Skip to content
CERTIFIED COLLISION CENTER
What To Do After a Car Accident in California
A car accident in California is a stressful event that requires immediate, documented action to protect your safety, your claim, and your legal rights. California law gives you the power to choose your own body shop, not your insurance company, and knowing what to do in the first hours after a crash can mean the difference between a fair repair and one cut short by insurance pressure. This guide walks you through every step, from the accident scene to filing your claim correctly and fighting for the quality repair you deserve.
Immediate Steps: The First 24 Hours After Your Accident
Your first priority is safety. Move your vehicle out of traffic if it is safe to do so, activate hazard lights, and check yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if the accident blocks traffic. Document the scene with photos: vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and the overall accident location from multiple angles. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, vehicle make and model, license plate, and insurance information. Do not admit fault or discuss details beyond basic facts. Write down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Request a police report number. Take photos of your own driver’s license and insurance card. Keep all documentation together in one folder. Within 24 hours, call your insurance company to report the accident, but do not authorize any repairs or repair shop recommendations yet.
Your Insurance Rights in California: You Choose Your Body Shop
California law, specifically AB 1688, guarantees you the right to select your own auto repair facility. Your insurance company cannot force you to use a preferred shop, a direct repair program (DRP) shop, or any facility they recommend. Insurance agents will often tell you they have “preferred” shops that will give you a faster estimate or better service, but this is their preference, not your obligation. You have the legal right to choose any shop you want, including ACG, regardless of whether we are on their approved list. This right protects you because shops that depend on insurance referrals often prioritize the insurer’s bottom line over your vehicle’s quality. When you choose your own shop, you control the quality and the process. Your insurance must pay for repairs at a shop of your choice if that shop is qualified and provides a competitive estimate. Do not let an insurance adjuster’s recommendation override your choice.
Why Insurance Preferred Shops Work Against You
Insurance companies use direct repair programs (DRP) to control costs and volume. Shops in these programs agree to charge lower rates and, in many cases, to use aftermarket or OEM-equivalent parts instead of genuine OEM parts. They also agree to contact the insurance company if repairs exceed estimates, giving adjusters power to deny additional work. This creates a financial incentive for shops to cut corners. A DRP shop might use cheaper parts, skip safety checks, or rush through paint work because their profit depends on speed and insurance volume, not on your satisfaction. Your vehicle becomes a transaction, not a craft. Insurance companies save 10-20 percent on DRP shops by pushing parts and processes that are cheaper, not better. When you choose your own shop, that shop prioritizes your vehicle and your satisfaction because you are their customer, not the insurance company. At ACG, we use only OEM parts and we fight with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you get the repair your vehicle deserves.
How To File Your Insurance Claim the Right Way
After you report the accident, the insurance company will assign an adjuster. Request that an estimate be provided, but do not rush to accept the first number they offer. Before authorizing any repairs, take your vehicle to an independent shop of your choice (like ACG) to get a second estimate. Insurance estimates are often low and can miss hidden damage that becomes apparent during disassembly. When you provide a competing estimate from a qualified shop, insurance companies usually increase their estimate to match. Get everything in writing. When speaking with the adjuster, stick to facts and do not discuss your medical condition, pain level, or prior injuries. Say only: “I was in an accident. I have [documented injuries if any]. My vehicle needs repair. I will select my own repair facility.” Provide all documentation you collected at the scene. Do not sign any release forms or settlement documents without reading them carefully. If you have injuries, consider consulting an attorney before accepting a settlement. Keep copies of all correspondence with your insurance company, including dates, times, and the names of anyone you speak with.
