Frequently Asked Questions For Our Customers
How do I set up an insurance claim? – Contact your insurance company and report the accident…this will begin the claims process. Tell them you have chosen to have your collision repairs performed at Collision Solutions. Contact us directly and our customer service representatives will guide you through the entire repair process. We are direct repair providers for many insurance companies, meaning we can make the process simple and convenient for you.
Do I need more than one estimate? – There is no law requiring you to provide more than one estimate to your insurance company. Where your vehicle is repaired is always your choice. Your insurance company may choose to send an appraiser to your home or our shop to determine the amount of the loss.
What if the estimate I got from the insurance company is different from yours? – Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not included all necessary work. If you are not sure why one estimate is different from another you’ve received please ask and we will be happy to go over it with you.
Should I drive my vehicle after an accident? – It really depends on the extent of your damage. Generally speaking, if you have any lights out or your vehicle doesn’t feel like it is operating safely, (such as parts rubbing tires or not driving straight), give us a call and we can arrange for your vehicle to be towed. You may also request to have your vehicle towed to one of our shops directly from the accident scene. We would be glad to help you determine your vehicle’s safety by simply dropping by one of our locations.
Are you open on weekends? – Our business hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm, excluding major holidays. Depending on the circumstances and our availability, we can sometimes arrange for an appointment outside of our normal business hours.
Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my car for repairs? – Typically, parts are ordered once we have confirmed that all damaged items have been identified. If your vehicle has the potential for hidden damage, then your parts will be ordered once it has been disassembled and an accurate parts order can be generated. If all the damage is visible, then your parts may be ordered prior to you vehicle’s arrival. On most popular makes and models, we can receive parts in 48 hours or less.
How is a vehicle determined a “total loss”? – When your insurance company determines the repair costs will exceed your vehicle’s value, this is known as an “economic total loss”. If the damage to our veof total loss situations are “economic total losses”.
Can you match the factory paint color? – We guarantee that the factory color will be matched, as long as all painting is completed in accordance with factory suggested procedures. We use the finest automotive paints and processes available. If your vehicle has had prior paint work or mismatched paint, additional charges may apply for us to be able to match the existing finish.
How long will the repairs on my vehicle take? – Repair times depend on the extent of the damage, parts availability, and whether additional damage is discovered once the repair process is underway. One an initial repair plan is generated, our customer service representative will be able to give you an estimated completion date. The estimated completion date could change if additional damage is discovered or if parts are backordered or unavailable, however we will keep you updated throughout the process.
What’s the difference between OEM, aftermarket, and used parts? – OEM parts are manufactured by the maker of your vehicle. Non-OEM parts, often called aftermarket parts, are made by third party vendors. Many insurance companies recommend less expensive non-OEM parts for the repair of damaged vehicles because it keeps insurance costs down, The industry see’s non-OEM parts as quality replacements that are guaranteed and a reasonable alternative to OEM parts. LKQ (like kind and quality) are used or dalvage OEM parts. They are factory used parts off a vehicle similar to yours.
Can I get a ride home or to work when I drop off my car? – We will be glad to shuttle you locally to work or home, however please check your insurance policy for alternate transportation coverage which may provide you with a rental car. Most policies now have rental coverage. If you are not sure or time does not permit, just provide our customer service representatives with your policy number and we would be happy to look into this for you.
How can I get a rental car set up for the day I drop off my car? – We work closely with Enterprise Rent a Car. When you arrive at one of our shops, we will contact Enterprise and they will pick you up and take care of your rental vehicle.
How will I know my car is completed? – Our staff will notify you when the repairs are completed and ready for pick-up. We will also contact you throughout the repair process.
Is there a warranty for the repairs to my car? – All our repairs are backed by a LIFETIME written warranty, given to you at the completion of the repair.
Do I have to pay my deductible? – Yes, it is mandated by your insurance policy that you pay your deductible to the body shop at the completion of your repairs. If you are not at fault in your loss, you will be compensated by your insurance company directly. If you are not sure of who’s liable for your claim, we can help you find out.
What if the insurance company already took out my deductible? – You are responsible for paying your deductible. Your insurance company is responsible for the entire remaining balance after you have paid your deductible. If you are unsure what your deductible is please contact us and we will contact your insurance company to find out.
What forms of payment do you accept? – We accept checks, bank or cashiers checks, cash, visa, mastercard, discover, American express, debit cars, and personal checks less than $500.00
What are betterment or depreciation charges? – These are charges determined by your insurance carrier on parts that have a specific lifetime associated with them or wear out over time. These charges are pro-rated based on the year and mileage of your vehicle. Examples of these parts are radiators, exhaust components, tires, and specific suspension parts. If your repair includes the replacement of parts that are partially (or fully) depreciated, you may be responsible for paying for the portion of these parts that you “used up” before the loss occurred. Again, these charges are determined by your insurance carrier and are outside of our control.
Can I drop my car off after hours? – Absolutely, simply let your customer service rep know and they will explain the process and gather information from you.
How should I care for my car after the repairs are complete? - Once your vehicle has been returned to you, you will be able to hand wash it as normal. We recommend that you do not use a mechanical car wash for at least two weeks after repairs are completed. Also, we saddest you do not apply any wax or sealer to any of the newly painted surfaces for at least one month. Be aware that tree sap, bird droppings, and road tar can stain or mar the finish to fresh or factory paint, so your vehicle clean of this material as best as possible.
What we do. -
Being involved in an accident can be a stressful experience. The accident management team at Collision Solutions understands the inconvenience an accident can bring into your life. Collision Solutions performs safe and accurate repairs…..all backed by our written lifetime warranty.
How we do it.
Estimate – an accurate repair plan is essential to streamlining the repair process. Each vehicle must be disassembled prior to the estimating process to expose any hidden damage and to prevent potential delays. Dropping off a vehicle vs. getting a visual damage estimate can greatly reduce the amount of time needed to complete the necessary repairs.
Structural – To ensure proper fit of bolted and welded panels, all structural components must be restored to their proper dimensions. By utilizing electronic and mechanical measuring technology, Collision Solutions is able to make an exact determination of any deviation that may be present. Then, damaged components are repaired or replaced as necessary to return the vehicle’s structure to it’s original specifications.
Mechanical – Collision Solutions employs technicians who are trained and qualified to make repairs to commonly damaged components such as suspension systems, A/C and cooling systems, airbag and passenger restraints, engine and drive rain components.
Body – Each Collision Solution location is an ICAR gold class certified facility. This is important when technical repairs are required such as welding a replacement panel into place, or straightening high-strength steel, plastic or aluminum components.
Refinish – Collision solutions understands vehicle coatings and uses the finest PPG materials in refinishing your vehicle.