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Diego’sAuto Body
(239) 261-2199 Book a free estimate

A driver’s guide · Naples, FL

The claim is open. Here’s what to ask.

What to tell your adjuster, what to keep in writing, and how to ask for the shop you trust. Plain guidance from a body shop, not legal advice.

General guidance only. Read your own policy and ask your insurer how it applies to your claim.

  1. PhotosBefore the car moves
  2. Claim numberAnd the adjuster’s name
  3. Say whereYou can ask for the shop you trust
  4. Written estimateEvery line on paper
  5. ApproveExtra work only with your OK
  6. InspectIn daylight, before you sign

Quick answer

After a crash in Naples, take photos, open your claim and write down the claim number and adjuster’s name. If the adjuster names a shop, you can ask for the shop you trust: ask how a shop of your choosing fits your policy and get the answer in writing. Ask any shop for an itemized written estimate, and for photos and a revised number before extra work.

Key facts

Your first call
Your insurer, to open the claim
Write down
Claim number and adjuster’s name
Your shop
You can ask for the shop you trust
Get in writing
The estimate, and any change to it
Help line
Florida DFS consumer services

On the phone

What to say to the adjuster.

Four questions, in plain words. Copy them into your notes before the call, and write the answers down.

Call notes

  1. I’d like my car looked at by Diego’s Auto Body, 4186 Domestic Ave, Naples. How does that work on my policy?
  2. Could you send me that answer by email, so I have it in writing?
  3. What do you need from me to keep the claim moving?
  4. If more damage is found once the car is apart, how should that be handled?

Your claim folder

Five things to keep in writing.

  1. 01

    Claim number and adjuster

    Write down the claim number, the adjuster’s name and how to reach them.

  2. 02

    Your photos

    Wide, at 45 degrees, and close with a key for scale. Plus the scene and the other car’s plate.

  3. 03

    The written estimate

    Itemized: every panel, part and labour line, and whether parts are new, used or repaired.

  4. 04

    Any change, in writing

    If hidden damage turns up, ask for photos and a revised number before anything extra happens.

  5. 05

    The answers you were given

    Emails or notes of who told you what, and when.

The guide

From the crash to the keys back.

Asking for the shop you trust

If the adjuster names a shop before you have thought about it, you can ask for the shop you trust. Many drivers simply tell their insurer where the car is going. Policies differ, so read the repair section of yours, ask the adjuster how a shop of your choosing fits your claim, and ask for that answer by email.

Whichever shop you choose, ask the same three things: who will actually work on my car, will I get the estimate in writing, and what happens if more damage turns up once the bumper is off?

The written estimate

A useful estimate lists every panel, part and labour operation, and says whether each part is new, used or repaired. It names the paint work, including blending into the next panel so the colour matches. Keep a copy. It is the document you, the shop and your adjuster can all point to.

When more damage turns up

Hidden damage is common once a car is taken apart; the extra work is often called a supplement. The answer you want from any shop: photos of what was found and a revised written number, before anything extra happens. Then you, and your insurer if there is a claim, can decide with the facts in front of you.

Claim, or pay it yourself?

For small damage many drivers pay out of pocket. Get a written estimate first, compare it with your deductible, and then talk to your agent with a real number in hand. Asking for an estimate does not commit you to anything. If you already bought a part yourself, see customer-supplied parts.

What this site does not say

This site does not describe how Diego’s Auto Body works with any particular insurer, and it does not offer claim or legal advice. Ask Diego directly how he works with your claim when you call (239) 261-2199 or book an inspection.

Where to get help

Your insurer and your agent are the first stop for a question about your policy. Florida’s Department of Financial Services also runs a consumer help service for insurance questions: myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers.

FAQ

Insurance questions.

Still unsure? Call (239) 261-2199 and ask Diego.

Every question, in one place
Does my insurance company make me use their body shop?

You can ask for the shop you trust. Policies differ, so read yours and ask your adjuster how using a shop you choose works for your claim, and get the answer in writing.

What is a supplement?

Extra damage found once the car is taken apart. Ask the shop for photos of it and a revised written number before any extra work happens.

Does Diego’s Auto Body work with my insurer?

This site does not describe how the shop works with any particular insurer. Ask Diego directly when you call or book.

Should I pay out of pocket instead?

For small damage many drivers do. Get a written estimate first and compare it with your deductible before you decide.

Where can I get help with a claim question in Florida?

Your insurer and agent first. Florida’s Department of Financial Services also runs a consumer help service for insurance questions.

Free written estimate

Ready for the written estimate?

Pick a time online, bring the car to 4186 Domestic Ave, and walk it with Diego. Ask for a written estimate, take it home and compare it.

  1. 01Pick a timeChoose a day and a half-hour slot that suits you.
  2. 02Bring the carTo 4186 Domestic Ave, Naples. Call if you are running late.
  3. 03Get it in writingAsk for every line of the estimate on paper.
Book your free estimateor call (239) 261-2199
CallFree estimate