Jerry's-Collision-Repair-Header-Frequently-Asked-Questions

Answers to Some

of Your Most

Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions2018-09-18T23:54:20+00:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What will my hood or fenders with rock chips look like after they have been blended?2016-01-20T19:46:54+00:00

When we blend a panel for color match and consistency, we paint approximately 1/2 of the panel with the color and clear coat the entire panel.

The clear coat has a tendency to exaggerate the previous chips in the panel we are blending. You may want to inquire for the additional charge to paint the entire panel when possible.

We repair your vehicle to it’s pre-accident condition and any damage that applies to the claim-Additional repairs will be your responsibility.2018-10-23T20:15:20+00:00

Occasionally, in the process of repair we find previous damage to a vehicle unrelated to the accident. In this case we would notify the owner of the vehicle and invite you to come and inspect the previous damage, at this time we would prepare an estimate to repair the previous damage.

There are a couple of choices to make at this time, either pay to repair the prior damage, call your insurance company and ask if they will allow another claim to be opened to repair this damage (another deductible will apply), or not fix it at all.

Prior damage can obstruct the repairs we are performing and cause the quality of our repair to be compromised.

REPAIRING YOUR DAMAGED VEHICLE – A Guide Only2016-01-20T21:27:52+00:00

This document is only a guide to the General Principles involved in lien laws. You should consult your own attorney for specific legal advise and opinions.

Please go to the Illinois Government website to read all of the Facts.

How Many Repair Estimates Must I Submit?2016-01-20T21:11:52+00:00

Your insurance company may ask for several estimates. There is no law that states how many estimates you must submit or that limits the number the company can ask for. One should be sufficient from the shop of your choice.

Must I take my vehicle to an insurance company drive-in claims for an estimate?2016-01-20T21:12:47+00:00

You are not required to take your vehicle to a drive-in claims facility. It is your right as the vehicle owner to obtain an estimate from the shop of your choice. Your required to notify your insurance company of the vehicle’s location so that it may be examined by the claims adjuster. However, if you have already gone to a drive-in claims facility, make sure you take a copy of the insurance adjuster’s estimate with you when obtaining repair shop estimates and choosing a facility to repair your vehicle.

If I go to the insurance company’s drive-in claims facility, do I have to take my vehicle to one of its preferred shops for repair?2016-01-20T21:28:55+00:00

There are no laws or regulations requiring you to go to any specific repair shop. Some insurance companies may pay for vehicle damages equal to the estimate amount prepared at one of its preferred shops. Keep in mind as the vehicle owner you have freedom of choice. Make that choice wisely when the safety of your family is involved!

Must I notify my insurance company before repairs may begin on my vehicle?2016-01-20T21:13:14+00:00

Yes. Your insurance policy requires you to notify your them to make a Notice of Claim. Once a claim report has been made, you may leave your vehicle at a repair facility of your choice. Notify the insurance company claim representative or adjuster where your damaged vehicle may be inspected. Once a claim representative or adjuster has inspected your vehicle, you may authorize repairs to begin.

Who guarantees the workmanship and safety of my vehicle repairs – the insurance company or the body shop?2016-01-20T21:26:12+00:00

The repair shop and in limited circumstances your insurance company.  Your insurance company does not accept the liability for the quality and safety of your vehicle’s repair – the repair shop does. It is up to you to choose the best collision repair shop. Speak to body shop owner or manager to voice your concerns and ask questions. Once you feel confident the shop is adequately trained and equipped to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition, you may then proceed. At that time, any Warranty will be held up by the collision repair shop. You have the legal right and authority to satisfy your “Due Diligence” before signing any repair order.

How do I go about choosing a collision repair shop?2016-01-20T21:13:28+00:00

Start with asking your friends and relatives about their experiences. Not all people on the “Review Sites” are being truthful and some sites hide the good reviews from showing. Always speak with the shop owner/manager and ask to have a look around the shop while they explain their procedures. Ask for certifications or special training they have acquired. Ask the owner/manager about restoring your vehicle back to its “pre-accident condition” to see his take on repairing vehicles correctly.

Do I have to accept replacement crash parts?2016-01-20T21:13:35+00:00

No.

Although insurance companies aren’t required to use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts, such as GM or Ford, you have the final choice of which parts will be used to fix your vehicle.

However, if your company wants to use non-OEM parts, and you request more expensive OEM parts, you may have to pay the difference.

For more info on OEM parts and why you should use them, go to CrashRepairInfo.com.

When is my Deductible due?2016-01-20T21:13:43+00:00

The deductible is due at the end of the repair when you come to pick up your vehicle.

If you request a parts pre order, and the claim has not been approved, you may be required to sign an authorization of repairs and/or leave a deposit.

What if someone damages my vehicle and wants to pay my repairs on their own?2016-10-24T16:35:51+00:00

This is a very sensitive situation.

