Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that you are safe from your accident! You can come to us first and we will help walk you through the process. Your first step is to report a claim with your insurance company. They will issue you a claim number, confirm your deductible amount and verify if you have rental car coverage.
You have the right to choose your collision repair provider! Plain and simple! It is against the law for an insurance company or adjustor to require you to go to a specific facility. They can recommend shops, but ultimately you have the right to decide where you take your vehicle for repairs.
Yes, if you're filing a claim under your insurance.
Generally, if the accident wasn't your fault, the other party's insurance company should cover you and your vehicle, so you may try to collect from the other party. HOWEVER, each accident is different. The facts and circumstances of each accident, the actions and/or inactions of each driver will determine which driver or drivers caused an accident and to what degree or percentage each driver will be held accountable.
If you use the other party's insurance, you will not have to pay a deductible. Also, you will be entitled to a rental car.
Possibly. The more extensive the damage, the greater risk of an incomplete or inaccurate estimate being written based on photos. A physical inspection of the vehicle is best to ensure the most accurate estimate.
NO. Again, you have the right to choose the repair facility.
Many times the repair shop's estimate differs from the insurance adjuster's estimate. In most cases, they will settle on an "agreed price" before the shop begins repairs. If you and your insurance company can't agree on a fair settlement of your claim, most insurance policies have an 'appraisal clause' to adjudicate through an umpire to evaluate your damages. This process is designed to have your interests protected from 'bad faith' claims practices when you and your insurance company can't reach an agreement on the extent of damages to your vehicle. This process includes having someone represent your interests such as an independent appraiser and they meet with an umpire that is agreed upon by both you and the insurance company.
Generally, no. Unless your insurance policy states otherwise, it's not mandatory that you take your vehicle to a drive-in claims center (check your insurance policy).
Every claim is different and the details of your particular claim will dictate whether your insurance company adjusts your premium at your next renewal.
No. Only one estimate of damage report is necessary from the repair facility of your choice. However, the insurance company may want to have their own adjuster inspect the damage.
If your vehicle is not safe to drive, simply have it towed to the repair shop of your choice. When you notify your insurance company about the accident, tell them the vehicle is not drivable and where it may be inspected.
You would pay the repair facility, since that amount will be deducted from the insurance carrier’s payment for the necessary repairs.
Generally, we will collect payment straight from the insurance company. Please note that Power Collision Center requires full payment upon return of your vehicle to you, so ask your estimator questions regarding how your insurance company processes payments. For instance:
- If the shop is a direct repair program (DRP) shop with the insurance company, the insurance company will pay us directly.
- Supplement payments for repairs to hidden damages while the original repair is in process, as well as for additional parts might arise.
- Deposits are usually required on specialty vehicles and special-order parts. Your estimator can answer all your questions.
- Please keep in mind that your deductible is your responsibility and must be paid at time of delivery.
No, although we do offer rental cars from most major rental car companies. Contact us for more information!
We work on all makes and models and work closely with the manufacturers to ensure we have up to date information and repair processes to repair all makes and models with a high standard of quality.
Your safety is our top priority and we will do our best to get you back on the road with your safety in mind! There are many factors that need to be considered. For example:
- The severity of the damage, availability of parts and if the car is a specialty vehicle.
- Our specialists can estimate the amount of time it will take to repair your vehicle, but the process to do so includes ensuring we receive quality parts. We want to get you back on the road as quickly as possible with your safety first in mind.
Most cars today are built using unibody construction, meaning that the frame and body of the car are welded together. That means that usually, when your car is involved in a collision, it will have some type of movement to the unibody. With our specialized equipment, we will straighten or replace the damaged part to within factory approved specifications.
We are trying to apply your premium dollars wisely. Aftermarket parts are a cost-effective alternative, they typically carry a lifetime warranty and perform as well as OEM parts in most cases.
Recycled parts are original equipment and are an environmentally responsible choice in that the parts are being reused instead of requiring parts to be manufactured using valuable resources.
The insurer is required, by law, to notify you if "non-original manufacturer replacement parts" (aftermarket) are intended to be used in the repair of the vehicle. Notice shall be in writing, but a verbal statement is allowed if it's followed by a written notice within three days.
Always consult your collision repair professional if you have questions about the type of parts to be used in the repair of your vehicle.
You are. As the vehicle owner, you must arrange for payment of the repair bill. Insurance policies state that the insurer will reimburse you for the cost of repairs less any deductible or depreciation. You can instruct your insurance company to pay the repair shop directly, but make sure payment is in the hands of the repair shop when you pick up your vehicle.
The repair facility. It's important for you to select a repair shop with properly trained technicians and the equipment necessary to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. In the event you have questions or concerns regarding your repair, contact the repair facility first. If you don’t receive satisfaction, you may wish to contact your insurance company’s claims manager.
The repair shop is responsible for any guarantees of workmanship. Generally, insurers don't warranty the work. However, if your policy contains an 'elect to repair' clause and your insurance company exercised that clause, this could cause your insurer to be responsible for the quality of the repairs. If your insurer states or implies they will guarantee the repairs, ask for it in writing.
Yes, we offer a lifetime warranty on our work. We care about our customers and we personally back our craftsmanship! We also have a warranty on the paint that we use in our repairs.