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WHERE DO I GET A 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,
STEPHENS' AUTO will do the rest.
WHAT IS A DIRECT REPAIR SHOP?
A direct repair facility is a body shop that works directly with your insurance company as a preferred shop. Body shops earn the right to be in preferred shop programs by meeting certain requirements. These include having certified technicians, using the proper equipment, and most importantly, having a record of satisfied customers. When you use a preferred shop, the repair process is streamlined. A preferred shop actually writes the estimate, orders the parts, and repairs your vehicle without having to wait for an insurance adjuster. Insurance companies constantly monitor their preferred shops to ensure quality repairs.
ARE
YOU OPEN SATURDAY?
No. We are open Monday-Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm.
WILL THE PARTS BE ORDERED BEFORE I DROP OFF MY VEHICLE FOR
REPAIR?
Absolutely. We generally order your vehicle's parts at the
time that we write the estimate and schedule your vehicle
for drop-off a couple of days later unless your vehicle
is found unsafe to drive, then we would help you arrange
for a rental vehicle as soon as possible. This enables us
to provide quicker turnaround time.
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 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. STEPHENS' AUTO 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 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. Just let your advisor know what other work you would
like done so that he or she can make the necessary arrangements.
HOW
LONG WILL THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE TAKE?
Your advisor can give you an estimate of the time it will
take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Be sure
to check with your advisor 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
CAN I GET 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.
HOW
WILL I KNOW WHEN MY CAR IS DONE?
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked
up. You can also check this website. You will see a message
next to the last picture of your vehicle telling you that
your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call
or e-mail your advisor during the repair process if you
have questions or concerns.
IS
THERE A WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE?
Yes. STEPHENS' AUTO guarantees all repairs with a Lifetime Warranty.
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.
WHO
DO I PAY MY DEDUCTIBLE TO?
If your deductible is not waived, it will be your responsibility
to pay STEPHENS' AUTO 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.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept cash and checks up to $250.00 are always welcome.
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.
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