Free Estimate
INSURANCE CLAIMS • RAPID CITY & THE BLACK HILLS
Your Car.Your Choice.
A repair shop recommendation should not leave you feeling like the decision has already been made.
At Ray’s Auto Body Crafters, we help you understand your options and navigate the insurance repair process with experienced local people on your side. Before you authorize repairs, talk to us about your vehicle, your claim, and what comes next.
Start with a free estimate from a technician. We’ll assess your vehicle, recommend the repairs it needs, and work with your insurance company.
SOUTH DAKOTA / REPAIR CHOICE
Your right to choose a repair shop should feel like a choice.
Your insurance company may recommend a preferred body shop. A recommendation is not the same as a requirement.
When you’re making a claim under your own policy, South Dakota law prohibits your insurer from making claim payment conditional on repairs at a particular shop. You do not have to treat a recommendation as your only option.
Choosing your shop does not mean every repair charge is automatically covered. Discuss the estimate, approved payment, and any difference you may owe before authorizing work.
03 / IF INSURANCE SUGGESTED ANOTHER SHOP
Start with a clear conversation. Not a confrontation.
You can tell your claims representative:
“I’d like to have my vehicle repaired at Ray’s Auto Body Crafters. What information do you need from me and the shop to move forward with my claim?”
Then contact Ray’s. Tell us what happened, what your insurer has said, and whether you have already received an estimate.
Have your claim number and adjuster’s contact information available if you have them. Still sorting out the details? Start with your questions.
Talk to Ray’s04 / CLAIM + CARE
Help with the claim. Care for the car.
The paperwork matters. So does the vehicle you depend on. From assessing the damage to working with your insurance company, Ray’s helps you take the next step toward getting your vehicle repaired.
Get a Free EstimateStart with a free estimate.
Visit Ray’s for a free estimate from one of our technicians. Tell us about the damage and bring any estimate or claim information you already have.
Understand what your vehicle needs.
Our technicians assess your vehicle and recommend repairing or replacing damaged parts based on what is in your best interest. You have experienced people to help you understand what needs attention.
Get help with the insurance side.
We work with your insurance company as part of the collision-repair process. Bring your questions about the damage and estimate, and talk with us about where things stand with your claim.
Choose repairs we stand behind.
Ray’s backs all auto body repairs with a lifetime warranty. Ask our team about the warranty details for your repair.
05 / THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE REPAIR
Choose the people behind the repair.
A shop’s name on a recommendation is one piece of information. The experience, workmanship, and people behind that name deserve your attention, too.
Ray’s is locally owned, with 38 years of industry experience and I-CAR Pro Level-2 rated estimators. We combine collision-repair craftsmanship with personal customer service for drivers throughout Rapid City and the surrounding Black Hills.
Your questions belong in the conversation. Before deciding where to take your vehicle, talk to the people who will help you get it repaired.
06 / INSURANCE REPAIR QUESTIONS
Questions, answered.
Clear information before you authorize repairs.01Do I have to use my insurance company’s preferred body shop?+
A recommendation alone does not require you to use that shop. For claims under your own policy, South Dakota law prohibits making claim payment conditional on repairs at a particular facility. Tell your claims representative where you would like the vehicle repaired and ask what is needed next.
02Will Ray’s work with my insurance company?+
We work with customers’ insurance companies as part of our collision-repair services. Contact us with your insurer’s name and any claim information you have so we can discuss your situation.
03Does Ray’s offer free estimates?+
Yes. Visit Ray’s for a free auto body repair estimate from a technician. Already have an estimate from your insurer or another shop? Bring it with you and tell us where you are in the process.
04Do I need to get two repair estimates?+
South Dakota does not have a law requiring you to obtain two estimates. Comparing estimates is an option. Ask your claims representative what information is needed to review your claim and move forward.
05Will insurance cover the entire repair bill if I choose Ray’s?+
Not necessarily. Choosing your repair shop does not guarantee payment of every charge. A deductible may apply, and you may owe amounts beyond what your insurer agrees to pay. Confirm coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs before authorizing repairs.
06Why might the repair estimate change?+
An initial estimate is based on the damage identified during the assessment. Additional damage may become apparent during repairs, requiring an updated estimate and further insurer review. Ask about any changes so you understand the proposed work and payment before moving forward.
07Does Ray’s provide a warranty?+
Yes. Ray’s offers a lifetime warranty on all auto body repairs. Ask our team for the details that apply to your repair.
08Can I contact Ray’s before I have a claim number?+
Start with a call and tell us what you know about the damage. Share any claim information you already have. Contacting the shop does not replace notifying your insurer. Your policy may require prompt notice of an accident or loss, so check those requirements with your insurance company.
07 / BEFORE YOU AUTHORIZE REPAIRS
Talk to Ray’s before you authorize repairs.
You do not need to have every answer before making the call.
Tell us what happened. Ask the questions on your mind. Start with a free estimate and get to know the local people you are considering for your repair.
Your car deserves careful work. You deserve to understand your choices.