• Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it istowed away. Make sure this includes your insuranceinformation and registration if you keep theseitems in your vehicle.• Gather the important information you will need fromthe other driver. Things like name, address, phonenumber, driver’s license number, vehicle licenseplate, vehicle make, model and model year, VehicleIdentification Number (VIN), insurance companyand policy number, and a general description of thedamage to the other vehicle.• If possible, call your insurance company from thescene of the crash. They will walk you throughthe information they will need. If they ask fora police report, phone or go to the policedepartment headquarters the next day and you canget a copy of the report for a nominal fee. Insome states/provinces with “no fault” insurancelaws, a report may not be necessary. This isespecially true if there are no injuries and bothvehicles are driveable.• Choose a reputable collision repair facility for yourvehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer/retaileror a private collision repair facility to fix the damage,make sure you are comfortable with them.Remember, you will have to feel comfortable withtheir work for a long time.• Once you have an estimate, read it carefully andmake sure you understand what work will beperformed on your vehicle. If you have a question,ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcomethis opportunity.Managing the Vehicle Damage RepairProcessIn the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs,GM recommends that you take an active role in itsrepair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility ofchoice, take your vehicle there, or have it towed there.Specify to the facility that any required replacementcollision parts be original equipment parts, either newGenuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts.Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by yourGM vehicle warranty.Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must livewith the repair. Depending on your policy limits, yourinsurance company may initially value the repair usingaftermarket parts. Discuss this with your repairprofessional, and insist on Genuine GM parts.Remember if your vehicle is leased you may beobligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine GMparts, even if your insurance coverage does not paythe full cost.7-13
