Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about our collision repair process, turnaround times, insurance handling, and more.
YES! YES! YES! It is your car, it is your choice. Your money paid the premiums, and you are entitled to take your car to a qualified shop of your choice. No need to get 3 estimates.
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.
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.
The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. 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.
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. We accept cash, debit cards, and all major credit cards. We do not accept personal checks.
● OEM Original equipment manufactured (parts directly from the dealer).
● LKQ Like, Kind, and Quality (OEM parts that have been taken off a vehicle that was probably totaled or sold for parts).
● REMAN Original equipment part that has been refurbished for resale.
● AFTERMARKET Parts made from someone other than the original manufacturer. They are often less expensive than OEM parts, which is why your insurance might require us to use them. Some aftermarket parts have been certified by CAPA (Certified Automotive Parts Association). CAPA tests for quality standard fits and corrosion protection, and verifies that the parts are similar to OEM. The parts supplier will offer a lifetime guarantee against rust and leakage.
Not necessarily. A car is a total loss only when the cost 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.
In order to do a professional, quality bumper refinish, we must be able to paint the edges that are tightly fit against the car. Anything less would jeopardize the durability of the paint procedure. Short cuts are NOT recommended.
Betterment is a charge, or reduction in payment for wear and tear on parts. Insurance companies apply this on replaced parts such as tires, suspension, shocks, ball joints, etc. Example: If your tire needs to be replaced due to an accident, and it was 50% used, the insurance will only cover 50% of the new tire cost as betterment.
The blending of an adjacent panel ensures a correct color match. This is mostly done when cars are painted with a pearl, metallic or non-solid color.