Clawson, MI - When a vehicle is damaged in a collision, the repair process often depends not just on the body shop but on how smoothly the insurance claim is handled. Delays at the claims stage can keep your car off the road weeks longer than necessary. Xcel Collision, a certified local collision repair shop in Oakland County, provides a clear roadmap to minimize those delays and get your vehicle back on the road faster.
Why Insurance Claim Delays Happen
Even high-end collision repair services can stall when the insurance side lags behind. The most common causes include:
- Incomplete or missing documentation. If adjusters don’t have full photos, police reports, or damage assessments, they will request more, costing days or even weeks.
- Slow insurer processing. While Michigan law requires insurers to respond to proof of loss within 60 days, delays still happen.
- Parts availability issues. Luxury or OEM parts can take 7–14 days or more to source.
- Underestimated damage. Hidden damage discovered during disassembly (supplementals) requires new approvals.
- Poor shop-insurer coordination. When a shop is unfamiliar or lacks strong insurer relationships, back-and-forth questions increase.
Smart Steps You Can Take Immediately
You play a key role in accelerating the process. Here’s how:
1. Document Every Detail at the Scene
- Take photos from multiple angles: all visible damage, surrounding context, license plates, road conditions, debris.
- Capture images before any parts are moved or detached.
2. File the Claim Right Away
Call your insurance carrier within 24–72 hours (per policy terms) and provide initial documentation, police report number, witness contacts, and your account of the collision.
Delays in reporting may complicate coverage.
3. Provide Full Documentation Upfront
Don’t hold back: include police reports, injury documentation (if any), witness statements, and all the photos you took.
4. Choose a Certified Local Collision Repair Shop
Getting collision repair in Troy, Michigan, from a certified repair facility like Xcel Collision (I-CAR certified, Michigan state-registered) helps. Insurers trust estimates from certified shops, reducing follow-up questions or reappraisals.
5. Authorize Supplemental Repairs Promptly
If hidden damage is discovered during teardown, approve the additional repairs as quickly as possible. Fast decisions help maintain repair momentum.
What the Collision Repair Shop Should Do for You
When you bring your car to Xcel Collision, expect the following support:
- A thorough damage assessment using advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., laser frame measuring) to catch hidden damage early.
- Direct communication with adjusters, submitting documentation, answering questions, and pushing for timely approvals.
- Efficient parts sourcing via established supplier networks to reduce wait times, even on luxury models.
- Proactive follow-ups on insurer decisions, ensuring no unnecessary hold-ups.
- A warranty on workmanship, offering reliability once repairs are complete.
Typical Timelines and What to Watch For
Below is a rough timeline for a collision repair insurance claim in Michigan (assuming smooth processing and parts availability):
Stage | Typical Duration* |
Initial claim filing & insurer acknowledgment | 1–3 days |
Damage assessment & estimate | 1–3 days |
Estimate approval | 3–5 business days |
Parts sourcing | 1–7 days (longer for specialty parts) |
Actual collision repair | 5–14 days |
Final inspection & delivery | 1–2 days |
*These are estimates; complexity, supplemental damage, and part delays can extend them. Michigan law requires insurers to pay claims within 60 days after receiving sufficient proof of loss.
If payments or approvals lag, it may be time to escalate with your insurer or seek assistance from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
Mistakes That Cost You Time
- Delaying notification to your insurer
- Providing partial or poor documentation
- Accepting low-ball estimates that omit hidden damage
- Starting repairs before approvals
- Choosing a noncertified shop unfamiliar to insurers
Each mistake invites questions, rework, or flat-out denials.
Why Xcel Collision Makes a Difference
This local collision repair shop in Oakland County blends deep technical expertise with strong insurer relationships. Their certified collision repair services streamline the claims process, reducing back-and-forth, eliminating surprises, and getting repairs started sooner. They specialize in high-end makes (Mercedes, Cadillac, etc.) and understand the parts, diagnostics, and finish standards required for luxury car restoration.
When delays in collision repair insurance claims frustrate you, Xcel Collision is a trusted partner who moves your case forward. To request a free estimate or start your repair, call (248) 965-3432 or email [email protected]. Their team will help manage the claim and repair process so you can focus on what matters: getting back on the road safely.
