Auto Repair FAQs ...
-Where do I get a claim number?
-What is a direct repair shop?
-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 service work done on my car while it in the
body shop?
-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.
WHAT IS A
DIRECT REPAIR SHOP?
A direct repair facility is a body shop that works
directly with your insurance company as a preferred shop. Body shops earn
the right to be in preferred shop programs by meeting certain requirements.
These include having certified technicians, using the proper equipment, and
most importantly, having a record of satisfied customers. When you use a
preferred shop, the repair process is streamlined. A preferred shop actually
writes the estimate, orders the parts, and repairs your vehicle without
having to wait for an insurance adjuster. Insurance companies constantly
monitor their preferred shops to ensure quality repairs.
ARE YOU OPEN
SATURDAY?
Yes, we are open Saturdays from 9-12 Rancho and
Redlands only.
WILL THE
PARTS BE ORDERED BEFORE I DROP OFF MY VEHICLE FOR REPAIR?
Absolutely. We generally order your vehicle's parts at
the time that we write the estimate and schedule your vehicle for drop-off a
couple of days later. 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 companies 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 laser 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 can make the necessary arrangements.
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.
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. 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 by phone when your vehicle is
ready to be picked up.
IS THERE A
WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE?
Yes. We offer a written warranty on all
repairs for as long as you own the vehicle.
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 standard collision,
you will have to pay your deductible regardless of whether you were at
fault. 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
advisor 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 the deductible when you pick up your vehicle. If
you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your advisor 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?
Visa, MasterCard, Discover & American Express. Of
course, we accept cash.
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.
CAN I WASH
MY CAR?
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 30 DAYS
DO'S
· 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
DONT'S
· 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. Scrapers can act
like a paint scraper on a newly painted finish.
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.