to see the footage.
With this or any type of accident, it’s important to get a good photo record. Take pictures from all angles. It can be hard to see the exact damage depending on
the amount of daylight and direction of the sun but do your best to document the incident. Call your insurance agent to help you discuss what your next step will be. In the case of a hit and run, if the person at fault is never found, your current insurance policy may help pay to repair your vehicle.
If your current policy has collision, this is the coverage most likely to pay for the damage. If so, this coverage
is subject to a deductible and it will count as a claim.
Depending on the amount of damage, it’s always a great idea to get an estimate to gauge whether or not it’s worth putting the claim through the insurance. It may turn out that the damage to the vehicle is not greater than your deductible.
GETTING IT REPAIRED
Once you are at a point where you’re looking to begin fixing the damage to your vehicle, it is important to find a place that is both trustworthy and affordable. As a AAA member, you have access to the AAA Approved Auto Repair program. Participating shops must go through
a rigorous process to be approved. Each facility must meet strict guidelines and maintain high professional standards. If you do not already have a preferred mechanic, AAA can recommend one of our AAR shops to take your vehicle.
Some of the benefits of using a AAA-approved facility include member discounts on labor, written estimates, priority service, warranty and even alternate transportation if needed. If it is an Approved Auto Body shop, it will be able to paint and detail, as well as perform body and unibody services, and frame
and accident-related mechanical repair. It is important to note that despite what body shop an insurance company works with, you have the right to select the facility of your preference.
For more information on what to do when involved in an accident, contact a AAA Hudson Valley Insurance Agent. Visit AAA.com/Insurance and make sure you’re prepared.
Eman Badr is a Certified Professional Insurance Agent and Manager of AAA Hudson Valley Insurance Agency.
EMAN’S TESTIMONIAL:
PAINTWORX COLLISION CENTER
I recently had the opportunity to work with David Stumpf, CEO and Founder of Paintworx Collision Center. Paintworx is
a AAA Approved Auto Repair body shop that works with several insurance carriers and their preferred repair shop network. Paintworx has a limited lifetime-guarantee as long as you own the vehicle and is conveniently located in Albany, New York. Not only did Paintworx have my vehicle repaired a day earlier than scheduled, Dave also took the time to explain to me what had been done and washed my
car upon my arrival. I would definitely recommend Paintworx if you’re in need of a great place that does quality work.
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