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Q: Doesn’t my insurance company choose my repair shop for me?
A: No. But they may try very hard to get you to take your damaged
vehicle to one of their “preferred collision repair shops” or may make it difficult for
you to choose a collision repair shop of your choice.
Bottom Line: Auto insurance is not an HMO, and you can and should choose your own auto body repair
shop to protect your interests and your investment. The large insurance companies place restrictions
on their “preferred” collision repair shops. They insist that they use aftermarket or
imitation parts, and make demands— such as meeting time constraints and pressure to keep your
car rental days down —that may cause a collision repair shop to cut corners to make a profit.
So the big insurance companies choose to align themselves with the collision repair shops that can
turn out high volumes of repaired vehicles in a short amount of time, to make a profit. Preferred
collision repair shops are like the fast food of the auto body repair industry.
Some collision repair shops may not be as “fast” because they provide a higher level of
customer service and quality. At Autotech you’ll get a more personalized experience throughout
the claim process because you are dealing with the owner.
Ask around. Do your research. Visit the collision repair shops not just for pricing but to get a feel
for who is looking out for you, your family, and the overall safety of your vehicle. Most of all,
choose the auto body shop you feel the most comfortable with. Make it your decision,
not your insurance company’s.
Q: My insurance company told me they will only pay for the repairs off the lowest estimate and that I will be held responsible for the difference.
A: Insurance companies have hired master negotiators to adjust
claims and protect their best interests. The insurance company is in the business of money management
not repairing cars to specification. Shouldn’t you hire a master negotiator to protect the
second largest investment you’ve most likely made? When an insurance company pushes you into
low quality repairs it not only reduces the value and longevity of your vehicle but it could put
you and your family’s safety at risk.
According to State law, your insurance carrier must negotiate in good faith with your shop of choice
to arrive at an agreed price for repairs. It is the role of the professional Collision Repair Specialist
to be the advocate for you and the repairs of your vehicle.
Q: What if an insurance company refuses to work with the repair shop I’ve chosen?
A: As the vehicle owner, you make the ultimate decision about
where your vehicle will be repaired. You have the right to choose the collision repair shop. There
are laws in place that give you this right and prevent anyone from requiring you to use a different
collision repair shop.
Q: Who is responsible for the guarantee of safety and workmanship of my vehicle?
A: The collision repair shop is ultimately responsible. You should
choose a collision repair facility that provides a lifetime warranty. If you have any questions please
feel free to contact us.
Q: What about any additional charges after the insurance company issues a check?
A: When additional damage becomes apparent as the auto body repair
progresses, a claim can be re-opened. The additional hidden damage is referred to as supplemental
damage and a supplement check will be issued. An estimate is exactly that – an estimate, not
a guarantee of a final number for the cost of repairs.
Q: If I know the repair shop that I want to repair my vehicle, can I drop it off without an estimate?
A: An estimate is not necessary if you know the collision repair
shop that will be doing the repairs. However to accelerate the process of auto body repairs, the
shop may ask you to schedule your vehicle at a convenient time for drop off. The collision repair
shop may also ask you to stop in so they can take photos and gather information so parts may be pre-ordered,
this helps eliminate delays and helps to get your vehicle back in fewer days.
Q: How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?
A: Repair time depends on the damage to your vehicle. Once the
vehicle has been inspected Autotech will be able to give you an expected delivery date. We will update
you throughout the repair process as frequently as you would like. Should there be a change to the
original delivery date you will be notified.
Q: Will my car ever be the same after my accident?
A: Absolutely! It is our job, as your collision repair shop,
to restore the safety, function, and appearance of your vehicle to pre-accident condition.
Using the latest repair technology, we return your car to the original factory specifications and tolerances.
Then we refinish your vehicle using the finest quality Sikkens waterborne paints, which, in many
cases, will actually surpass the original paint job in corrosion and gloss retention. The Sikkens
waterborne paint products are water-based and eco friendly.
Q: How do I know how much my deductible is and when is it due?
A: The insurance deductible is due upon the completion of your
vehicles repairs to the collision repair shop. If you have a question regarding your coverage, policy,
or deductible, please ask our staff.
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