Whether you carry Allstate or you were hit by someone who does, Firkins Collision Center in Bradenton can repair your vehicle and help you navigate the claim. Below is a plain-English look at how an Allstate auto claim generally works, what your rights are in Florida, and what we take off your plate.
Firkins is independent and does not claim to be part of any Allstate program. We work with all insurance companies and help customers with claim paperwork.
How an Allstate Claim Generally Starts
Based on Allstate's published claims information:
- Allstate customers can file and track an auto claim in My Account online or through the Allstate mobile app, and sign up for text updates while the claim moves along.
- Non-customers (for example, if an Allstate policyholder hit you) can call 800-255-7828 to file a claim.
- Allstate recommends gathering photos of the vehicles, license plates and the accident scene, if it's safe to do so.
Allstate also lists a photo claims option for auto. Photo-based estimates are a fast way to get a claim moving, but they only show what's visible. Our article on hidden damage after a fender bender explains why the final repair plan is usually set after teardown.
For what to collect before you even call, see what to do after a car accident in Bradenton.
Network Repair or Your Own Shop
Allstate describes a Good Hands Repair Network where Allstate works directly with the shop and network repairs come with a lifetime guarantee. Allstate also says you can choose your own repair vendor and it will pay you or that vendor.
Both are legitimate paths. If you'd like Firkins to handle your repair, tell your claim representative. Ask how payment will be issued, especially if you have a loan or lease, and how supplements for hidden damage will be reviewed.
First-Party vs. Third-Party Claims
| Your situation | Typical coverage | Deductible? |
|---|---|---|
| An Allstate driver hit you and is at fault | Their property damage liability | Generally no deductible for you as a third-party claimant |
| You have Allstate collision and were at fault | Your collision coverage | Yes, your collision deductible |
| Uninsured or hit-and-run driver | Your collision coverage, if you carry it | Yes, typically |
| Hail, flood, falling tree or animal strike | Your comprehensive coverage, if you carry it | Yes, your comprehensive deductible |
Details depend on your policy and the facts of the accident. If the other driver had no insurance, our uninsured motorist claims page explains your options in Florida.
Your Rights in Florida
Florida has specific rules for how auto claims are settled and how repair shops must handle estimates:
- Parts: Section 626.9743, Florida Statutes says an insurer may not require replacement parts that are not at least equivalent in kind and quality to the damaged parts.
- Third-party claimants: When liability and damages are reasonably clear, an insurer may not recommend that you claim under your own policy solely to avoid paying under its policy.
- Estimate copy: You can get a copy of the written estimate a partial-loss settlement is based on.
- Repair estimate rules: The Motor Vehicle Repair Act (s. 559.909) requires the shop to notify you and get approval before charges exceed the estimate beyond a small allowance.
Our right to choose a body shop in Florida page covers these in more depth.
How Firkins Helps Allstate Customers
Here's what happens once you choose Firkins:
- Free upfront estimate at 2700 1st St, Bradenton
- Thorough teardown and inspection so hidden damage is identified early
- Documented supplements with photos sent to Allstate for review
- OEM parts whenever possible, with an on-site Mopar parts department for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram
- All makes and models repaired by I-CAR- and ASE-certified technicians
- Frame machines and computer-assisted measuring for structural repairs to factory specifications
- Color-matched refinishing in a dedicated paint booth with an environmentally friendly waterborne paint system
- Final inspection and road test before you pick up
You'll get progress updates throughout. Walk through each stage on our process page, or learn about our collision repair work.
Staying mobile during repairs
We offer free loaner vehicles or help arranging a rental, a shuttle service, and complimentary pickup and delivery. If the crash left your car undrivable, call our 24-hour towing line at (941) 749-1450.
Warranty you can count on
Our repairs come with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor for our workmanship.
Tips for a Smoother Allstate Claim
- Report the claim promptly and write down your claim number.
- Keep photos from the scene, including the other vehicle's plate.
- Tell your representative which shop you've chosen early on.
- Keep receipts for towing or rental expenses.
- Ask questions in writing when you want a clear record.
Repair vs. Total Loss
If the damage is extensive, Allstate may evaluate whether the vehicle is a total loss rather than a repair. Florida law (s. 626.9743) lists the methods an insurer may use to settle a first-party total loss, such as a cash settlement based on the cost of a comparable vehicle. Our article is my car totaled in Florida? explains how that decision is usually made. If your vehicle is repairable, we'll walk you through the plan.
Get Your Allstate Repair Started
Call (941) 229-6451 or request your free estimate. Hablamos español: (941) 357-5162. Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday 8:00 AM to noon. Visit our insurance claim help page for more on how we assist with paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my own body shop with an Allstate claim?
Yes. Allstate's claims information says you can choose your own repair vendor, and that Allstate will pay you or that vendor. Tell your claim representative you want Firkins Collision Center in Bradenton to repair your vehicle.
How do I file an Allstate auto claim?
Allstate customers can file and track an auto claim through My Account online or in the Allstate mobile app. Allstate lists 800-255-7828 for people who are not Allstate customers, such as a driver hit by an Allstate policyholder.
Is Firkins in the Allstate Good Hands Repair Network?
We do not claim membership in any insurer's network. Allstate says network providers come with a lifetime guarantee on their repairs. Firkins backs its own workmanship with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor.
I was hit by an Allstate driver. What do I do?
You would generally file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver's property damage liability coverage. Allstate lists 800-255-7828 for non-customers filing a claim. You can still choose where your vehicle is repaired.
Does Allstate pay for a rental car?
Rental coverage depends on the policy. If you are the Allstate policyholder, check whether you carry rental reimbursement. If you are a third-party claimant, ask the adjuster how rental is handled on a liability claim. Firkins also offers free loaners or help arranging a rental.
Wrecked, dented or scratched? Let's look at it.
Free estimates, help with your insurance claim, and a loaner while we work.