Good to know: You can file your insurance claim online, but your vehicle must be brought to Bob Weaver Collision in person for the estimate and any repairs.
You’re about to file an auto insurance claim with USAA. What happens next? Our handy guide helps you go from the claims process to the highest quality repairs your insurance policy can buy!
Key Takeaways
- Contact USAA directly, online or via their mobile app, to file your auto insurance claim.
- Insurance companies can’t force you to use the body shops in their network. In fact, the law says you have the right to take your car to the collision center of your choice!
- Before you begin, give your preferred body shop a call and make sure they’re willing to work with your USAA claim!
How do I file an auto claim with USAA Insurance?
Filing is simple! With USAA, you report your claim using their official website or mobile app. You can go into detail about the incident in the section called My Claims Center.
USAA will investigate your claim and decide who (and how much) to pay, based on what occurred, sustained damages, and the terms of your insurance policy. In the meantime, get your car inspected at a trustworthy body shop. Having an estimate ready will come in handy, should you need to negotiate the payout.
Once the estimate is approved, USAA can pay your claim directly to you or the body shop — it’s up to you. You’ll also need to pay any insurance deductibles you owe!
Does USAA let you choose your own body shop?
Yes! “Can I choose my own body shop?” is a question we get a lot — especially from drivers who’ve been around the block with an insurance company’s preferred network.
The body shops in any given direct repair program (DRP) enter an agreement with the insurance company. These DRP shops want the insurance company to send them lots of business. In return, the insurance company wants discounted rates. Typically, this results in price caps and a preference for used parts. For your vehicle, that can translate into rushed service and less-than-stellar results.
When you choose an independent shop, on the other hand, you get to dictate the terms of your claim-related repairs (within the confines of your insurance policy, of course). And since it’s your vehicle we’re talking about here, it’s in your best interest to obtain high-quality care — including five-star service and OEM parts!
In Pennsylvania, the law gives you the final say in choosing a body shop! While they may have suggestions, USAA ultimately can’t tell you where to take your vehicle for repairs.
Which Pennsylvania collision centers take USAA Insurance claims?
We accept USAA insurance claims at any of our Bob Weaver Collision locations! Visit us in Pottsville and across Schuylkill County for high-end service you can trust. Instead of working under the cost-cutting constraints of your insurance company, we’ll give your vehicle the care it deserves.