Bakersfield / Kern County
Insurance claims. A clear next step.
An accident is enough to deal with. Here’s how to start your insurance claim, choose Trends, and get your repair moving. You open the claim with your insurer; our team helps with the repair process.
Start with your insurance company
Your claim starts here.
Use your insurer’s official claims page, app, or the number on your insurance card to report the incident.
Major insurance companies
Logos identify insurance companies and their claims resources. They do not indicate a partnership, endorsement, or preferred repair-network membership.
First things first
From the first call
to the repair plan.
Four steps to help you know who to contact, what to ask, and what comes next.
- Step 01
Get safe. Gather the details.
Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs emergency help. Once it is safe, photograph the damage and scene, exchange driver and insurance information, and note the time and location. Save any police report number.
- Step 02
Open your insurance claim.
Report the incident promptly through your insurer’s official app, website, or claims phone number. Describe what happened and where the vehicle is. Ask for a claim number and your assigned claims specialist’s contact information.
- Step 03
Tell your specialist: Trends.
Tell the insurer you want Trends Collision Center to repair your vehicle. Ask them to record your shop choice and explain their inspection process, your deductible, and any rental or towing coverage.
- Step 04
Connect with our team.
Call Trends with your claim number, insurer, and adjuster’s contact details. We’ll discuss the damage, review any existing estimate, and arrange an assessment or vehicle pickup. You review and authorize the repair plan before work begins.
Before you report: Review State Farm’s general accident and claims checklist ↗
Keep these close
A little preparation.
A clearer conversation.
Gather what you can, then contact your insurer promptly. Ask how to provide any missing information later.
Have ready for your insurer
- Your policy information and vehicle details
- When, where, and how the incident happened
- Photos of the damage and scene, if safe to take
- Other drivers’ details and any witness contacts
- Police report number, if one is available
- Your vehicle’s current location and condition
Ask your claims specialist
- What is my claim number and who is my contact?
- How will you inspect the vehicle and review repairs?
- What deductible or other costs may I owe?
- Do I have rental coverage, and what are the limits?
- Is towing covered, and do I need approval first?
Your vehicle. Your repair shop.
Tell your insurance
specialist: Trends.
In California, your insurer cannot require you to use a particular repair shop. Tell your claims specialist where you want the work done and have them record your choice.
Know your repair-shop rightsHere’s a simple way to say it
“I’d like Trends Collision Center in Bakersfield to repair my vehicle. Please note my shop choice on the claim and let me know the next steps for inspection and sharing the estimate.”
Once the claim is open
You start the claim.
We help with the repair.
Bring us your claim number, adjuster’s details, and any estimate you already have. Our team can help you understand the work your vehicle needs.
Explore collision repair- 01
Assess & document
We inspect the vehicle, document visible damage, and prepare a repair estimate. Your insurer may also need photos or its own inspection.
- 02
Coordinate & explain
With your permission, we share repair information with your adjuster. If hidden damage is found, we document it and submit a supplemental estimate for review.
- 03
Authorize & repair
We explain the repair plan and any changes for your authorization. Your insurer determines coverage and payment; you stay involved in repair decisions.
One less thing to arrange
We can pick
your vehicle up.
If your vehicle needs to come to Trends, call us to arrange pickup. Share its location, condition, and any access details so we can plan the right transport.
- Tell us whether the vehicle rolls, steers, and has keys.
- If it’s at a tow yard or another shop, ask about release requirements and storage charges.
- Confirm availability and pickup costs with Trends, and towing coverage with your insurer.
(661) 398-2029 · Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm. If the vehicle may be unsafe to drive, arrange a tow. Call 911 for an emergency.
A little more clarity
Good questions.
Straight answers.
Can Trends file my insurance claim for me?
No. You need to report the incident and open the claim directly with the insurance company. Once you have a claim number, Trends can help with the vehicle assessment, repair estimate, damage documentation, and repair-related communication with your adjuster.
Do I have to use the shop my insurer recommends?
In California, you can choose your repair shop. An insurer may recommend a facility, but cannot require a specific shop. Tell your claims specialist you want Trends and ask how to arrange their inspection. Coverage and payment still depend on the claim and applicable policy terms.
Should I contact my insurer if another driver caused the accident?
Notify your own insurer promptly and ask about your reporting obligations and options. You may also be able to pursue a claim with the other driver’s insurer. That insurer must investigate coverage and responsibility; payment is not automatic. Keep both claim contacts and share the repair claim details with Trends.
Who pays the deductible, rental, and towing costs?
Ask your claims specialist to confirm what applies to your claim. You may be responsible for a deductible and costs insurance does not cover. Rental reimbursement and towing benefits vary; check limits and authorization requirements before arranging either. Trends can discuss pickup logistics and charges with you.
What if more damage is found during the repair?
Some damage is only visible after disassembly. Trends can document the findings and send a supplemental repair estimate to the insurer for review. We’ll explain changes to the repair plan and obtain your authorization for additional work. An insurer’s review does not replace your repair authorization.
What if the insurer considers my vehicle a total loss?
Ask your claims specialist to explain the valuation, settlement, and next steps before authorizing repairs. Total-loss claims follow a different process from repairable vehicles. Let Trends know so we can coordinate the vehicle’s status and any pickup or release arrangements with you.
Your choice goes beyond a logo
Don’t see your
insurance company?
You can still request Trends to repair your car. Tell your insurance specialist you want Trends Collision Center, then contact our team to discuss your vehicle and the next steps.