We cannot accept funds from a third party, if you settle with the person that is paying for the repairs, you must have them pay you, and you must pay us for the repairs.

We cannot accept funds for your repair from the other person.

Our agreement and authorization must be from the owner of the vehicle.

How exact is the estimate you wrote for me?2016-10-24T16:35:51+00:00

The estimate we wrote is exactly that… an estimate.

We attempt to be as precise as we are able to, but there are many variables in the process of collision repair.

First there is concealed or secondary damage; this is damage that is not visible or obvious until the vehicle is disassembled.

Second there are parts price increases from the dealer parts database that have not been published to our software.

There are other variables involved but these are the two predominant factors.

How long will it take to repair my vehicle?2016-01-20T21:14:05+00:00

This depends on the insurance coverage confirmation at the beginning.

We must have coverage and/or liability confirmation before the insurance company will authorize us to start repairs or order parts.

We must also have your written authorization before starting repairs.

Due to the variety of collisions and the different repair processes involved, and parts availability each repair time will be different.

After the estimate is written we can calculate and estimated target time for your planning convenience.

What is the difference between OEM and Aftermarket parts And quality?2016-01-20T21:14:12+00:00

Aftermarket (A/M) parts are NOT made by the original manufacturer; typically they are made overseas and shipped to the U.S. as alternative replacement parts for various vehicles.

In many instances the fit is not as accurate as the “original equipment manufacturer” (OEM); causing lines between the panels to have variances from front to back or side to side.

The finish on the A/M parts is not as corrosive protected as the OEM part. Structurally, most A/M parts are inferior to OEM.

Please refer to CrashRepairInfo.com for all the details.

What is blending?2016-01-20T21:14:23+00:00

We will blend a panel when it is adjacent to another panel we are replacing or the repair is close to another panel.

For instance if we were to replace your left front fender, we would blend the hood and the left front door.

Blending is painting the color in to approximately 1/2 to 2/3 of the panel and clear coating the entire panel. This process allows an indiscernible paint and texture difference between the panels.

How long is the paint repair warranty?2016-01-20T21:14:32+00:00

Paint and body repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your vehicle.

Please read our written warranty.

When can I wash my car?2016-01-20T21:14:40+00:00

You may hand wash your vehicle right away, in most instances.

Caution must be taken when washing your vehicle that the surface of the vehicle is cool when spraying with cold water. Cold water on a hot paint can cause a discoloration.

Always make certain, you wash your vehicle in the morning or when the vehicle has been in the shade and the surface of the paint is cool to the touch.

What will my hood or fenders with rock chips look like after they have been blended?2016-01-20T19:46:54+00:00

When we blend a panel for color match and consistency, we paint approximately 1/2 of the panel with the color and clear coat the entire panel.

The clear coat has a tendency to exaggerate the previous chips in the panel we are blending. You may want to inquire for the additional charge to paint the entire panel when possible.

We repair your vehicle to it’s pre-accident condition and any damage that applies to the claim-Additional repairs will be your responsibility.2018-10-23T20:15:20+00:00

Occasionally, in the process of repair we find previous damage to a vehicle unrelated to the accident. In this case we would notify the owner of the vehicle and invite you to come and inspect the previous damage, at this time we would prepare an estimate to repair the previous damage.

There are a couple of choices to make at this time, either pay to repair the prior damage, call your insurance company and ask if they will allow another claim to be opened to repair this damage (another deductible will apply), or not fix it at all.

Prior damage can obstruct the repairs we are performing and cause the quality of our repair to be compromised.

REPAIRING YOUR DAMAGED VEHICLE – A Guide Only2016-01-20T21:27:52+00:00

This document is only a guide to the General Principles involved in lien laws. You should consult your own attorney for specific legal advise and opinions.

Please go to the Illinois Government website to read all of the Facts.

How Many Repair Estimates Must I Submit?2016-01-20T21:11:52+00:00

Your insurance company may ask for several estimates. There is no law that states how many estimates you must submit or that limits the number the company can ask for. One should be sufficient from the shop of your choice.

Must I take my vehicle to an insurance company drive-in claims for an estimate?2016-01-20T21:12:47+00:00

You are not required to take your vehicle to a drive-in claims facility. It is your right as the vehicle owner to obtain an estimate from the shop of your choice. Your required to notify your insurance company of the vehicle’s location so that it may be examined by the claims adjuster. However, if you have already gone to a drive-in claims facility, make sure you take a copy of the insurance adjuster’s estimate with you when obtaining repair shop estimates and choosing a facility to repair your vehicle.

If I go to the insurance company’s drive-in claims facility, do I have to take my vehicle to one of its preferred shops for repair?2016-01-20T21:28:55+00:00

There are no laws or regulations requiring you to go to any specific repair shop. Some insurance companies may pay for vehicle damages equal to the estimate amount prepared at one of its preferred shops. Keep in mind as the vehicle owner you have freedom of choice. Make that choice wisely when the safety of your family is involved!

