Government Auto Insurance Claims

Auto Insurance Claims in Saskatooon

Magic Paint & Body in Saskatooon knows that when your vehicle has been involved in a collision, you’ve got a lot to worry about even before you have to deal with your insurance company. That’s why we can communicate with your insurance company on your behalf.  You just bring us your vehicle and we’ll take care of the rest.  
 

SGI Auto Collision Claims in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 

Magic Paint and Body will assist you with mobile estimating services for SGI claims. We will drive to our customers (if you cannot visit our shop) and take photos of your claims for you.

The following claims process helps to ensure reporting your claim and booking appointments goes as easily as possible. Out-of-province collisions have a different claims process.

Existing claims

Questions regarding an existing claim should be made to the claims centre where you filed your claim. The adjuster assigned to your claim will be able to deal with any questions you may have.

1. Exchange information

Make sure you exchange information with the other driver involved in the collision.

Get the other driver's:

• name
• customer number
• licence plate number

Our Collision Report form (pdf, 55 kb) can help you remember what information to collect. Print a copy and keep it in your glove box.

If applicable, get the names and addresses of any witnesses. Witnesses can be crucial in determining who's at fault or responsible for the collision.

Witnesses

If applicable, get the names and addresses of any witnesses, as they can be crucial in determining who's at fault for the collision.

When to inform the police

You must report the collision to the police if any of the following circumstances apply:

• the collision results in injury or death
  • If there are injuries, you must also report the collision to 1 of our injury claims offices and follow the Auto injury claims process.
• it's a hit and run
• a driver is impaired
• any of the vehicles involved have to be towed from the scene
• the collision involves a vehicle that does not have a valid licence plate or is an out-of-province vehicle
• loss or damage to your vehicle caused by:
  • vandalism
  • malicious damage
  • theft or attempted theft

If none of the above apply, you can report it to SGI.

2. File your claim

To file your claim, you can:

• file online with Auto eClaim
  • glass repairs (except windshields) - glass claims for back and side glass can be filed with Auto eClaim
  • windshield repairs - your auto glass repair shop will file directly to SGI on your behalf
  • If your vehicle isn't safe to drive, we'll arrange to have it towed to the nearest repair or storage facility.
• call our Dial-A-Claim service at a claims centre during normal office hours

Have the following ready when reporting your claim:

• your driver's licence
• your vehicle registration
• your Auto Pak policy number - if you have one
• all the information collected from the other party involved in the collision

You will be assigned a claims adjuster to manage your claim.

The Saskatchewan Statute of Limitations requires that repairs be completed within 2 years of the incident. However, we recommend reporting your claim as soon as possible to avoid any possible disputes over the extent of damage caused at the time of loss.

If you’ve been injured

Follow the Auto injury claims process and inform your adjuster if you or any passengers in your vehicle were injured.

3. Get a damage estimate

After submitting your claim, you need to have the damage assessed by an appraiser who will closely examine the damage and then prepare a damage/repair estimate.

The damage estimate may be completed by either an:

• accredited repair shop (if eligible)
  • Have the damage estimate completed at the same shop that repairs your vehicle, saving you time.
  • Your SGI adjuster will tell you if you’re eligible when you report your claim.
  • Only Elite and Select accredited repair shops offer damage estimates.
• SGI claims center
  • Have the damage estimate completed at the SGI claims centre most convenient for you.

Once the appraisal (damage estimate) is done, you’ll receive a printout with the cost of repairs for your vehicle. You'll need this estimate and your claims adjuster will need to confirm your insurance coverage before you can have the vehicle repaired.

Determining fault

You’ll find out if you’re considered at fault (responsible) for the collision either verbally or by letter. We will settle the innocent party’s claim on behalf of the at-fault driver. Review Determining fault for details.

Total loss vehicles

If your vehicle cannot be repaired, your adjuster will advise you of the process for a total loss vehicle.

Appraiser missed something

Bring any missed and/or hidden damage to the attention of your auto body repairer who will contact SGI and arrange to have your vehicle re-inspected at the shop.

4. Have your vehicle repaired

Repairs must be completed within 2 years from the date of loss. It's a good idea to complete repairs as soon as possible to avoid any deterioration or further damage to the vehicle especially those that may affect its safe operation. Damage to headlights, tail lights, tires, wheels, etc., should be repaired as soon as possible.

When repairs on your vehicle are completed, the body shop will ask you to sign a Certification of Repairs. This document is your authorization for SGI to use your insurance to pay the facility and it indicates you’re satisfied with the repairs. SGI is responsible to reimburse you for the amount it costs to repair or replace your vehicle.

Repair shop accreditation

SGI has a rating system for its accredited repair shops and has accredited more than 200 collision repair facilities throughout Saskatchewan. All accredited repairers are required to meet or exceed the highest levels of equipment, certification and training and must warranty the repair for a minimum of 1 year (check with your repair shop, some may guarantee their work for longer).

SGI continuously monitors accredited collision repair facilities and awards accreditation levels annually based on performance, with 3 star Elite status being awarded to top performers. While all accredited repair shops are capable of providing customers with quality repairs and services, some shops offer more additional services and convenience, and are recognized accordingly.

Note: You may choose to have your repair completed at a non-accredited repair firm. In that case, it’s your responsibility to ensure the shop offers a warranty, has the equipment, tools and qualifications to complete the repair properly.

Vehicle rentals

The cost of a rental vehicle is covered if:

• You're not at fault for the collision and you require a replacement vehicle, providing the at-fault driver's insurance coverage is in order;
• You have an SGI CANADA Auto Pak and your vehicle was stolen or the collision was with an animal or bird. You are automatically provided with coverage of $50 a day to a $750 (25 day) maximum; or
• You have an SGI CANADA Auto Pak and have selected the optional coverage for "loss of use of vehicle" due to other causes, such as damage from collision, weather, etc.

5. Authorize payment

Once your vehicle has been repaired, the body shop will ask you to sign a Certification of Repairs form. This form signifies that you're satisfied with the repairs and authorizes SGI to pay the body shop.

Visit Magic Paint & Body in Saskatoon for all of your autobody needs! 

http://www.magicpaintandbody.com