1. Choose your own repair facility. It’s your right to choose where you want your vehicle repaired. Knowing that your vehicle will be repaired by trained Nissan Service Experts, with the right repair documentation, the right equipment, materials and the use of the OEM parts necessary to bring your vehicle back to pre-accident condition will give you peace of mind when the need arises.
2. Know your rights. Each owner has certain rights with regard to accident repair. Among these may be the “right to approve what kind of parts are used on the vehicle” and to be informed of “what kind of parts are going to be used before repair begins”. And, don’t forget to get an estimate for your repairs. You need to be certain of what you and your insurance company are paying for. Knowing the difference between different grades of parts and demanding the use of authentic Nissan Parts can help your vehicle retain its value, ensure your future safety and protect your warranty coverage.

Steps to help you stay focused during an emotional moment.

FIRST, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Take a moment to make sure you and your passengers are OK. If anyone is hurt, or not feeling well, dial 911 immediately. Then, turn on your hazard lights and, if your vehicle is drivable, move it to a safe spot. Be careful exiting the vehicle.

CALL THE POLICE

CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
If you’re going to need your vehicle towed, contact Roadside Assistance. While towing is not covered under the warranty, most insurance companies reimburse for this. And don’t forget, it’s your right to choose what dealership/repair shop your vehicle is taken to.

GET THE OTHER DRIVER’S DETAILS
Use the NISSAN ACCIDENT REPORT FORM AND GUIDE

Note the other driver’s info or take photos that show:

• Full name and address
• License plate number
• License/ID number
• Insurance information
• And if there were any witnesses, it’s important to get their information, too

DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE
Fully assess your vehicle and make notes or take photos that show any dents, scrapes or other damage. This will be very helpful for insurance purposes.

Each province has unique minimum liability insurance requirements you must carry. For information on those requirements, please see your insurance provider. As you determine how to protect your vehicle, here are a few points to consider:

• Your automobile insurance policy is a binding legal contract. Be sure to read and understand it.
• A standard automobile insurance collision assistance policy should pay for covered repairs up to the fair market value of your vehicle less any deductible you have chosen for your policy. It’s important to remember that this value can be significantly lower than the cost of replacing your vehicle (or your loan balance). If your vehicle is financed or leased, you may need “gap insurance” in order to be reimbursed any difference between what you owe and what the vehicle is worth.
• In addition to gap insurance, many companies offer replacement cost coverage to cover the total cost of replacing your new vehicle(s) in the event of a total loss.
• Insurance companies are increasing their use of “non-OEM” parts (including salvage, rebuilt, remanufactured and aftermarket parts).
• Some insurance companies have specific additional premiums to add the right to repair with all OEM parts. Check with your insurer about how much this will add to your premiums.
• It is important to remember that your vehicle is designed to perform as a system and must pass strict tests to help ensure the safety of the occupants. Replacement of parts with anything other than genuine OEM parts could affect future performance. Therefore, be sure to know what type of parts your insurer will use in case of an accident, prior to accepting coverage.
• Some provinces have responded to this issue and have specific rules regarding the use of non-OEM parts. Please see the two examples from the Province of Ontario and the Province of Saskatchewan