Dealing with auto insurance after a collision adds stress to an already difficult situation. At Boxy’s Paint & Body, we’ve helped thousands of Sioux Falls area drivers navigate the insurance process since 1989. This guide explains exactly how it works — and how we make it easier.

Your Right to Choose Your Body Shop

This is the most important thing to know: you have the legal right to choose any licensed body shop for your insurance repair. Insurance companies may recommend or even pressure you toward “preferred” shops in their Direct Repair Program (DRP). These shops have agreed to certain pricing arrangements with the insurer — arrangements that may not always align with your best interests.

Boxy’s Paint & Body is not locked into preferred shop arrangements. We work directly with all insurance companies — but we work for you, not for the insurer.

Step-by-Step Auto Insurance Claims Process

1. Document everything at the scene: Photos, other driver’s information, police report number. Time-stamped photos are valuable.
2. Contact your insurance company: File your claim promptly. Most policies have time requirements for reporting. Note your claim number.
3. Bring your vehicle to Boxy’s for a free estimate: We assess all damage — visible and structural — using our Chief laser measuring system. Get our estimate before the insurance adjuster inspects if possible.
4. Insurance adjuster inspection: The adjuster evaluates damage for your insurer. Having Boxy’s estimate ready helps ensure nothing is missed.
5. Authorization and scheduling: Once your claim is approved, we schedule your repair and provide your free loaner car.
6. Supplement claims: Hidden damage found during disassembly is documented and submitted as a supplement. This is routine — we handle it directly with your insurer.
7. Repair completion and final payment: You pay your deductible; insurance pays the rest directly to Boxy’s or to you depending on your policy.

Coverage Types You Need to Know

• Collision coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle from a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. Subject to your deductible.
• Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision damage — hail, deer strike, theft, vandalism, flood, fire. Also subject to deductible.
• Liability only: Does NOT cover damage to your own vehicle — only to others. If you have liability only and were at fault, you pay out of pocket for your repairs.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Covers your vehicle when the at-fault driver has no or insufficient insurance.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts in Insurance Repairs

Insurance companies often specify aftermarket (non-original manufacturer) parts to reduce claim costs. In South Dakota, you may have the right to request OEM parts depending on your policy. Key differences:

• OEM parts: Made by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Guaranteed to fit and meet original specifications.
• Aftermarket parts: Made by third-party manufacturers. Quality varies — some are excellent; others don’t fit as precisely and may affect safety systems.

Boxy’s discusses parts options with you and advocates for the appropriate parts choice during the claims process.

Hail Damage Insurance Claims in South Dakota

South Dakota hail season (April–August) generates significant insurance claims every year. Hail damage falls under comprehensive coverage. Important points for SD hail claims:

• Document hail damage as soon as possible after a storm — before any additional weather damage occurs
• Comprehensive deductibles are often lower than collision deductibles
• Multiple vehicles on one policy may each have their own deductible
• Boxy’s provides free hail damage inspections and works directly with your adjuster for complete coverage

See our complete guide: Hail Damage Repair in Sioux Falls SD.

Diminished Value Claims

After a collision repair, your vehicle may have lower resale value even if repairs are done perfectly. This “diminished value” may be recoverable from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Boxy’s can provide documentation supporting a diminished value claim if requested.

Total Loss Determination

If repair costs exceed a certain threshold of your vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) — typically 70–80% in South Dakota — the insurer may declare your vehicle a total loss. If you disagree with their ACV assessment, you can provide evidence of your vehicle’s market value to negotiate. Boxy’s can provide repair cost documentation supporting your position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my own body shop for insurance repairs in South Dakota?

Yes. In South Dakota and all US states, you have the legal right to choose any licensed repair facility for insurance work. Your insurance company may suggest preferred shops, but you are not required to use them. Boxy’s Paint & Body works with all insurance companies.

What is a supplement claim for auto body repair?

A supplement claim is filed when hidden damage discovered during disassembly — not visible in the initial inspection — is not covered in the original insurance estimate. This is common in collision repair. Boxy’s identifies and documents all damage and works with your adjuster to ensure legitimate repairs are fully covered.

Does Boxy’s handle the insurance claim process for me?

Yes. Boxy’s Paint & Body’s staff handles direct communication with your insurance company, submits documentation, and coordinates adjuster inspections. We guide you through every step — you don’t need to navigate the process alone.