(The information contained here is only an opinion. For legal advice consult an attorney.)

1. Review the policy of insurance and follow the "Tips on Purchasing Insurance" document PRIOR to purchasing an insurance policy. Only buy a quality insurance policy and avoid discount carriers that sell policies heavily favoring the insurance company. Remember, you get what you pay for!!

2. Look for a collision repair facility that specializes in BMW and/or German vehicle repair; has the proper equipment, materials, training and attitude to properly repair your BMW. (see BMW repair shop criteria). Check online with local car clubs and the local BMW dealer for references. Stop by the repair shop and meet the staff and check out the facility.

3. Review the golden rules.

4. Ask the shop if they have a contract or are an approved shop with the insurance company paying for the loss. These shops get business from the insurance company and are required to "follow the rules" that the insurer sets for them. Most likely, you are no longer the customer at that repair shop, the insurance company is.

5. Upon leaving your vehicle at the shop and signing authorization for repairs, walk around your car with the staff at the shop and inspect the entire vehicle. Note all related and unrelated damage, chips and dings. Discuss how your vehicle will be repaired in detail. Get a written estimate from the shop and give them your fax or email address for any updates. Have the shop document the damage with photos prior to starting repairs as well as during repairs. Lastly, ask to meet the technicians that will be repairing your vehicle and discuss your concern for proper repairs.

6. Ask your repair shop to give you and the insurance company a copy of the repair instructions specific to your vehicle repairs in TIS (Technical Information System). Require that those instructions are followed.

7. Notify your insurance company that you have had a loss and the location of your vehicle (you are not required to notify them prior to taking your car in for repairs nor are you required to take your vehicle to their drive in claims center or "preferred shop" for an estimate).

8. Require that your insurance company communicate with you IN WRITING ONLY. Do not accept verbal correspondence from an insurance adjuster or claim rep. Email works great for this. This way, there will never be a misunderstanding about what was said the insurance company will know that everything that is said is documented. This is one of the most effective tools you can use in managing your experience with the claims process.

9. 1st party claims: (your insurance company)

• Only YOU authorize repairs to your vehicle, not the insurer.
• Require that your insurance company disclose which Payment of loss Prevision they are choosing: (Review the first party control of repair document)
• If your insurer has chosen to "pay for the loss" (self evident if they have written an estimate), they owe you "THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO RESTORE YOUR VEHCILE TO THE CONDITION PRIOR TO THE LOSS".
• If an uninsured motorist claim, check your policy for Diminished Value coverage.
• Demand that your insurance company pay for proper repairs as quoted by "the repair professional", not estimated by the insurer.
• If your insurer refuses to pay the amount necessary for proper repairs, consider using the "Appraisal Clause" in your policy to seek resolution.

• Only YOU authorize repairs to your vehicle, not the insurer.
• If the damage to your vehicle is moderate to major and your vehicle is economically repairable, file the claim with your own carrier to protect your Diminished Value recovery ability.
• The person that hit you is actually responsible for the cost of repairs (in most states), not their insurance company. DO NOT ALLOW that insurance company to dictate the type of repairs and parts to be used on your vehicle!
• If their insurance carrier is limiting payment or proper repairs in any way, hold the party that hit you responsible for the property damage they created. Small claims court has been a successful venue for this type of action (4K limit in Washington). Don't forget to include the Diminution in Value.
• If you have injuries, consult with an attorney immediately.