FAQ's about Collision Repair
-
Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my car for repair?
-
Can I get other service work done on my car while it in the body shop?
WHERE DO I GET A CLAIM NUMBER?
Your insurance company issues claim numbers. However, please feel free to contact us directly and our customer care representative will assist your through the entire claim process.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS? ARE YOU OPEN ON SATURDAYS?
We are open Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 5:30 pm. Saturdays from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. We offer an Express After Hours Drop Off. If there are special circumstances that concern your repair please contact us so we may accommodate your particular needs.
WILL THE PARTS BE ORDERED BEFORE I DROP OFF MY VEHICLE FOR REPAIR?
Typically the parts are ordered once we determine that we identified all damaged items. If your vehicle has the potential for hidden damage, then your parts will be ordered once the vehicle is disassembled fully and an accurate parts order can be created. If all damages are visible, then your parts can be ordered prior to your vehicle’s arrival.
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 unibody 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. North Amherst Motors has made a major investment in the finest paint system available and constantly upgrades its technology and equipment to ensure that each vehicle's paint matches. We spray water based paint, which is more environmentally friendly than the traditional solvent based paint. 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. We are staffed and equipped to handle many other related repairs and services including:
- Windshield & glass replacement
- Wheel alignments
- Oil changes
- Tire replacement & repair
- Brake inspection & repair
- Exhaust inspection & repair
- Light engine maintenance
- Complete auto detailing
- Paintless Dent Repair
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE TAKE?
Your customer care representative can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Be sure to check with your customer care representative 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 WILL I KNOW WHEN MY CAR IS DONE?
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call or e-mail your customer care representative during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.
IS THERE A WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE?
Yes. We guarantee all repairs with a written Lifetime Warranty. Many of the insurance companies that we are a preferred repair facility for also warranty our repairs.
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 aren't sure about your deductible, we can help contact your insurance company to clarify this for you.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
The most convenient way to pay for your portion of the repairs of your vehicle is with a properly endorsed insurance check. North Amherst Motors also accepts personal or business checks (up to $1000.00), bank or cashier checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and cash. Please note that our payment policy requires payment in full at time of delivery.
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.