Saturday, August 8, 2009
Collision repair
Labels: autobodyrepair, collision repair, collision repair estimates, collision repair parts 1 comments
I have over 30 years experience in the Collision repair industry.
If you have any questions please post them here.
August 8, 2009 at 10:51 AM
OK lets get the ball rolling with a couple of items I have learned are very important but you will be hard pressed to find discussed anywhere else because insurance companies and repair facilities alike try to avoid negatives at all costs.
One of the most important factors in the repair process hinges on you doing your homework, many people acquire insurance just to have an insurance card to show in case they are ever required to produce this document for what ever reason but do not think or care about the coverage they actually have until it's to late.
READ YOUR POLICY!
Understand your coverage; I know that some policies are confusing and hard to understand with all the legal mumbo jumbo and terminology.
Call your Ins. Rep. and have them explain anything you do not understand.
Make sure you have rental coverage, (It's cheap)
Oh so many times I have had customers that assumed or thought they had rental coverage only to find out they don't, CONFIRM IT.
Assuming you have rental coverage, Ins. companies will usually have a per day max and or total dollar amount limit, do not rent beyond your means on the assumption your vehicle repairs will be completed by a certain date, I know you always wanted to drive the big luxury car or the Gas sucking SUV but be prepared and rent the cheapest model you feel comfortable in because what you have at this point is an estimate for repair cost and the time it will take to perform those repairs, not an Exactimate, There are so many variables involved in the repair process the average consumer could not even begin to grasp them all.
ALTERNATE PARTS.
This should be covered in your policy; if not contact your Ins. Rep. for an explanation of the types of parts that will be utilized to repair your vehicle.
Do not whine or complain about aftermarket or used parts utilized to repair your vehicle unless you did your homework and chose a policy from a company that offers original parts replacement, at this point you are getting what you paid for.
Some of the alternate parts utilized will be the same across the board regardless of Ins. carrier; these items may include but not be limited to Radiators, AC condensers, Coolant.
If you have a newer vehicle contact your dealer to insure theses components will not affect the factory warranty.
If you find they will affect the factory warranty, call the shop to stop repairs at this point until you can speak with your Ins. claim Rep.