-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.
TOP
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.
TOP
ARE YOU OPEN SATURDAY?
Yes, we are open Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
TOP
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.
TOP
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.
TOP
CAN YOU MATCH THE PAINT COLOR?
Today's modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of
highly specialized paints. Collision Express has 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.
TOP
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.
TOP
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.
TOP
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.
TOP
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY CAR IS DONE?
You will be notified by phone 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.
TOP
IS THERE A WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE?
Yes. Collision Express offers a written warranty on all
repairs for as long
as you own the vehicle.
TOP
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.
TOP
WHO DO I PAY MY DEDUCTIBLE TO?
If your deductible is not waived, it will be your responsibility to
pay Collision Express 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.
TOP
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American Express. Of course,
we accept personal checks and cash.
TOP
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.
TOP
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.
TOP