OEM Parts vs Aftermarket: Why It Matters for Your Claim
Your insurance company may suggest using aftermarket or “OEM-equivalent” parts to reduce repair costs. This is where your power as the vehicle owner comes in. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are made by your vehicle’s manufacturer and built to exact specifications. Aftermarket parts are made by third parties and vary widely in quality, fit, and durability. Using aftermarket parts can affect your vehicle’s safety, resale value, and future reliability. Crash test ratings, for example, depend on exact structural components. A misfit door panel or aftermarket bumper can compromise that safety rating. Insurance companies often push aftermarket parts because they cost 20-40 percent less, but California law allows you to demand OEM parts if your policy covers them, which most do. At Auto Collision Group, we use only OEM parts, exclusively. We fight insurance companies to ensure you get genuine parts, not cheaper alternatives. Your vehicle’s integrity matters more than the insurance company’s margin.
How ACG Fights For You: Our Full-Service Claim Process
From the moment you choose ACG, we handle everything with your insurance company so you do not have to. You bring your vehicle to one of our 13 California locations, and we provide a free, detailed estimate. If your insurer’s estimate is lower, we submit our estimate and the evidence for why additional work is necessary. We have 15+ years of relationships with California insurance companies and we know exactly what documentation they need to approve quality repairs. We request OEM parts in writing on every job. We do not accept aftermarket parts or cost-cutting measures. We contact your adjuster directly to discuss any hidden damage discovered during disassembly. We provide photo documentation of all work. We stand behind our repairs with a lifetime warranty, which means if anything goes wrong, we fix it for free. Your only job is to authorize the initial estimate and drive your vehicle to our nearest location. We handle the rest.
Free 24/7 Towing Service Anywhere in California
After an accident, your vehicle may not be drivable. ACG provides free towing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from anywhere in California to any of our 13 locations or to the location of your choice. You do not need to arrange a tow truck or pay out of pocket. Call us at 833-333-4224 immediately after your accident, give us your location, and we send a tow truck at no charge. We operate locations in Whittier (headquarters), Los Angeles, Gardena, Santa Ana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Covina, Victorville, Fresno, Bakersfield, and El Cajon. We also offer free rental car assistance to minimize disruption to your life while your vehicle is being repaired. One phone call handles the tow, the estimate, the insurance communication, and the entire repair process. You get your vehicle back safe, properly repaired, and guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
[toggle title=”Can I really choose my own body shop in California?”]
Yes. California law (AB 1688) guarantees you the right to select any qualified auto repair shop. Your insurance company cannot force you to use a preferred shop or direct repair program (DRP) shop. You have the legal right to choose ACG or any other shop you prefer, and your insurance must work with that choice.
[/toggle] [toggle title=”What if my insurance estimate is lower than the repair shop’s estimate?”]Submit both estimates to your insurance adjuster. A qualified shop like ACG will document why additional work is necessary (hidden damage, OEM parts, labor) with photos and explanations. Insurance companies often increase their estimate when a professional shop provides evidence. ACG handles this communication for you.
[/toggle] [toggle title=”Will using aftermarket parts affect my vehicle’s warranty or resale value?”]Yes. Aftermarket parts may not meet your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, which can affect safety, durability, and resale value. OEM parts maintain your vehicle’s integrity and warranty coverage. Always insist on OEM parts in your claim. ACG uses only OEM parts, exclusively.
[/toggle] [toggle title=”Do I have to accept the insurance company’s first estimate?”]No. You can request a second estimate from an independent shop and provide that to your insurance company. Getting a competing estimate often results in a higher insurance payout because the first estimate may miss hidden damage or underestimate labor. ACG provides free estimates.
[/toggle] [toggle title=”What if my vehicle has hidden damage that appears during repairs?”]A quality shop like ACG will discover this during disassembly and contact your adjuster immediately with photos and documentation. Insurance companies will authorize additional repairs when a professional shop provides evidence. This is why choosing a non-DRP shop matters; DRP shops sometimes delay reporting hidden damage to keep costs low.
[/toggle]We Fight For You. Not The Insurance Company.
ACG is certified by 34 manufacturers, including Tesla, Lucid, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and more. We specialize in aluminum repair and handle every insurance company in California. You choose your shop. We handle your insurance.
Call 833-333-4224 or visit autoacg.com to schedule your free estimate.