FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for the quality of repairs?
Without question, the shop who repairs your vehicle is responsible for the repair. You, the consumer, are responsible for the deductible as well as for the cost of the repair. Your insurance company is responsible for reimbursing you for the cost of the repair. Obviously, choosing an insurance company and repair shop is very important and should be chosen carefully.

Can you save me (some of) my deductible?
An honest repair shop will always say "no." Here's why:
Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance carrier. It basically says that if you have a collision loss, you are responsible for the first portion of repairs (your deductible) and the insurance company will pay all the rest. If we do fewer repairs than agreed with the insurance company, you're still responsible for the initial amount, your deductible. Any reduction should correctly go back to the insurance company.
There are legitimate ways to reduce your cost, like appearance allowances. Consult your insurance company.

Do I need more than one estimate?
No. You have the right to get as many or as few estimates as you want.

Will I be forced to use the repair shop with the lowest bid?
The repair facility which writes the lowest estimate is not necessarily the best place to have your car repaired. In fact, obtaining repairs form the lowest bidder is usually not in the best interest of the customer. When one considers the safety issues involved in collision repair, as well as the considerable investment one has in his or her vehicle, the value of quality repairs becomes clear. A modern, well equipped collision repair center represents an enormous investment in equipment, training and people. As is often the case with goods and services, one gets what one pays for. Remember, the choice is entirely up to you!

Do I have the right to choose my repair shop even if my insurance company is paying for the repair?
Yes!! You have the right to have your car repaired at any shop that you choose A commonly believed misconception is that you are required to get more than one estimate when seeking repair work. This is not the case-- No law requires you to get more than one estimate. You are free to choose any reputable repair provider that you wish. Your insurance company is required by law to pay the reasonable cost to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition according to the coverage you purchased. Your insurance policy will specify what coverage you have.

The insurance company wants to give me a check to repair my vehicle. Should I take it?
Yes. The insurance company is responsible for restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. If there is additional damage, a good-quality repair shop should be able to negotiate for additional compensation. You surrender none of your rights by accepting a preliminary payment.

Will my insurance company pay for a rental vehicle?
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. If the claim is a liability claim (the accident was not your fault), the full amount will be covered.

Will the shop refund money if the actual repair times do not take as long as estimated?
Generally not. Estimates are prepared using information supplied by independent repair information companies. They are not intended to be an exact representation of the time necessary to complete repairs, only the average and suggested cost to perform those repairs.

Will the shop refund money if the parts specified on the estimate are not used?
Yes. It is unacceptable for a shop to charge for parts not actually installed on the vehicle. The final repair order must be corrected to detail all of the parts actually used and labor operations actually performed.

The insurance company says my car is a total loss. What does that mean?
The value of the vehicle - the sum of 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.

How is the actual cash value determined?
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 car evaluation service to determine pre-accident value. The owner should also determine the value independently.

Is the ACV negotiable?
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.

What will happen to the vehicle?
The insurance company will sell it to highest bidder, who will either dismantle for parts or resell it after repairing it.

What if I want to keep it?
You have the right to retain ownership of the vehicle, but the amount of the settlement may be reduced by the salvage value.

How long will it take to fix my vehicle?
We make every effort to make sure your damaged vehicle is repaired quickly, but how long it takes is determined by the amount and severity of the damage. G & M Body and Paint Shop will make the repair in as short a time as possible, however, we will not sacrifice quality for the sake of time. Repair time also depends on the type of vehicle and availability of parts for it. The more common the car, the more likely the parts will be available. Often times after we disassemble the vehicle, hidden damage is found. If this is the case, a supplemental estimate must be written and the additional repairs and parts needs approved by your insurance company. The truth is, no matter what any body shop tells you, we can only offer our educated opinion as to when the vehicle will be completed. What we tell you may not always be what you want to hear, but at G & M Body and Paint Shop, we feel it is our responsibility to be as honest and forthright as possible.