Questions
-Where do I get
a claim number?
-Are you open on Saturday?
-Will the parts be ordered before I drop off
my car for repair?
-If my vehicle's
frame is damaged is the car a total loss?
-Can you match my car paint color?
-Can I get other work done on my car while it
in the body shop?
-How long will the repairs take?
-Can I get a ride home
when I drop off my car?
-How can I get a rental car?
-How will I know when my car is done?
-Is there a warranty on the repairs to my
vehicle?
-Do I have to pay a deductible?
-Who do
I pay a deductible to?
-What forms of payment do you accept?
-What are Betterment Charges?
-Can I wash My car?
WHERE DO I GET A CLAIM NUMBER?
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the
time you report your accident. Just jot it down and bring it in with you when
you come in to begin the repair process, we will do the rest.
ARE YOU OPEN SATURDAY?
No, we are not open on Saturdays.
Our regular hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00am till
5:30pm.
WILL THE PARTS BE ORDERED BEFORE I DROP OFF MY VEHICLE FOR
REPAIR?
Absolutely. We generally order your vehicle's parts once
the estimate is approved by your insurance company or
whomever is paying the claim. Next we schedule your vehicle
for drop-off a couple of days later unless your vehicle is
found unsafe to drive, then we would help you arrange for a
rental vehicle as soon as possible. This enables us to
provide quicker turnaround time.
IF MY VEHICLE'S FRAME IS DAMAGED IS IT A TOTAL LOSS?
No. A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs
exceeds the insurance company's determined value of your
vehicle. Nowadays, most cars are built using unibody (frame
and body as one) construction. Our highly skilled
technicians, with the aid of our state-of the-art computer
measuring system, can return your vehicle to its original
factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame
section is bent beyond repair, that section can simply be
replaced.
CAN YOU MATCH THE PAINT COLOR?
Today's modern factory finishes incorporate multiple
layers of highly specialized paints. We have made a major
investment in the finest paint system available and
constantly upgrades its technology and equipment to ensure
that each vehicle's paint matches. We take special pride in
our ability to match factory finishes as the final
step in the restoration process.
CAN I GET OTHER SERVICE WORK DONE ON MY VEHICLE WHILE IT IS
IN THE BODY SHOP?
Yes. Just let your advisor know what other work you would
like done so that he or she can make the necessary
arrangements.
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE TAKE?
Your advisor can give you an estimate of the time it will
take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Be sure
to check with your advisor for the specifics on your
vehicle.
CAN I GET A RIDE HOME WHEN I DROP OFF MY CAR?
Yes, we would be happy to provide this service to you. We
want each customer's visit to be a positive experience and
will work diligently towards that goal. We
provide a pickup and delivery service.
HOW CAN I GET A RENTAL CAR?
If you need a rental car, we can help you make the
necessary arrangements. Insurance companies will only pay
for a rental car if you have that option on your policy or
if you are the claimant. Check your policy and/or call
your insurance company to find out if you have rental
coverage and what your specific limitations are.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY CAR IS DONE?
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be
picked up. You can also check this website. You will see a
message next to the last picture of your vehicle telling you
that your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to
call or e-mail your advisor during the repair process if you
have questions or concerns.
IS THERE A WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE?
Yes. We guarantee all repairs with a Lifetime Warranty.
DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE?
The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for
is determined by your insurance policy. If you carry
broad collision, and you were not at fault, your insurance
company most likely will waive your deductible. Insurance
companies determine fault by your account of the accident
when you make the claim, and by reviewing the accident
report filed with the police department. If you aren't sure
about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can
tell you whether your insurance company has waived your
deductible or whether you will be responsible to pay this
when you pick up your vehicle.
WHO DO I PAY MY DEDUCTIBLE TO?
If your deductible is not waived, it will be your
responsibility to pay us when you pick up your vehicle. If
you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your
agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has
waived your deductible or whether it will be your
responsibility.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your
portion of the repairs to your vehicle is to endorse your
insurance claim check and submit it to the shop. Of course,
cash and checks are always welcome. Credit cards may
be used.
WHAT ARE BETTERMENT CHARGES?
Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use
(i.e., tires, batteries, and suspension parts) are commonly
subject to betterment charges when they are replaced during
the repair process. These betterment charges are determined
by your insurance company and are pro-rated based on actual
miles on your vehicle.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 30 DAYS
DO · Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge. · Always use clean fresh water. · Wash your vehicle in the shade
DON'T · Do not use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface. · Do not "dry wipe" your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish. · Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days. · Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are likely to attract birds. Bird droppings have a high acid content and will damage a freshly painted surface. Also, tree sap can mar or spot a freshly painted surface. · Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish. · Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS
DON'T · Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.