WHERE DO I GET A CLAIM NUMBER?
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Just jot it down and bring it in with you when you come in to begin the repair process, we will attempt to work with your insurance company to resolve your claim.

ARE YOU OPEN SATURDAY?
No, but we are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. 

WILL THE PARTS BE ORDERED BEFORE I DROP OFF MY VEHICLE FOR REPAIR?
Absolutely. We generally order your vehicle's parts at the time that we write the estimate and schedule your vehicle for drop-off. If your vehicle is found unsafe to drive, then we would help you arrange for a rental vehicle as soon as possible. Ordering your parts ahead of time enables us to provide quicker turnaround time.

IF MY VEHICLE'S FRAME IS DAMAGED IS IT 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. Nowadays, 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.

CAN YOU MATCH THE PAINT COLOR?
Today's modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. We have made a major investment in the finest paint system available. Constant upgrades in technology and equipment ensure that each vehicle's paint matches. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the final step in the restoration process.

CAN I GET OTHER SERVICE WORK DONE ON MY VEHICLE WHILE IT IS IN THE BODY SHOP?
Yes. Just let your advisor know what other work you would like done so that he or she can make the necessary arrangements.

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.

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 will work diligently towards that goal.  We provide a pickup and delivery service.

HOW CAN I GET A RENTAL CAR?
If you need a rental car, we can help you make the necessary arrangements. Insurance companies will only pay for a 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 limitations are.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY CAR IS DONE?
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. You can also check this website. You will see a message next to the last picture of your vehicle telling you that your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call or e-mail your advisor during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.

WHAT IS AUTHORIZATION?
Authorization means that the customer has authorized us to make the repairs to the vehicle.  We can only maintain our reputation of being fast by having and utilizing a no-hold policy.  A no-hold policy means that we do not stop for insurance approval once repairs are started.  If insurance is being used, we will place the necessary phone calls, take photos and save parts as to not interrupt flow.

WHAT ARE "INSURANCE REFERRALS?"
Customers often ask us about how to select an insurance company. Although price rates are often used, it should not be the sole basis on how you select an insurer or auto body repair facility. We base our opinions on which companies respond, handle, and pay claims fairly. Be sure to ask for our referral list.
 
DO I NEED A COMPETITIVE BID?
There is no law requiring you to get more than one appraisal; however, if you have never used a repair facility in this market, we would recommend that you get several estimates and choose one shop that you feel most confident in to repair your vehicle. Often times, insurers ask for a second estimate or competitive bid. While in some markets this may be customary, as owner of the vehicle, it is your choice where you take your vehicle. Sometimes a competitive bid is misinterpreted as lower bid.

WHAT IS A "PREFERRED SHOP?"
Preferred shops is a term used to describe a contractual relationship between a shop and an insurance company. Shops may become a DRP (direct repair provider) usually by offering discounts on parts and/or labor for non-guaranteed repair volume.  We will consider DRP relationships with insurers who focus on fast, fair, and accurate claim handling services and do not compromise repairs or ask for concessions.

WHAT IS "PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR?"
Paintless dent repair is a repair method that utilizes equipment and training to repair damages without paint work in most cases.  Often times this type of repair is better , faster, and more competitive than conventional repairs.  We may choose this type of repair in our estimates.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN PARTS?"
Aftermarket- Replacement parts that are produced by a source other than the manufacturer of your vehicle. They are a cheaper alternative to new OEM parts. Autosport will use these parts only if requested to do so by the vehicle owner; however, autosport does not warranty these parts for finish or fit. (Please refer to our warranty for specifics) Some insurers requesting these parts may warranty them. Be sure to check with your insurer.
LKQ- used parts
OEM- original equipment parts produced by the manufacturer of your vehicle. These parts are under warranty by the manufacturer and autosport for fit and finish.

IS THERE A WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE?
Yes, our limited warranty period is 3 years.  (PPG paints offer a limited lifetime warranty).

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF MY DAMAGES?
As the vehicle owner, you are ultimately responsible; however, we will do our best to reach a settlement with the insurance company.

WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?
Payment for repairs is due in full at the completion of the repair.  Absent a direct repair agreement, we will not release vehicles without payment in full or firm payment arrangements.

DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE?
The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy.  If you carry broad collision, and you were not at fault, your insurance company most likely will waive your deductible. Insurance companies determine fault by your account of the accident when you make the claim, and by reviewing the accident report filed with the police department. If you aren't sure about your deductible, you can call your agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether you will be responsible to pay this when you pick up your vehicle.

WHO DO I PAY MY DEDUCTIBLE TO?
If your deductible is not waived, 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 agent and he can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether it will be your responsibility.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept personal checks, insurance drafts, and of course cash.  We cannot accept checks made to third parties or lien holders without proper endorsement.  Please ask your insurance company for details on having these types of checks endorsed.

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.

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 a 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. 

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS

DON'T · Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.