Collision Center FAQ

Getting An Estimate

Q. Do I have to get one more than one estimate for the repairs?

A. No, you only need one estimate from the insurance company or the repair facility that you chose to repair your vehicle.

Q. Can I get an estimate over the phone?

A. No, we must be able to see the vehicle and the all of the damage to determine what repairs are necessary to put your vehicle back to pre-accident condition

Q. How long does an estimate take to write?

A. Approximately 15-20 minutes, however if there is extensive damage it may take longer.

INSURANCE ISSUES
Q. Where do I get a claim number?

A. A claim number is issued by the insurance company when you report a claim. Bring your claim number when you come in for an estimate and Koch 33 Collision Center will do the rest.

Q. What should I do with the check issued by the insurance company?

A. The insurance check can be signed over to the shop when the repairs are completed.

Q. My insurance company gave me a list of repair facilities; do I have to use them?

A. No, it is your choice on where you want to have your vehicle repaired. An insurance company cannot tell you where you have to have the vehicle repaired.

Q. What is a direct repair shop?

A. A direct repair shop is an approved repair facility by an insurance company to perform the needed repairs on a vehicle. The insurance company gives a warranty on the repairs done by the shop. Payments are made directly to the shop minus any deductibles.

Q. Can I get a ride to work/home after I drop off my car?

A. Yes, Koch 33 Collision Center has a free shuttle service that will take you where you need to go, and also pick you up when repairs are completed if need be.

Q. How do I get a rental car?

A. If you need a rental car, we would be happy to make the arrangements for a car to be here when you drop yours off. Check your insurance policy to ensure you have rental car coverage, and what your limitations are before renting a vehicle.

Q. How long will the repairs take?

A. We can give you an estimated time of completion. Please keep in mind that any additional damage found will delay the completion date.

Q. Will the parts be ordered before I drop my vehicle off?

A. Yes. We will usually schedule the repair 2-3 days after we order parts to ensure they will be here on time.

Q. What type of parts do you use?

A. There are three types of parts used in repairing a vehicle 1. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are made by the manufacturer of your vehicle. These parts are equivalent to the original parts on your car. 2. New After Market parts are copies of your OEM parts made by another manufacturer. These parts are generally cheaper than OEM, but come with a full fit and finish warranty. 3. Quality Replacement Parts are parts that have been recovered from “totaled” vehicles. Koch 33 Collision Center prefers to use OEM parts, however insurance companies set their own policies on parts usage and unfortunately we have no control over their policies. If you are not satisfied with the parts usage you may speak to your insurance company.

Q. If there is frame damage to my vehicle, is it an automatic total loss?

A. Not automatically, no. A car is a total loss when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance companies determined value of your vehicle. Our highly skilled technicians have been certified to return your vehicle back to factory specifications.

Q. If additional damage is found after repairs are started, am I responsible for the additional parts and labor?

A. No, It is the responsibility of the insurance company to settle on all accident related issues.

Q. What forms of payment do you accept?

A. All major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, cash, personal checks, and of course your insurance check can be signed over to us. Payment must be made in full before your vehicle will be released.

Q. What are betterment charges?

A. Parts that can wear out and will need replacement with time and use (i.e., tires, batteries, and suspension parts) are commonly subjected to a betterment charge when replaced during the repair process regardless of fault from the accident. These charges are determined by the insurance company and are pro-rated based on actual miles on your vehicle.

Q. Can I get other services done while my vehicle is in the shop?

A. Yes, just let us know what service you would like done when you drop the vehicle off and we will see that it is incorporated while the vehicle is here at our facility.

Q. How long until I can wash and wax my vehicle?

A. You can wash your vehicle right after you pick it up from the shop. The paint manufacturer recommends you do not wax the freshly painted panels for 90 days.