Stress-Free Insurance Claims: Your Step-by-Step Guide in Montana
Let’s face it—being in a car accident is stressful enough without the added headache of navigating your auto insurance claim. Between damage assessments, paperwork, calls with adjusters, and trying to get your vehicle back, it can feel overwhelming. The good news? It doesn’t have to be.
At OHS Body Shop, we’ve been helping Montana drivers through the insurance claim process for years. Whether it’s your first fender bender or a major collision, we’re here to walk you through it step by step—with clear answers and no confusing jargon. Our goal is to make the entire experience as smooth as possible, so you can focus on what really matters: getting your life back on track.
Here’s how to handle your insurance claim like a pro—with a little help from the folks who do this every day.
Step 1: Safety First, Then Document Everything
Right after an accident, your first priority is always safety. Make sure everyone is okay and call emergency services if needed. Once that’s done and it’s safe to do so, document everything you can. Take photos of your vehicle, the other vehicle(s), the surrounding area, skid marks, traffic signs—anything that could help tell the story later.
Even minor damage should be photographed, and you’ll want a record of the weather, time of day, and location. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact info. These details can help support your claim if anything is disputed later on.
Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company
Don’t wait too long to notify your insurance provider. Most policies require prompt reporting after an accident. You don’t need to have all the answers when you call—just share the facts of what happened. They’ll ask questions to help open a claim file, and they’ll explain what’s covered under your policy, what your deductible is, and what the next steps will be.
At this point, ask them about things like rental coverage, towing, and whether you need to get multiple repair estimates (spoiler: in Montana, you don’t have to—you get to choose your repair shop).
Step 3: Choose Your Body Shop (Hint: You Have the Right to Pick)
A lot of insurance companies will “recommend” shops from their direct repair network. But here in Montana, you have the legal right to choose your own body shop. That means you can go with a shop you trust—like OHS Body Shop—without worrying that your coverage will be affected.
Why does this matter? Not all shops are the same. We’ve seen plenty of rushed repairs and cut corners when shops are more focused on saving insurers money than doing the job right. At OHS, we advocate for your best interest, not the insurance company’s.
Step 4: Get a Thorough Estimate
When you bring your vehicle to us, we’ll perform a detailed inspection and provide a digital estimate of the repair costs. This isn’t just a “walk around the car” guess—we lift the hood, get under the vehicle, and use advanced tools to find hidden damage.
We send that estimate directly to your insurance company and work with their adjusters to get everything properly approved. If we discover additional damage during repairs (which happens a lot after disassembly), we handle the supplement process so you don’t have to.
Step 5: Let the Repair Begin
Once your claim is approved, we’ll order the parts, schedule your repair, and keep you updated along the way. You don’t have to chase anyone—we’ll communicate with your insurer, manage the timeline, and make sure everything is done to the highest standards.
Need a rental car? If your policy covers it, we’ll help you coordinate that too.
During the repair process, we focus on safety first—so we’re checking not just dents and scratches but also frame integrity, ADAS sensors, wheel alignment, and paint blending. The goal is to return your car in pre-accident condition or better.
Step 6: Final Inspection and Pickup
Before handing back your keys, we run every repaired vehicle through a detailed quality check. We test safety systems, ensure paint matches flawlessly, and inspect every repair area so there are no surprises.
When you pick up your vehicle, we’ll walk you through what was done, explain any warranty info, and answer any lingering questions. We’re not done until you’re satisfied.
Step 7: Follow-Up Support If You Need It
Sometimes questions pop up after the repair. Maybe it’s a warning light that comes on or an issue with your rental coverage. We’re here for all of it. Our team is happy to follow up with your insurer, recheck anything you’re unsure about, and make sure you stay confident in your repair.
Final Thoughts
Insurance claims can feel intimidating, especially after a collision. But when you’ve got a trusted partner in your corner, the process doesn’t have to be stressful. At OHS Body Shop, we help you every step of the way—from the moment the accident happens to the moment you’re safely back on the road.
So if you’ve been in an accident here in Montana, give us a call. We’ll handle the headaches, fight for the repairs you deserve, and make the entire process as stress-free as possible.
