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Choose a Topic: Estimates | Rental Cars | Insurance | The Repair Process
Estimates
No, it is up to you to decide how many estimates you would like and if you want to discuss the repairs with more than one shop. If you have selected a shop, have your insurance company deal directly with them.
Yes, it is your responsibility, and your right, to choose who will repair your vehicle. Also, if you cannot decide on a repair facility, your insurance company can recommend a repair shop. Many insurance companies offer Direct Repair Programs that take the hassle out of the claim process and provide for quicker repairs.
Rental Cars
If you need a rental car, contact us and we can help you make the necessary arrangements.
Yes, if you have rental coverage. Also check with your agent or insurance company to see how much of the rental is covered; some policies pay the full amount, some will only pay a percentage.
Insurance
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.
The cost of repairs plus the value of the vehicle in damaged condition (salvage value) - is greater than the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle prior to the accident.
The insurance company will assign an appraiser to inspect the vehicle to determine its condition prior to the accident, or in some instances allow the repairer to make the determination. They may use a vehicle evaluation service or the newspaper to determine pre-accident value. The owner should also determine the value independently.
Sometimes. If you feel the ACV offered by the insurance company is too low, then you are obligated to prove this either through documented receipts of vehicle enhancement or written statements by qualified experts to determine the proper value.
You have the right to retain ownership of the vehicle, but the amount of the settlement may be reduced by the salvage value.
It will be your responsibility to pay IFM Collision Center when you pick up your vehicle.
No. When you purchased your insurance policy, you signed a contract saying you will pay the first amount of the claim up to your deductible. Repairers should not be asked to hide the deductible. That practice would constitute fraud by both the shop and consumer. The penalties for insurance fraud are severe. If a shop offers to save your deductible, they are absorbing that at your cost. They are not doing the said repairs in order to make up for your deductible. This could lead to unsafe and unsatisfactory repairs which will ultimately cost you at some point.
Subrogation is the process by which your insurance company pays for the repairs to your vehicle, and is obligated to collect from another insurer or party. Your collision coverage will require you to pay your deductible, which may be refunded once the other party pays.
Repair Process
Each repair is unique and the length of time it takes to repair your vehicle depends on many factors. If your car was towed or isn't drivable, may mean the damage is more substantial and you should expect to leave your car at our shop for a while. If the damage is less extensive and you can drive it to the shop, repair time may be shorter. Once an estimate is writtten, we will give you an approximate completion date.
Yes. We guarantee all of our repairs with a written Limited Lifetime Warranty.
You can wash the vehicle immediately. Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth, sponge, or mitt.
• Always use clean fresh water.
• Wash your vehicle in the shade.
• Do not use a commercial brush car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface.
Do not wax or polish the vehicle in the first 90 days. This will allow the finish to cure completely. After the first 90 days keep a coat of polish or wax on the vehicle. This will help keep your finish looking new.
• Do not "dry wipe" your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish.
• 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.