- (989) 225-2436
- estimate@bernelisgarage.com
- Mon - Fri: 8:00AM- 5:00PM
Car accidents are stressful, but navigating the collision repair and insurance process shouldn’t be. At Bernelis Garage in Bay City, Michigan, we’re here to put your mind at ease. We provide FREE collision repair estimates and complete, hassle-free insurance claim handling.
Auto body & collision shops like Bernelis Garage make agreements with insurance companies in accordance with state laws to contract work and direct payments. Insurance collision work is priced through an itemized estimate covering parts, labor, and materials.
Bernelis Garage coordinates directly with most major auto insurance companies to streamline your collision claim. If you have questions about your insurance coverage or our collision repair process, call Bernelis Garage at (989) 225-2436 today!
If you’ve been in an accident in Michigan, it is important to know your rights. You have the legal right to choose your own auto body repair center. You are never required to use a body shop just because your auto insurance company recommends it.
While some insurance-preferred shops prioritize the insurance company’s bottom line or drag out repair times, Bernelis Garage always has your best interest in mind. That’s why we have an excellent reputation in the Bay City community based on trust, transparency, and top-quality work.
The collision repair process at Bernelis Garage begins with a thorough preliminary inspection of your vehicle. Our experienced technicians document all vehicle damage with detailed photos and accurate notes.
We then provide you with a FREE repair estimate and share all documentation with both you and your insurance provider for total transparency. Next, our team handles submitting the paperwork to your insurance company, keeping the process completely seamless for you.
Choosing a local collision repair shop with knowledge and experience in dealing with insurance companies is crucial! Insurance adjusters require precise damage assessments and accurate estimates. Bernelis Garage excels at providing honest, complete, and updated documentation to keep your claim updated and the repair process moving forward. If any part of the repair is out of pocket, we’ll always provide an updated estimate and approve it with you before starting work.
Our primary goal when working with your insurance is to get repair authorizations approved swiftly, avoiding unnecessary delays. We communicate directly with insurance adjusters so you know what is covered and we can start work on your vehicle as soon as possible.
Choosing a local collision repair shop with knowledge and experience in dealing with insurance companies is crucial! Insurance adjusters require precise damage assessments and accurate estimates. Bernelis Garage excels at providing honest, complete, and updated documentation to keep your claim updated and the repair process moving forward.
Our primary goal when working with your insurance is to get repair authorizations approved swiftly, avoiding unnecessary delays. We communicate directly with insurance adjusters so you know what is covered and we can start work on your vehicle as soon as possible.
No, you do not have to use the auto body shop preferred by your insurance company! You legally have the right to select the body shop that you trust to repair your vehicle. Some insurance companies will tell you that you can only use their preferred body shops, so it’s important to know your rights.
Your auto insurance company will issue a claim number as soon as you report the accident. Write this number down and bring it with you when you visit us for your estimate.
NO! This is another tactic used by some insurance companies to steer you to the direction of their preferred body shops. The rates body shops charge are set by the auto insurance industry. Bernelis Garage offers FREE ESTIMATES on repairs to let you know what/if there would be any out of pocket cost for you.
Walk-ins are always welcome, but calling ahead ensures an estimator is available to look at your vehicle.
Estimate appointments usually take about 10-15 minutes. You will be greeted by our friendly office staff, who will take down your information. One of our estimators will inspect your vehicle and take the pictures and notes needed to complete your free estimate.
It is common for hidden damage to be uncovered once a vehicle is disassembled. When this happens, we immediately document the changes and contact your insurance adjuster to file a supplement. Proper communication ensures your insurance coverage is extended to cover the full repair without stalling the timeline. Bernelis Garage has extensive experience in working with insurance companies, and will always be transparent with our customers if changes arise during the repair process.
We accept multiple forms of payment including cash and check. We accept all major credit cards, venmo, and paypal (for a small fee).
We offer complete collision repair on all makes and models with minor or major damage!
Bernelis Garage works with all major auto insurance companies! Please call us if you have questions about your coverage.
Some of the most common include: AAA Insurance, Allstate & Esurance, American Family Insurance, Auto Owners Insurance, Bristol West Insurance, Country Financial, Farm Bureau Insurance, Farmers Insurance, Hastings Mutual Insurance, Meemic Insurance Company, Mercury Insurance, Nationwide Insurance, Progressive Insurance, Pioneer State Mutual Insurance and State Farm Insurance Agency.
Our staff will be in contact with you to let you know when your vehicle is ready for it to be picked up from our main shop in Bay City, MI.
