Choosing an auto body repair shop and working with insurance companies.

1. How do I choose the right auto body repair shop for me?
Auto body repair shop are not all alike. There has been a technology revolution in the auto repair industry in the last few years and we have been at the forefront of it. Today’s vehicles are more complex and technologically challenging and so auto repair has become more complex. We are committed to offering our customers an unparalleled standard of service because we know our people will do the job right. We back up every one of our technicians with the latest technology and continual training to meet the highest factory standards.

3. I was told you are a “preferred shop” for my insurance company. How can I be sure you’re not working in their best interest and not mine?
Because of our size and volume, we can provide quality repairs and additional
claims services that makes us a preferred shop for many insurance companies. We believe that our good relationship with insurance companies is an asset for our customers. But, ultimately, our first responsibility is always to our customers and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly. We know our customers are entrusting their vehicle investment and, more importantly, their family’s safety with us. As auto repair professionals, we are strong advocates for value, quality and safety and we never compromise our principles for any reason.

4. Do I have to get two or three estimates for my insurance company?
No law requires you to get more than one estimate. We work with all major insurance companies and, in our experience, it is usually unnecessary to get multiple estimates once a claim representative from the insurance company is involved. In fact, it can be the case that a car may be unsafe to drive to the next shop or additional driving may cause more damage. It’s usually best to pick a reputable repair facility and have your insurer deal directly with that facility.

Cost and Value

1. How much will this repair cost?
Today’s complex vehicles make it difficult to give customers an immediate estimate. To properly complete an accurate, itemized estimate, a thorough disassembly is required. A guesstimate may be helpful to get the claim rolling, but a complete estimate nearly always requires disassembly.

3. If I turn this claim in to my insurance company, won’t my premiums increase?
This is a concern for all of us. Talking to insurance agent may be a wise choice. The question you must ask yourself is whether your premium will increase by an amount greater than the cost of repairs in the next one, two or three years. In our experience, the answer is usually no - and usually not even close.

4. I want to pay for the damage myself because I think it may be less than my deductible?
The fact of the matter is that quality collision repair on modern vehicles is expensive. It is rare for damage to be less than the deductible. Quality parts, paint, materials, new technology and skilled labor can make even small fender benders quite costly. Remember, you have a major investment in your vehicle. The bottom line is that quality repair doesn't cost, it pays. Sooner or later, you will sell, trade-in or turn back your car. If a repair is of poor quality, you may have to pay the lease company or discount your car at the time of sale or trade-in.

5. The person who ran into me wants to pay for it himself. Is this a good idea?
Just as we urge customers to file a claim for their own repairs, we would urge our
customers to protect themselves by making a full accident report and insurance
claim when the damage is someone else’s fault. Too often, people are quick to offer to pay at first until a full assessment of damage - including hidden damage - is made. Should additional damage be found or if the repair estimate is higher than expected, you may be left holding the bag for repair costs. Many insurance policies won’t cover damage unless policyholders file an accident report and notify them immediately. We urge you not to take this risk.

6. My insurance company has issued a check for less than your estimate. Will I have to pay the difference?
NO. Insurance appraisers sometimes are unable to write a thorough estimate until after the auto repair facility has evaluated the full cost to repair damage. If the appraiser has missed any items or underestimated any costs, we will work directly with the insurance company to resolve those issues. In the rare event that it cannot be worked out, you will be notified prior to incurring any charges.

Quality and Satisfaction

1. What kind of warranty does Blue Body and Paint offer?
We offer a lifetime guarantee on our workmanship.

2. How well will the paint color match the old color?
With our computerized paint mixing system and our rigid standards and training,
our technicians will perfectly match your vehicle’s paint every time.

Other Issues

1. I need a rental car. How do I go about arranging one?
We can provide phone numbers to the major rental car companies. They can pick you up here when you drop your car off for repairs and they can drop you back off here when your car is completed.

2. How soon after the repairs are complete may I wash my car?
We oven bake your car’s finish so you may wash your car right away. However, we ask that you wait 30 days before waxing your car to prevent any possible damage to your new finish.

3. I have been involved in an accident. What do I do?
Get a police report! It is always worth the wait. Why is this so important, you ask? Because a police report determines who is at fault and which insurance company will be held responsible.

Is your vehicle safe to drive? If you have to use the word "try" in a sentence such as, "I'll try to drive my vehicle.", chances are you should have it TOWED to Blue Body and Paint. A vehicle you are unsure of is not safe to drive.

Once a copy of the police report is obtained, present the copy to one of our staff members, who then will assist you in getting your claim set up.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call us, even after hours!

4. Do I need to get more than one estimate?
No you do not. There is no law requiring you to get more than one estimate.

6. Do I have to go to a designated shop for repairs because my insurance company says so?
NO. The choice is yours. You are entitled to have your car repaired wherever you feel comfortable. Blue Body and Paint will work off any estimate you may have, regardless which body shop or insurance company wrote it. We will also provide you with a written lifetime warranty on all work we do.

6. If my vehicle's frame is damaged, is it a total loss?
A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company's determined value of your vehicle.  Nowadays, most cars are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction.  Our highly skilled technicians, with the aid or our state-of-the-art computer measuring system will return your vehicle to its original factory specifications.  If it is determined that the frame section is bent beyond repair, that section can simply be replaced.

7. Can you match the paint color?
Today's modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints.  Blue Body and Paint has made a major investment in the finest paint system available and constantly upgrades its technology and equipment to ensure that each vehicle's paint matches.  We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the final step in the repair process.

8. How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?
Your estimator can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle.  Be sure to check with your estimator for the specifics on your vehicle.

9. Can I get a ride home when I drop off my vehicle?
Yes, we would be happy to provide this service to you.  We want each customer's visit to be a positive experience and will work diligently toward that goal.

10. How will I know when my car is done?
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call or e-mail your estimator during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.

11. Is there ant warranty on the auto body repairs to my vehicle?
Yes. Blue Body and Paint guarantees all auto body repairs in writing.

12. What forms of payment do you accept?
The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your portion of the repairs to your vehicle is with a major credit card. We accept Visa and Mastercard. Of course, cash and checks are always welcome.

13. What are betterment charges?
Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (i.e. tires, batteries, and suspension parts) are commonly subject to betterment charges when they are replaced during the repair process. These betterment charges are determined by your insurance company and are pro-rated based on the actual miles on your vehicle.

14. Can I wash my car?
Recommendations and precautions in the first 30 days:

DO: Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge. Always use clean fresh water. Wash your vehicle in the shade.

DON'T: Do not use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface. Do not "dry wipe" your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish. Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days. Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are likely to attract birds. Bird droppings have a high acid content and will damage freshly painted surface. Also, tree sap can mar or spot a freshly painted surface. Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish. Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface.