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Auto Damage Repairs
It can be intimidating and confusing
to walk into an auto repair shop and try to make sense of the repair process.
The following information may make this process a bit more clear. If you
have questions about your claim or our process, call our Claims Center
at 1-800-44ELFUN.
Where to go for repairs
You can choose the repair shop you want to use, or where available in your area, you can use our direct repair program (DRP) where you choose a repair shop from our network of preferred repair shops. (The DRP is not available in the state of Massachusetts. Please call 1-800-44ELFUN for a list of local referral shops.) For more information about DRP, click here.
Appraiser estimate vs. repair shop estimate
Some situations require that we have a local appraiser prepare a damage
estimate for your car. A copy of the estimate will be provided to you
to bring to the repair shop you choose.
It’s very common for the appraiser estimate to be revised once
the repair shop mechanic inspects your car. The mechanic can more thoroughly
diagnose whether or not there are further damages than initially estimated.
If additional damages are found, our appraiser will review the damages
with the mechanic and revise the estimate as needed.
Agreed expenses
Our appraiser will write an estimate based on labor costs and parts needed
to repair your car. At times, the repair shop mechanic’s estimate
may be higher or lower than our appraiser’s estimate. If this happens,
our appraiser will work directly with the repair shop to agree on expenses.
There are other circumstances that do not require a local appraiser.
In these cases, we will ask you to submit an estimate to us from the repair
shop you choose. Our in-house appraisers will then review and work directly
with your repair shop to come to an agreed-upon expense.
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