What are your hours of operation?
Do I need an estimate (or multiple estimates) first?
Do I have to take my vehicle where my insurance company refers me to?
What should I look for when choosing a repair facility?
Who is responsible for the guarantee of workmanship and safety of my vehicle repairs?
Is there a warranty on the repairs to my vehicle?
Am I required to return to the original Autobody America shop that repaired my car to have the warranty work done?
How do I file a warranty claim?
What is NOT covered by the warranty?
Will I incur any additional costs if I file a warranty claim?
What information should I bring to the shop?
Where do I get a claim number?
Do I have to pay a deductible?
When do I pay my deductible?
What forms of payment do you accept?
Service work done on my vehicle while it is in the body shop?
How can I get a rental car?
If my vehicle's frame is damaged is it a total loss?
What does it mean if my vehicle is a total loss?
What happens when my vehicle is deemed a total loss?
What are betterment charges?
After I pick up my vehicle, do I need to take any precautions with the new paint finish?
What are your hours of operation?
We are open Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm and Saturday. 9:00am-12:00pm
Do I need an estimate (or multiple estimates) first?
No. You are free to get as many estimates as you desire, but it is not necessary. Your only obligation is to choose the shop of your choice and inform the insurance company. In most cases, your vehicle will require some disassembly of damaged parts to produce an accurate estimate of your damage. Driving from shop to shop gathering estimates on only the visible damage is an unnecessary waste of your time. Choose a shop based on its reputation, its ability to repair your car and its warranty, and then leave the car for them to work with your insurance company as well as perform any required disassembly to produce a complete estimate.
Do I have to take my vehicle where my insurance company refers me to?
Your insurance company may provide a list of recommended shops. However, your insurance company will allow you to have your vehicle repaired where you prefer. Autobody America has established positive business relationships with virtually every auto insurance company. We will work on your behalf with any insurance company to make sure your vehicle is repaired correctly. Our warranty guarantees your total satisfaction with our service and repairs.
What should I look for when choosing a repair facility?
Referrals from other satisfied customers or insurance companies. Evidence of employee training and certification through accredited industry standards, such as I-CAR. Repair shops who guarantee their work with a lifetime warranty.
Who is responsible for the guarantee of workmanship and safety of my vehicle repairs?
The repair facility is ultimately responsible. You should choose a facility that offers a lifetime warranty on all work performed.
Is there a warranty on the repairs to my vehicle?
Yes. We guarantees all repairs with a Limited Lifetime Warranty good for as long as you own your vehicle.
Am I required to return to the original Autobody America shop that repaired my car to have the warranty work done?
No, our warranty is honored at any of our locations regardless of which one performed the original repairs. See our locations page for a location nearest to you.
How do I file a warranty claim?
Simply call any Autobody America location for an appointment, bring your warranty into the shop and we will handle the rest.
What is NOT covered by the warranty?
The warranty covers the specific itemized repair performed by Autobody America, including labor and materials. The warranty does not include:
- Parts
- Defects resulting from misuse or lack of proper maintenance
- Normal wear and tear, element exposure and extreme environmental damages
- Repair/replacement of tires, batteries, electrical parts, wiper blades, oils, lubricants or mechanical parts
- Alignment after 90 days
- Rust repairs
Will I incur any additional costs if I file a warranty claim?
No. All you need to do is call any Autobody America location for an appointment and bring your warranty into the shop when you arrive for service. The work will be performed free of charge.
What information should I bring to the shop?
Bring your insurance company claim number and the name of the contact person. We will take it from there.
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.
Do I have to pay a deductible?
If the claim is under your insurance policy, your insurance company will pay the claim over the amount of your deductible written in your policy. If the other party is at fault, your insurance company should try to pursue reimbursement of your deductible through that other party. If you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your agent or claims handler and they can tell you whether it will be your responsibility.
When do I pay my deductible?
If you owe a deductible, you will pay us when you pick up your vehicle after the repair.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Autobody America accepts Master Card, Visa, Personal Checks and Insurance Company Checks.
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 or she can make the necessary arrangements.
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 or if you are the claimant. Check your policy and/or call your insurance company to find out if you have rental coverage and what your specific limitations are.
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 company's determined value of your vehicle. Most cars today are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction. Our highly skilled technicians, with the aid of our state-of the-art computer 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.
What does it mean if my vehicle is a total loss?
It means that it would not be cost effective to have the vehicle repaired due to the damages it sustained.
What happens when my vehicle is deemed a total loss?
The insurance company has their Total Loss Specialist run a local market valuation specific to the year, make, model, condition and mileage of your vehicle. The Specialist will then contact you regarding the valuation. This should include the vehicle replacement cost and tax and license fees. Your insurance company will also pay for any charges to your vehicle at the shop and pick up your vehicle for sale at auction to a salvage yard.
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.
After I pick up my vehicle, do I need to take any precautions with the new paint finish?
Yes, Follow these few simple tips when caring for your new finish:
- Use cool water and mild detergent when washing
- Wash in a shaded area
- Wipe only with cloth that is damp or wet, not dry
- Wait 90 days before polishing or waxing
Avoid:
- Extreme temperatures
- Commercial washes
- Exposing to chemicals such as antifreeze or coolant
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