Report the accident promptly
The most common cause of claim delays is waiting too long to report the accident. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident — ideally within 24 hours. The longer you wait, the more questions the insurer asks about the timeline, and the slower the claim moves.
Have your accident report number, photos, and the other driver information ready when you call. The more complete your initial report, the fewer follow-up questions the adjuster needs to ask, which means faster approval.
Get a complete inspection right away
Insurance adjusters do visual inspections, but they are not body shop technicians. A quick adjuster estimate often misses hidden damage — frame misalignment, sensor issues, internal component damage. When that hidden damage is discovered mid-repair, the shop has to file a supplement, which pauses the work and adds days to the timeline.
Bring your vehicle to American Collision for a complete inspection before the adjuster visit. We document all damage with photos, identify hidden issues, and prepare a detailed estimate. When the adjuster sees a thorough estimate from the start, approval is faster and supplements are less likely.
Choose your shop before the adjuster arrives
If you wait until after the adjuster visit to choose a shop, you may end up at an insurer-preferred shop that works at the insurance company pace, not yours. Choose your shop first, and have the estimate ready for the adjuster to review.
Florida law gives you the right to choose your repair shop. American Collision works with all major insurance providers and communicates directly with your adjuster, so you do not have to manage the back-and-forth yourself.
Avoid common delay triggers
Several things slow down claims: incomplete accident reports, missing photos, delayed adjuster scheduling, parts that need ordering after the repair has already started, and disputes over OEM vs. aftermarket parts. A good body shop anticipates these issues.
At American Collision, we order parts early, document everything thoroughly, and communicate with your adjuster proactively. We flag potential supplements before they become delays. Our goal is to keep your repair moving from estimate to completion without unnecessary pauses.
Stay informed throughout the process
The biggest source of frustration is not knowing where things stand. We keep you updated at every stage — when the estimate is approved, when parts arrive, when the repair starts, and when it is ready for pickup. You never have to call us for a status update.
Call American Collision at (239) 332-3044 to start your claim the right way. We will inspect your vehicle, prepare a complete estimate, and coordinate with your insurance company to keep the process moving.