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Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1) QUESTION: My insurance company requested 3 estimates. Do I need to visit 3 body shops?
  • ANSWER: No, in Indiana , the requirement is one estimate and the choice of shops is yours. Only the owner of the vehicle has the choice as to where the vehicle is repaired. Any "steering" from a company or its' representatives is illegal.

  • 2) QUESTION: My insurance company gave me a list of shops in my area that are on their DRP (Direct Repair Program). Am I obligated to use a shop on this list?
  • ANSWER: You are not obligated, remember....where you decide to have your vehicle repaired is your choice. However, if an insurance company does offer DRP, the shops on this program have met stringent criteria to be considered. Our shop is on several DRP programs, and some of the requirements are as follows:
    • OSHA and EPA approved paint booth
    • Approved MIG welding equipment and training
    • Equipment for mounting, measuring and aligning damaged frame and unibody structures
    • Computerized estimating and proper estimating procedures.
    • Garage Keepers liability insurance (to protect you)
    • Written warranty
    • Quality and timely repairs
    • Ongoing training

  • 3) QUESTION: I have a deductible, can the shop save me my deductible?
  • ANSWER: NO . Your contract with your insurance company states that the deductible you chose is to be applied to the repair as the initial cost. This must be paid upon completion of the repairs. To hide or in any way attempt to save a customer their deductible constitutes fraud and many companies have within their corporate offices, fraud detection units.

  • 4) QUESTION: Will the repaired area of my car look different than the original panels? How about color match?
  • ANSWER: We take great pride in matching the color and finish to its' original condition. Only the best materials are used in the refinish procedures. The finish is top coated with PPG 2042 clear. This clear contains chemical UV barriers which eliminate the risk of fading, crazing and delamination . Also, if needed, all repaired or replaced panels are blended to the adjoining panel to ensure a correct color match.

  • 5) QUESTION: How long will my repairs take?
  • ANSWER: A good rule of thumb is to divide the total number of labor hours by 4. For instance, the estimate calls for 19.2 repair hours. This equates to a five day repair.

  • 6) QUESTION: My car is not drivable , how can I receive an estimate?
  • ANSWER: Most insurance companies will pay for one tow. If need be, arrangements can be made to have your damaged vehicle towed to our shop, and the charges will be added into the estimate. The other option is to have our shop prepare an onsite inspection . The fee for this service is usually between - . Depending on distance and severity of the damage. If your vehicle is repaired at our facility, this fee is waived.

  • 7) QUESTION: I think my frame is bent, and I know that my vehicle will never be right.
  • ANSWER: This is an old wives tale. Most automobiles on the road today utilize what is called a " unibody " and do not incorporate a frame. On the other hand, the SUV types still include a "perimeter" type full frame. If properly done, and using the correct tools for the job, repairs to these structures can be accomplished. There are however, times when a frame or unibody cannot be repaired safely, and we will not attempt to do so. Once repairs to these structures are complete, each repaired vehicle receives a front end alignment, or four wheel alignment , depending on the severity of the repair. This will ensure you that your vehicle will drive as it did prior to the accident.

  • 8) QUESTION: I had an accident and it was not my fault. I have not heard from the other insurance company in over a week.
  • ANSWER: Typically, we wait 5-7 working days for an insurance carrier to process a claim. One of the most important services we provide is to help our customers receive a quality repair, in a timely fashion. Usually a call from our office with a claim number to the company involved will be sufficient to begin the process.
  • 9) QUESTION: Where are you located?
  • ANSWER: Just west of the Back Forty restaurant, on Southampton Drive.

  • 10) QUESTION: How long will I wait to schedule my vehicle at your shop?
  • ANSWER: There are many factors that determine cycle time. Usually parts availability is the biggest factor. Also, work load here at our shop at times can be heavy. When this occurs, evening hours and weekend shifts are created to eliminate long schedule times for our customers. Remember, if a shop is busy, that speaks volumes for the quality of their work.

  • 11) QUESTION: What kind of parts will you use on my car?
  • ANSWER: In Indiana , PL 194 (part law 194) states that insurance companies may request used (LKQ-like, kind, quality) or aftermarket parts in the repair of you vehicle IF....you are a claimant.or your vehicle is more than 5 years old. Each insurance company has there own guidelines and this issue is different within each individual case. No repairs are scheduled here until the vehicle owner understands the procedures and is satisfied with the agreed repair.

  • 12) QUESTION: How do I schedule a repair at your shop?
  • ANSWER: Simply call or a visit our office, or log into this web site and provide the requested information . Please have your contact information and claim number available. If you wish assistance in this matter, do not hesitate to contact us. Remember...we deal with these matters are on a daily basis, and this is our service to you, our valued customer.