FAQs

1. What do I do after an auto accident?
2. Do I need three estimates?
3. Am I required to notify my insurance company before repairs begin on my vehicle?
4. What is a Direct Repair Shop (DRP) shop?
5. What should I look for when choosing a repair facility?
6. Why is my insurance company referring me to Don’s Collision Center?
7. Who is responsible for the guarantee of workmanship and safety of my vehicle repairs?
8. What if an insurance company refuses to work with the repair facility I choose?
9. Who is responsible for payment to the repair facility?
10. Do I have to pay for a rental car?
11. When is my deductible due and how do I know how much it is?
12. What should I do when I pick up my repaired vehicle?
13. Do I need to take any precautions with the new paint finish?

1. Get the name of the person(s) driving the other vehicle(s) involved along with their phone number, driver's license, vehicle license, insurance information. Also try to obtain any witness name and number. Note the location, time and date. And, if you have a camera, take pictures. Then contact the repair facility of your choice and have them set up a tow or appointment to get your vehicle in the shop. If you need alternative transportation, ask the shop to set up the rental for you. Then contact the Insurance Company responsible and let them know where the vehicle is and/or where it is going and ask for a claim number. If the Insurance Company wants to examine your vehicle at your house or in their claims center, you have the choice of doing this, or you can inform the Insurance Company that you are dropping the vehicle at the shop of your choice and they can see the vehicle there. Lastly call the shop and give them the claim number. From this point on, the shop will negotiate on your behalf to insure that your vehicle will be returned to pre-loss condition.
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2. No. You are free to get as many estimates as you desire, but it is not necessary. Your only obligation is to choose the shop of your choice and inform the insurance company.
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3. Yes. Only the vehicle owner may authorize repairs
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4. Insurance carriers provide their customers with a list of DRP's - Direct Repair Providers. The list of DRP shops must meet certain standards that an insurance company requires of their repair facilities.
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5. Referrals from other satisfied customers or insurance companies. Evidence of employee training and certification through accredited industry standards, such as I-CAR. Repair shops who guarantee their work with a lifetime warranty.
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6. If your insurance company refers you to Don’s Collision Center, you have a choice to have your vehicle repaired with us or elsewhere. A referral means that we have a strong working relationship with the insurance company and have achieved exceptional levels of customer satisfaction.
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7. The repair facility is ultimately responsible. You should choose a facility that offers a lifetime warranty on all work performed.
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8. An insurance company can’t refuse to work with the facility you choose.
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9. Unfortunately, you are responsible. Your insurance policy contract states that your insurance company will pay for the damages to your vehicle, less the deductible amount. You may instruct your insurance company to pay directly to the repair shop of your choice, however, full payment must be arranged prior to your vehicle being picked up.
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10. Check with your insurance company if you have rental coverage. You must specify to your agent when getting coverage. All claimants should have rental coverage thru the other parties insurance.
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11. Your deductible amount is due at time of completion. Your insurance adjuster should tell you how much you owe if you do not already know.
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12. Review your itemized final bill. Walk around the vehicle with your service advisor and have him show you all repairs performed. Look at the paint finish, exterior trim, and all details. Choose a shop where satisfaction is guaranteed before any payment is made.
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13. In the first 90 days you should not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to cure completely.
• Do not use commercial car washes. Stiff brushes and sponges will mar the finish and damage the paint.
• Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a mild car wash solution. Be sure to use a clean soft cloth or sponge. Rinse sponge with fresh water often.
• Wash the vehicle in the shade – never in the sun.
• Do not “Dry-Wipe” the vehicle – always use clean water – Dry Wiping will scratch the new finish.
• Extreme heat or cold need to be avoided. Keep the vehicle parked in the shade whenever possible.
• Avoid driving on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 days, and not covered by your warranty.
• Do not park under trees that drop sap or near factories with heavy smoke fallout. Tree sap and industrial fallout will mar or spot a freshly painted surface.
• Do not spill gasoline, diesel, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid or windshield solvent on the new finish. If you do, immediately rinse it off with water. Do Not Wipe the surface!!!
• Do not scrape ice or snow from the surface.
• Rinse bird droppings from the paint surface as quickly as possible. They contain acid that will damage a fresh paint job.

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