Auto Body FAQs
Do you have questions about your upcoming auto body repair job or auto body work in general? You’re not alone. Below, we answer several commonly asked questions about auto body repair, as well as hiring and working with a local auto body shop.
Q: Do I have to choose from the shops my insurance provider directs me to or can I make my own choice?
A: While your insurance company can suggest an auto body shop, you have the final decision on where to take your vehicle for collision repairs. Your obligation is simply to take your car, truck, van or minivan to the body repair center you prefer and contact your insurance company to let them know where your vehicle is.
Q: Can I decide which parts are used to repair my vehicle?
A: Auto body shops have a variety of materials and parts they can use to repair vehicles that have been damaged in collisions. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are the most expensive body parts to use, so many shops automatically install used parts, refurbished parts or even salvaged parts to cut down on costs. But you do have a choice. If you caused the accident, wording in your insurance coverage may require the body shop to install used, remanufactured or salvaged parts in your vehicle. However, you may have the option to pay the difference for OEM parts instead. Talk to your body shop’s service writer and your insurance company about your specific situation. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you can tell the shop to install specific parts. Ask for OEM auto body parts that will restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition in terms of safety and value.
Q: My insurance company wants me to bring my car to their claims center for an appraisal. Do I have to do this?
A: Insurance companies can ask you to bring your vehicle to their claims center before taking it to an auto body repair shop, but it’s not a requirement. You may take it to them for an appraisal if you wish, but you’re under no obligation and may leave your vehicle at your preferred shop and request that your insurance company inspect it there.
Q: Can my auto body shop help me negotiate with my insurance company?
A: Most body shops are happy to help you navigate confusing insurance claims paperwork. In fact, many will work directly with the insurance company to process your claims, which limits the amount of work on your part. If this is important to you, ask the shop if it offers that service before you drop off your vehicle.
Q: What is an auto body repair deductible?
A: The deductible for auto body repair is a specified amount of money that you’re obligated to pay before your insurance company will pay on your claim. The deductible amount is determined by the terms of the policy that you and your agent decided on when you arranged to insure your vehicle.
Q: Can auto body repair shops save me from having to pay all or part of my deductible?
A: Honest auto body shops will never offer to do this. That’s because all insurance holders have a contractual obligation to pay their deductible before the insurance company pays the rest of the bill on every claim. This cuts down on insurance fraud. Some auto body repair shops do offer to bury the deductible or hide it in the cost of the repairs. However, shops that do this are committing insurance fraud, which is against the law.
Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified auto body repair shop?
A: At a time when you most need assurance of a job well done, Diamond Certified helps you choose an auto body repair shop with confidence by offering a list of local, top rated companies that have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only auto collision repair shops rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with in-depth and ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified auto body shop.
Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.
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