Insurance Claim Assistance

You choose the shop. We handle the rest.

In California, you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. Your insurer may recommend a shop from its network, but it cannot require you to use one. Once you choose Fix Auto Apple Valley, we take over the back-and-forth: uploading photos, writing the estimate in the insurer's system, negotiating supplements for hidden damage, and confirming the repair is authorized before work begins.

How the claims process works

1. Report the accident to your insurance company (or the other driver's, if they were at fault) and get a claim number.
2. Tell them you are using Fix Auto Apple Valley. That is all you need to say.
3. Bring the car in or send photos. We write a detailed estimate and send it to the adjuster.
4. Teardown and supplements. Once we open the vehicle up we often find damage that was not visible. We document it and get it approved before repairing it.
5. Repair and pickup. You pay your deductible to us at pickup; the insurer pays the rest directly to the shop.

Questions we answer every day

Do I have to use the shop my insurer recommends?

No. Direct repair program (DRP) shops are convenient for the insurer, but your right to choose is protected by California law. We work with every major carrier, in or out of network.

Will the insurer pay for OEM parts?

It depends on your policy. We will explain what your policy covers, what the manufacturer requires for a safe repair, and what the difference would cost. See our OEM certified repairs page.

What about a rental car?

If your policy includes rental coverage, we will coordinate the dates with the insurer so your rental lines up with the repair.

What if the other driver was at fault?

You can file under their policy (a third-party claim) or under your own collision coverage and let your insurer recover the cost. We can walk you through the pros and cons of each.

Serving drivers across the High Desert

We handle claims for customers from Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto, Lucerne Valley, and Barstow. Start with a photo estimate or a quick text and we will tell you what to expect.