Claims are confusing. We speak adjuster.
Answer two questions and get a step-by-step plan for your exact situation. Then let us do the talking — photos, paperwork, supplements, rental and direct billing.
Insurers billed directly
Extra for claim help
It's your car. It's your choice of shop.
Your insurer can recommend a shop, but in Indiana they can't require you to use one. Choosing Sterling doesn't slow your claim, and it doesn't change what your policy covers.
If an adjuster pushes back, hand them our number. That's what we're here for.
The 60-second checklist
- Get safe, then call 911 if anyone is hurtHazards on, move out of traffic if you can.
- Photograph everythingBoth cars, plates, the scene, road conditions and any injuries.
- Swap informationName, phone, insurer and policy number. Don't discuss fault.
- Get a report numberIf police respond, ask for the report or incident number.
- Call Sterling for a tow24/7 at (317) 555-0142. Free tow to our shop with any collision repair.
What your adjuster actually means
- Deductible
- The part of a covered repair you pay on a claim with your own insurer. You pay it to us at pickup; your insurer pays the rest.
- First-party vs. third-party claim
- First-party is your own policy. Third-party is a claim against the other driver's policy — no deductible once they accept liability.
- Supplement
- Hidden damage found after teardown. We document it with photos and get it approved — you don't pay for the surprise.
- OEM vs. aftermarket parts
- OEM parts come from your car's manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are made by others. We'll show you what your estimate uses before any work begins.
- Diminished value
- The loss in resale value after an accident. On third-party claims you may be able to recover it — we provide the repair documentation.
- Total loss
- When repair costs approach the car's value, the insurer may pay the value instead. We'll tell you honestly if it's close.
Common questions
Will using my own insurance raise my rates?
It depends on your insurer and who was at fault. Not-at-fault and comprehensive claims (like hail) often have little or no effect. If you're unsure, get our free estimate first and compare it with your deductible.
Does my insurer have to approve Sterling?
No. You choose the shop. We work with every insurer, whether or not we're on their preferred list, and bill them directly.
Do I get a rental car?
If you have rental coverage, or the other driver's insurer accepts liability, yes. We reserve it on your claim so it's ready when you drop off.
What if the insurance estimate is lower than yours?
That's normal: adjusters write from photos before anything is taken apart. We submit a documented supplement and negotiate with the adjuster so the repair is done right. You don't pay the difference.
Can I pay my deductible over time?
Ask us. For larger deductibles we can often split payments.
Get your estimate before you file.
Knowing the real repair cost is the best way to decide whether a claim makes sense. It's free and takes two minutes.