Unfortunately, accidents are a part of life. If one happens to you, it's important to restore your vehicle to the condition it was in before the accident.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Your insurer may attempt to direct you to a specific body shop for an estimate and/or repairs. You are under no legal obligation to go to this shop. Since you own the vehicle and pay the insurance premiums, you have the right to choose the body shop you would like to have your Toyota repaired.
Be sure to let your insurance company know that as a Toyota owner, you expect:
- your vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition, using genuine Toyota body parts;
- repairs are carried out by a Toyota dealership's body shop (or by a reputable shop recommended by your Toyota dealer);
- the technicians who repair your Toyota vehicle have been trained by Toyota.
Remember this:
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THE SHOP THAT WILL REPAIR YOUR VEHICLE
Knowledge is your best insurance
If you have an accident, the following information will help you report details to the police and when contacting your insurance company.
Stay calm.
Make sure no one is injured. If there are any injuries, call for help immediately.
Report the accident to the police immediately.
A police report will help you file a claim with your insurance company.
Make a sketch of the accident scene
A sketch of the scene showing the position of all vehicles/people involved will be helpful when reporting the details of the accident.
Exchange essential information
Obtain essential information (name/address/phone/insurance/etc.) from all parties involved - including witnesses.
Do not sign any towing authorization
Insist that your vehicle be towed to the nearest Toyota Certified Collision Repair and Refinishing Center, if your vehicle is model year 2000 or newer.
