FAQs

I’VE JUST BEEN IN AN AUTO COLLISION. WHAT’S NEXT?
Contact your insurance provider. Explain the nature of the accident and request a claim number after your report has been filed.

DOES MY INSURANCE COMPANY REQUIRE MORE THAN ONE ESTIMATE?
No. You are not obligated to use any particular collision repair facility to obtain repairs. You choose the repair facility and authorize repairs. Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular shop. However, your insurer may want to have their adjuster inspect the damage. If your vehicle is unsafe to drive, have it towed to us and inform your insurer the location of the vehicle. We can assist in any towing or rental car related needs.

HOW CAN I GET A RENTAL CAR?
If you need a rental car, we can help you make the necessary arrangements. Please note insurance companies will only pay for your rental car if you have that option on your policy or if you are the claimant. Check your policy and/or call your insurance company to find out if you have rental coverage and what your specific benefits are.

CAN I GET A RIDE HOME WHEN I DROP OFF MY CAR?
Yes, we would be happy to provide this service to you. We want each customer’s visit to be a positive experience and we are commitment to that goal. We provide pickup and delivery service.

ONCE I HAVE A CLAIM NUMBER WHAT DO I DO?
Once you have your claim number, issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident, simply bring it in with you when you come to begin the repair process. We will take it from there.

CAN I GET OTHER SERVICE WORK DONE ON MY VEHICLE WHILE IT IS AT YOUR BODY SHOP?
Yes. Just let us know what other work you would like completed so we can make the necessary arrangements. We send our service related work to Acton Toyota of Littleton.

IF MY VEHICLE’S FRAME IS DAMAGED IS IT DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS?
No. A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company’s determined value of your vehicle. Today, most cars are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction. Our highly skilled technicians, with the aid of our state-of-the-art computer measuring system, can 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.

DO I PAY THE REPAIR BILL OR IS MY INSURANCE COMPANY RESPONSIBLE?
The vehicle owner is responsible. However, the insurance company has a legal obligation to their insured to pay for the repairs. Generally, an insured will pay his/her deductible and the insurance company will pay the rest to the insured unless you specifically notify the insurance company that you want them to pay us directly.

DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE?
The amount of deductible you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, we advise you to call your insurance agent.

IF I HAVE ONE, WHO DO I PAY MY DEDUCTIBLE TO?
It will be your responsibility to pay us when you pick up your vehicle. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, you can call your insurance agent.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We welcome Visa and MasterCard as well as checks. Lastly, please understand the maximum amount we accept, be it check, credit card, or a combination of the two, is $500. Anything over that amount must be cash, bank check, insurance check, or a money order.

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 actual miles on your vehicle.

HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE TAKE?
Your advisor can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Be sure to check with your advisor for the specifics on your vehicle. Please remember we cannot guarantee a day, but we will do our absolute best to perform the work as quickly as possible.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY CAR IS DONE?
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Additionally, please feel free to contact us during the repair process if you have any questions or concerns.

CAN I WASH MY CAR AFTER THE REPAIR?
You should not wax or machine-wash your car for at least 30 days after the repair.