Best Auto Repair, Clovis

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Call us for all your car needs! 559-325-9585

WHEN ACCIDENTS HAPPEN

How to Respond in a Tough Situation

Being in a car accident is the last thing anyone wants - but when it does happen, there are ways of making sure that the legal and insurance issues are handled with as little stress as possible.

  • First of all - stay calm.
  • If someone is injured, be sure to call for medical help.
  • Make sure you call the police.
  • Don't publicly make any statements where you either accuse the other person of causing the accident or take all the blame yourself. It could open you up to legal problems.
  • Whatever you do, don't leave the scene until you've had a chance to talk with the officer and you've gotten their name. It's important to make sure that your side of the story goes on the record. Afterward, it's a good idea to get a copy of the police report.
  • Make sure you have a pre-printed copy of your insurance information in the glove compartment, along with a camera you can use to provide pictures for the insurance company. A disposable camera with a flash for nighttime or interior shooting is usually best for this.
  • In dealing with the other driver, make sure you get their name, address, driver's license number and insurance information - and that they get the same information from you.
  • Also, make sure to get information from any witnesses as well.
  • Make sure you get pictures of any physical evidence of what could have caused the accident.
  • Write down pertinent details such as where the accident took place, what the weather was like, etc.
  • Once the information's exchanged, report the accident to the insurance company immediately, even if it's not your fault.
  • Make sure you understand how you're covered, and don't be afraid to ask the insurance company to explain the conditions of your coverage and payments.
  • Don't be afraid to seek legal advice - and don't sign anything if you don't understand it.
  • When you're using a body shop to get repairs to your vehicle, be aware that the insurance company can recommend a shop, but you are under no legal obligation to use its services. You have the legal right to choose the shop to do your repairs.
  • Also be aware that insurance companies sometimes try to dictate what type of parts are used in a vehicle's repair. They might insist that a shop not use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, as they are more expensive.

    You have a right to know what kind of parts are being used on your vehicle, and to know if your insurance policy dictates what kind of parts can be used in your car. If your policy lets you choose, you have the right to decide for yourself.
  • An insurance company also has the right to inspect your vehicle, but it is not required to do so. In addition, they cannot require you to visit one of their own claim centers.
  • And finally: Make sure you learn from this accident, but also let yourself move on from what happened. Everyone has an accident once in a while - it's just something that happens.

Remember - Drive Safely!

Want more information on your rights? To make an appointment, call us at 559-325-9585 or make an appointment online!

ASSOCIATIONS

  • ACDelco
  • ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)
  • Jasper
  • AAA Approved Auto Repair
  • ASE Master Technician
  • Car Care Aware

Testimonials

  • Chris helped me with my vehicle, and he was thorough, professional and very helpful! We highly recommend this business, as they have exceptional customer service!
    , 06/23/2022

  • We came in to have our car fixed and since then our car has ran well!
    , 07/21/2020

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    Blessed to have come upon this shop. My family and I were on a road trip from New York and our car broke down near Clovis at 8pm on Friday. Our Honda Odyssey couldn't take the hilly up and downs of the Cali hills. AAA towed us to this shop but since it was late we would have to wait till the morning to talk to anyone about the work. The shop says it's only open weekdays and Saturday by appt. So we decided we would come in the morning and possibly someone would be there working. We came back the next morning and John was there. He is a very generous and caring man. He decided to look at our car to see what's wrong and ended up helping us out. The day before, we already were thinking the road trip is down and out, and the super old car is dead. Everything was amazing, from the service to the conversations. Huge thank you to John!!
    , 07/20/2020

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    We've gone to Circle Automotive a few times, and each time we received excellent service with a friendly staff.

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    First time to use Circle Auto service, read reviews and chose to go there. I wasn't disappointed. Very good job, took care of my AC. Done in one day. Very happy. Will go there again if needed.

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    Very trustworthy and dedicated owners and mechanics. They are very fair in their pricing. They are also thoughtful about diagnostics and figuring out exactly what your car needs. They never offer things that you don't need. In fact, many times I have had other dealers and mechanics recommend services and then bring it to Circle Automotive for a 2nd opinion and have them tell me that they didn't think it was necessary. They have definitely earned my trust.