Must I notify my insurance company before repairs may begin on my vehicle?2016-01-20T21:13:14+00:00

Yes. Your insurance policy requires you to notify your them to make a Notice of Claim. Once a claim report has been made, you may leave your vehicle at a repair facility of your choice. Notify the insurance company claim representative or adjuster where your damaged vehicle may be inspected. Once a claim representative or adjuster has inspected your vehicle, you may authorize repairs to begin.

Who guarantees the workmanship and safety of my vehicle repairs – the insurance company or the body shop?2016-01-20T21:26:12+00:00

The repair shop and in limited circumstances your insurance company.  Your insurance company does not accept the liability for the quality and safety of your vehicle’s repair – the repair shop does. It is up to you to choose the best collision repair shop. Speak to body shop owner or manager to voice your concerns and ask questions. Once you feel confident the shop is adequately trained and equipped to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition, you may then proceed. At that time, any Warranty will be held up by the collision repair shop. You have the legal right and authority to satisfy your “Due Diligence” before signing any repair order.

How do I go about choosing a collision repair shop?2016-01-20T21:13:28+00:00

Start with asking your friends and relatives about their experiences. Not all people on the “Review Sites” are being truthful and some sites hide the good reviews from showing. Always speak with the shop owner/manager and ask to have a look around the shop while they explain their procedures. Ask for certifications or special training they have acquired. Ask the owner/manager about restoring your vehicle back to its “pre-accident condition” to see his take on repairing vehicles correctly.

Do I have to accept replacement crash parts?2016-01-20T21:13:35+00:00

No.

Although insurance companies aren’t required to use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts, such as GM or Ford, you have the final choice of which parts will be used to fix your vehicle.

However, if your company wants to use non-OEM parts, and you request more expensive OEM parts, you may have to pay the difference.

For more info on OEM parts and why you should use them, go to CrashRepairInfo.com.

When is my Deductible due?2016-01-20T21:13:43+00:00

The deductible is due at the end of the repair when you come to pick up your vehicle.

If you request a parts pre order, and the claim has not been approved, you may be required to sign an authorization of repairs and/or leave a deposit.

What if someone damages my vehicle and wants to pay my repairs on their own?2016-10-24T16:35:51+00:00

This is a very sensitive situation.

We cannot accept funds from a third party, if you settle with the person that is paying for the repairs, you must have them pay you, and you must pay us for the repairs.

We cannot accept funds for your repair from the other person.

Our agreement and authorization must be from the owner of the vehicle.

How exact is the estimate you wrote for me?2016-10-24T16:35:51+00:00

The estimate we wrote is exactly that… an estimate.

We attempt to be as precise as we are able to, but there are many variables in the process of collision repair.

First there is concealed or secondary damage; this is damage that is not visible or obvious until the vehicle is disassembled.

Second there are parts price increases from the dealer parts database that have not been published to our software.

There are other variables involved but these are the two predominant factors.

How long will it take to repair my vehicle?2016-01-20T21:14:05+00:00

This depends on the insurance coverage confirmation at the beginning.

We must have coverage and/or liability confirmation before the insurance company will authorize us to start repairs or order parts.

We must also have your written authorization before starting repairs.

Due to the variety of collisions and the different repair processes involved, and parts availability each repair time will be different.

After the estimate is written we can calculate and estimated target time for your planning convenience.

What is the difference between OEM and Aftermarket parts And quality?2016-01-20T21:14:12+00:00

Aftermarket (A/M) parts are NOT made by the original manufacturer; typically they are made overseas and shipped to the U.S. as alternative replacement parts for various vehicles.

In many instances the fit is not as accurate as the “original equipment manufacturer” (OEM); causing lines between the panels to have variances from front to back or side to side.

The finish on the A/M parts is not as corrosive protected as the OEM part. Structurally, most A/M parts are inferior to OEM.

Please refer to CrashRepairInfo.com for all the details.

What is blending?2016-01-20T21:14:23+00:00

We will blend a panel when it is adjacent to another panel we are replacing or the repair is close to another panel.

For instance if we were to replace your left front fender, we would blend the hood and the left front door.

Blending is painting the color in to approximately 1/2 to 2/3 of the panel and clear coating the entire panel. This process allows an indiscernible paint and texture difference between the panels.

How long is the paint repair warranty?2016-01-20T21:14:32+00:00

Paint and body repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your vehicle.

Please read our written warranty.

When can I wash my car?2016-01-20T21:14:40+00:00

You may hand wash your vehicle right away, in most instances.

Caution must be taken when washing your vehicle that the surface of the vehicle is cool when spraying with cold water. Cold water on a hot paint can cause a discoloration.

Always make certain, you wash your vehicle in the morning or when the vehicle has been in the shade and the surface of the paint is cool to the touch.

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