Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do not move your vehicle if on public property – if on private property, police cannot make any decisions, therefore you may move it after exchanging information.
2. Stay calm and check other parties for injuries – get help if necessary. Keep comments to yourself – let the police do that job.
3. Call the police.
4. Do not listen to “don’t call the cops, I’ll pay for the damages.” The common person has no idea how expensive repairs can be. Once you leave without a police report, you may be forced to repair your vehicle at your own expense.
5. Exchange information – Insurance company, name, address, phone numbers at home and work.
6. Go to a physician for a check up – whip lash does not usually occur until the next day. The insurance company may speed up a settlement if personal injury is evident. Proceed with caution on a settlement.
7. Choose a repair facility of you choice – ask the insurance company to have an adjuster work with the repair facility estimator concerning your vehicle repairs.

1. CAN I TAKE MY CAR TO THE SHOP OF MY CHOICE?

YES-You may select the repair facility of your choice unless your insurance policy specifies otherwise.

2. SHOULD MY INSURANCE COMPANY BE NOTIFIED BEFORE REPAIRS?

YES - Your insurance policy generally states that, if requested, you must file a sworn proof of loss, exhibit the damaged property, and submit to examination under oath.

3. DO I NEED TO CONTACT MORE THAN ONE SHOP FOR AN ESTIMATE?

NO - Generally, one estimate from the shop of your choice is required, unless your insurance policy specifies otherwise. California State Law requires you to be given a written estimate before starting repairs.

4. AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS?

YES - You are usually responsible to the repair facility for payment of repairs unless your insurance policy specifies otherwise. Ordinarily, if you are insured, your insurance policy states that the insurance company will pay for the loss, less any applicable deductibles or depreciation. Any arrangements for payments by your insurance company are your responsibility.

5. IS THE REPAIR FACILITY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS PERFORMED ON MY CAR?

YES - The Automobile Repair Act of 1971 requires all repair dealers to be registered with the State of California and to post a sign. This Act (Section 9884.7(1)(g)) states that the Department of Consumer Affairs may invalidate the registration on the repair dealer for a number of causes, including: making any statement written or oral which is untrue or misleading; causing a customer to sign any work order which does not state the repairs requested by the customer; failing or refusing to give a customer a copy of any document requiring his or her signature, as soon as the customer signs such document; any other conduct which constitutes fraud; any willful departure from or disregard of accepted trade standards for good and workman like repair.

6. IF I AM HAVING DIFFICULTIES WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, DO I HAVE RECOURSE?

YES - First consult with your insurance agent or broker. Then, if your problems still have not been resolved, consult with the Department of Insurance, State of California, at their office in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego, or telephone their toll-free line:1-800-927-4357.

7. IF MY INSURANCE COMPANY DOES NOT AGREE WITH THE AMOUNT OF LOSS, DO I HAVE RECOURSE OTHER THAN Question 6?

YES - Your insurance policy may provide that, when the insured and insurer fail to agree on the amount of loss, both parties are entitled to arbitration.

8. CAN AN INSURER REQUIRE, DIRECT, SUGGEST OR RECOMMEND THAT YOUR AUTOMOBILE BE REPAIRED AT A SPECIFIC SHOP?

NO - Unless the referral is expressly requested by you; or you have been informed in writing of the right to select the repair facility; and the insurer that elects to repair a vehicle directs, suggests or recommends that a specific repair shop be used, shall cause the damaged vehicle to be restored to its condition prior to the loss at no additional cost to you other than as stated in the policy or as otherwise allowed be law.

9. CAN MY INSURER REQUIRE ME TO USE NON-ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER (NON OEM) REPLACEMENT CRASH PARTS FOR THE REPAIR OF MY CAR?

NO- No insurer shall require the use of non-OEM replacement parts in the repair of an automobile unless: The parts are at least equal to the original equipment manufacturer parts in terms of quality, safety, fit, and performance; and Insurers specifying the use of non-OEM

Cashing out is when you make an insurance claim for the damage on your car, and then you take the money for the repairs instead of getting your car fixed.  Legally it is your money, you are owed whatever it takes to get your car back to pre-accident condition. 

The expression "save your deductible" can be a little misleading.  The way deductibles are "saved" is when a portion of the repair is not done, and put towards the deductible.  Lets say for example that the damage to your vehicle is a dent in the fender, bumper, and a scratch in the headlight.  The insurance will pay to fix everything perfectly, back to pre-accident condition.  If you can live with the scratch in the headlight because it is not broken, you can put the cost of the headlight towards the deductible.  So if the deductible is $500, and the headlight is $250, then you can save half of it right there.  So the next time you hear about "deductible rebates" on the radio, its important to get the full story.  Profit margins are not very high in the autobody industry, so it's nearly impossible to save your deductible, AND get the full repair done.  Every situation is different, so if you can't afford your deductible, be sure to ask us BEFORE the repair is started if there is anything we can do to help.

Yes!  We have a few cars that we loan out if you do not have rental car coverage and cannot borrow a car for the repair.  We can also get deals through Hertz and Enterprise.

Windshields, quarter glasses, and any other glass that is glued in we sublet out to Reliable Auto Glass (707-525-9550).  They are mobile, so they can come to you, or come to us if you want to drop your car off here to get the work done.  We can replace door glass in house.