1. I've just been in an accident. What should I do?
  2. Where do I obtain an insurance claim number?
  3. What are your business hours?
  4. Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my vehicle for repair?
  5. If my vehicle's frame is damaged, is it a total loss?
  6. Can you match my car's paint color?
  7. Can I get other service work done on my vehicle while it is in the body shop?
  8. How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?
  9. Can I get a ride home when I drop off my car?
  10. How may I obtain a rental car?
  11. How will I know when my car is done?
  12. Is there a warranty on the repairs to my vehicle?
  13. Do I have to pay a deductible?
  14. To whom do I pay my deductible?
  15. What forms of payment do you accept?
  16. What are betterment charges?
  17. May I wash my car immediately after it's been painted?

I've just been in an accident. What should I do?
Immediately after an accident take the following steps:

  • Remain calm. Do not argue.
  • Move your vehicle out of harm's way and turn off the ignition.
  • Make sure everyone is OK - call for medical assistance if necessary.
  • Contact the police. By reporting the accident to the police and filing a report, you will help protect yourself from potential liability claims and legal action.
  • Exchange the following information with involved parties: (in some areas, police officers at the scene may restrict contact between parties)
    1. name
    2. addresses
    3. license numbers
    4. insurance company information
    5. Note weather and road conditions.
    6. Record the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
  • Contact your insurance company immediately to report the accident. Insurance companies' websites and claims phone numbers:
    • Allstate Auto Insurance logo Tel 1 800 255-7828

    • GEICO Auto Insurance logo Tel 1 800-841-3000

    • Liberty Mutual logo Tel 1-800-2CLAIMS

    • Progressive Auto Insurance logo Tel 855 347-3939

    • State Farm Insurance logo Tel 800-782-8332
back to top

Where do I obtain an insurance 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, and we'll do the rest.
back to top

What are your business hours?
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.
back to top

Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my vehicle for repair?
Absolutely. We order your parts to arrive before your vehicle is dropped off unless your vehicle is found unsafe to drive. At that point, we would help you arrange for a rental vehicle as soon as possible. This enables us to provide a faster turnaround time.
back to top

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. Most cars these days are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction. Our highly skilled technicians with the aid of our state-of-the-art 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.
back to top

Can you match my car's paint color?
Today's modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. We've made a major investment in the finest paint system available, and we constantly upgrade our 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 restoration process.
back to top

Can I get other service work done on my vehicle while it is in the body shop?
Yes. Just let us know what other work you would like to have done so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
back to top

How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?
We'll give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle.
back to top

Can I get a ride home when I drop off my car?
Yes, we will be happy to provide this service to you if you live within five miles of our shop. We want each customer's visit to be a positive experience and we will work diligently toward that goal. If you'd like to rent a car or need a taxicab ride, click here. If you'd like to ride a bus home, click here.
back to top

How may I obtain 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. To see which rental car agencies we recommend, click here.
back to top

How will I know when my car is done?
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up.
back to top

Is there a warranty on the repairs to my vehicle?
Yes. We guarantee our workmanship on all repairs with a Ten Year Warranty.
back to top

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. Insurance companies' websites:


back to top

To whom do I pay my deductible?
If your deductible is not waived, it will be your responsibility to pay State Auto Body 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.
back to top

What forms of payment do you accept?
Visa card MasterCard Discover card
We accept properly signed insurance checks, cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. If other private party is paying for your damage we will not accept their personal third party check. Please note: If the check is made out to you and your finance or leasing company, it is your responsibility to have them endorse the check so there is no delay in the pickup of your vehicle.
back to top

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.
back to top

May I wash my car immediately after it's been painted?
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.
back to top