- Do you offer free estimates ?
- Can I get an estimate over the phone?
- Am I required to take my car where my insurance company tells me to?
- Do I need more than one estimate?
- I have gotten more than one estimate for the damage on my vehicle. Why are there differences in the amounts?
- Do I have to report the need for repairs to my agent and/or insurance company?
- Can you make my insurance claim for me?
- What if an insurance appraiser wants to look at my vehicle before it gets repaired?
- I need a ride home when I drop my vehicle off. Can you help me with this?
- I have a deductible to pay on this claim. Can you save it for me?
- My car was damaged after-hours or on the weekend. Can I have it towed to your shop?
- How do I know what shop to pick and if they will be reliable?
- How long will it take to get my vehicle repaired?
Having an accident presents a lot of questions to you, the vehicle owner. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked. If your questions are not addressed in this area please call our office or e-mail Us.
Do you offer free estimates ?
Yes. You can come in anytime between Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 5:30pm. Estimates typically take 10 – 30 minutes (depending on the extent of the damage) and can be done while you wait. You do not need an appointment.
Can I get an estimate over the phone?
Due to the many differences in vehicles and vehicle repairs we only write estimates upon visual inspection of the vehicle. By doing this we are able to provide you with a comprehensive and complete assessment of the damage to your vehicle.
Am I required to take my car where my insurance company tells me to?
Absolutely not. According to Michigan law you have the right to take your vehicle to the repair facility of your choice. Insurance companies will sometimes try to convince you that the work and/or warranties are of better value when taken to their direct repair shops. Direct repair contracts that exist between insurance companies and collision shops are normally based on an agreement of labor & part discounts in exchange for work referrals.
Do I need more than one estimate?
By law you only have to get one estimate.
I have gotten more than one estimate for the damage on my vehicle. Why are there differences in the amounts?
Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate many not include all necessary work, or may contain the use of inferior parts. If you are not sure why one estimate is different from another, please ask.
Do I have to report the need for repairs to my agent and/or insurance company?
It is your decision to contact your insurance company. An individual may decide not to have their insurance company pay for the damage. If you do decide to submit a claim to your insurance company, it must be the policy holder that notifies your agent and/or insurance company that your vehicle needs repair.
Can you make my insurance claim for me?
Unfortunately we cannot. Insurance companies must hear from you so they can access your policy and gather details on the claim. We will be happy to assist you in any way we can, including faxing or emailing an estimate and/or photos to your agent or adjuster. Once a claim has been set up we can handle a variety of the details for you. While you are making your claim, be sure to inquire of any applicable deductibles that apply and whether or not you have car rental coverage.
What if an insurance appraiser wants to look at my vehicle before it gets repaired?
Some insurance companies will want to inspect your vehicle before it its repaired. You may leave your vehicle at our shop and ask that the insurance company inspect it here or you can request an inspection at your home or work.
I need a ride home when I drop my vehicle off. Can you help me with this?
Yes we can. We can take you home when you drop your vehicle off and pick you back up when it’s done.
I have a deductible to pay on this claim. Can you save it for me?
Our mission is to restore you vehicle to its pre-accident condition. Shops that are willing to discount or waive the deductibles are often not doing all of the work required. This can mean that your vehicle is not as safe as it was before and almost always spells trouble when you try to sell it for its fair-market value. In order to honestly repair your vehicle we must collect your deductible to maintain a profit.
My car was damaged after-hours or on the weekend. Can I have it towed to your shop?
Certainly. If your car is already in the possession of a tow company just tell them to drop it off here. They will wait for the next business day and bring it to us. We will pay the tow bill and any storage charges that apply and include these charges on your insurance claim. If you have your vehicle and feel it’s un-drivable, call our 24/7 towing line and we will dispatch a driver to pick it up at your convenience.
How do I know what shop to pick and if they will be reliable?
Choose a shop that has unibody repair equipment and I-CAR or ASE certified technicians. Ask if the shop will be using genuine manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts and get details on the warranty that is offered. Ask for referrals from family and friends who have had positive experiences with an auto body repair facility.
How long will it take to get my vehicle repaired?
Vehicle repairs can vary a great deal due to the extent of damage, paint work, parts availability, etc. We will be able to tell you how long the repairs should take when you come in for an estimate.
We provide collision repair services in Clarkston, MI and all surrounding cities including: Auburn Hills, Ortonville, Davisburg, Holly, Fenton, Lake Orion, Oxford, Metamora, Grand Blanc, Goodrich, Waterford, White Lake, Highland, Pontiac and Rochester.