After a car accident, navigating the repair process can be stressful. You’ve chosen a repair shop and are looking forward to getting your car back on the road. However, your repair technician mentions a crucial step: a diagnostic repair scan, both before and after the collision repairs. Suddenly, your insurance company raises concerns or outright denies coverage for this scan. This leaves you wondering, “What do I do if my car insurance is scanned – or rather, denies the necessity of a scan?”
Here’s what you need to know and how to navigate this situation to ensure your vehicle is safely and properly repaired.
Understanding the Diagnostic Repair Scan
A diagnostic scan is essentially a health check for your car’s computer systems. Modern vehicles are incredibly complex, relying on numerous interconnected computer systems to manage everything from engine performance to safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, lane departure warnings, and even parking assist. These systems are controlled by sensors and modules throughout your car, and a diagnostic scan meticulously checks each one for errors or malfunctions.
Since the mid-1990s, cars have incorporated sophisticated computer systems that can detect issues beyond what traditional dashboard warning lights indicate. In fact, the number of computer-controlled functions far exceeds the number of warning lights on your dashboard. This means problems can exist within your car’s systems without you even being aware of them. A diagnostic scan uncovers these hidden issues.
Why is a Diagnostic Scan Necessary After a Collision?
Even in minor accidents, the impact forces can affect your car’s sensitive electronic components and sensors. These components might not show visible damage, but their functionality could be compromised. A pre-repair scan identifies any existing issues before repairs begin, ensuring that the repair process addresses all problems, including those related to the collision. A post-repair scan verifies that all systems are functioning correctly after the repairs are completed, guaranteeing your safety and the proper operation of your vehicle’s safety features.
The Standoff: Insurance Companies vs. Auto Manufacturers
This is where the conflict often arises. While original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) – the companies that built your car, like Ford, Toyota, or BMW – generally recommend pre- and post-repair diagnostic scans as a standard procedure, insurance companies sometimes push back.
OEMs prioritize safety and vehicle integrity. They issue repair guidelines for every vehicle they manufacture, and increasingly, these guidelines mandate diagnostic scans after collisions. They recognize that modern car repairs are not just about fixing physical damage but also about ensuring the complex electronic systems are functioning as intended.
Insurance companies, on the other hand, are concerned with cost control. They may view diagnostic scans as an additional expense, especially if they believe the damage was minor or if a scan doesn’t immediately reveal obvious errors. They may seek clearer guidelines to avoid paying for what they deem unnecessary scans.
What to Do When Your Insurance Company Questions or Denies a Diagnostic Scan
If your insurance company is hesitant to cover a diagnostic scan, here are the steps you should take:
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Talk to Your Repair Technician: Your repair shop is your primary advocate in this situation. Discuss with them why they recommend a diagnostic scan. Ask them to provide you with documentation from the OEM repair procedures for your specific vehicle that supports the need for a scan. This OEM documentation carries significant weight.
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Contact Your Insurance Adjuster: Speak directly with your insurance adjuster to understand their reasoning for denying or questioning the scan. Ask for specific reasons and request clarification on their requirements.
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Present OEM Guidelines: Arm yourself with the OEM repair procedures provided by your technician. Explain to your insurance company that these are the manufacturer’s recommended procedures for safe and proper repair of your vehicle. Emphasize that following OEM guidelines is crucial for maintaining your car’s safety features and value.
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Negotiate and Advocate for Safety: Politely but firmly advocate for the diagnostic scan. Frame it as a safety issue, not just an optional add-on. Explain that neglecting a necessary scan could lead to undetected problems with safety systems, potentially putting you and your passengers at risk in the future.
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Consider Out-of-Pocket Payment (If Necessary): While it’s not ideal, if your insurance company remains resistant and you are convinced the scan is necessary for safety (especially with OEM backing), consider paying for the pre-scan out-of-pocket. Knowing the pre-existing conditions can be crucial for proper repairs. You might have more leverage for the post-scan coverage once pre-scan results are evident.
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Escalate if Needed: If you are unable to reach a resolution with your adjuster, inquire about your insurance company’s escalation process. You may be able to speak to a supervisor or file a formal appeal.
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Resources like OEM1Stop: As mentioned in the original article, www.oem1stop.com is a valuable resource where you can often find official OEM statements and repair procedures regarding diagnostic scans. This can further strengthen your case with your insurance company.
Prioritize Safety and Proper Repair
While dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, remember that your safety and the proper repair of your vehicle should be the top priorities. A diagnostic scan is not just an unnecessary expense; it’s a critical step in ensuring that your modern, technologically advanced vehicle is repaired correctly and safely after an accident. By understanding the importance of these scans and knowing how to advocate for them, you can navigate insurance concerns and ensure your car is returned to its pre-accident condition, both physically and electronically.
