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Best Auto Repair, Knoxville

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WHEN ACCIDENTS HAPPEN

 95 Verified Review(s)

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 865-922-7111 or make an appointment online!


what our customers say

I flip cars here and there and I take all mine to these guys at B & M. They are very thorough yet cost efficient. I'm very pleased with our relationship!
S
, 08/22/2023

I really appreciate these guys! After moving from out of state and having a solid mechanic you have trusted for over 14 years, it's like having to find a new doctor too! I am so thankful I found these guys! They have been so helpful and honest every single time! When I first moved here, I worked for UPS using my vehicle out of Oliver Springs. Let's just say that was not good. I've had issues ever since. Going up and down mountains was hard on my vehicle, and unfortunately, my light came on. I knew it was the transmission. I took it in, and they went thru it and told me they would check out everything they could and get back to me. Sadly, it was my transmission. They were super kind, and we decided it would be better to just get another vehicle, and they agreed. I really appreciate their honesty and hard work! Like I told them when I left...I will be back with the new vehicle because I know I found my mechanics for life here in Tennessee!
A
, 07/24/2023

Professional quality service. No hidden costs or surprises when it came time to settle up. Will definitely take my vehicles to them again for my repair needs.
G
, 07/11/2023

Pricing was extremely reasonable and everyone was so nice and knowledgeable! I had the A/C compressor in my 2014 Fiat 500L and it's working great!
T
, 06/20/2023

Very friendly and great work. I will return when I need more automotive work.
L
, 04/30/2023

Thank you B&M Automotive! They are Honest, Experienced, and affordable! The first place that I took it to said that I needed another motor and boy were they wrong. I'm glad that I found B&M and they were quick to let me know that I did not need another motor. They knew exactly what it was and had it fixed in no time. I highly recommend them!
A
, 04/05/2023

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