WHERE DO I GET A CLAIM NUMBER? Your insurance company issues claim numbers at the time you report your accident. Just write it down and bring it in with you when you come in to begin the repair process, BodyWorks, Inc. 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.
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 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. BodyWorks, Inc. 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.
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.
HOW CAN I GET 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. Feel free to call or e-mail your advisor during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.
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. 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 BodyWorks, Inc. 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 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's
Dont'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.
Do not use a commercial car wash.
Do not use stiff brushes or sponges. They can 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. It is very easy to chip the finish in the first 30 days
Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are like to attrach 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 a newly painted surface. Ice scrapers can act like a paint scraper on a newly painted surface.
Recommendations and precautions for the first 90 days
Do not wax or polish the vehicle as this may prevent the finish from drying and hardening completely.
