It’s traumatic to be in an accident but it is important to remain calm.

1. Obviously, the first thing you need to do is make sure everyone is all right and call for help if anyone needs it.

2. Always call the police even if the damage appears to be small, make sure to get a police report with all the important information such as names, drivers license info, insurance information, etc.

3. If your vehicle needs to be towed to a shop, be sure to remove all your valuables and document who the company is doing the towing. If you want it towed to our shop, call our 24 hour number Circleville 740-474-3235, Jackson 740-286-1642, and a tow truck will be
immediately sent for your vehicle free of charge to you.

4. Call your insurance agent and company immediately for further instructions on how to file your claim. If the other party is at fault, call their company to file your claim.

5. Get a quality damage report from the shop of your choice to see what it will cost to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

6. You need to authorize any repairs to be done, the insurance company can not do this for you. They will agree to pay for the repairs from the shop of your choice.

7. Choose your repair shop carefully, get involved in the repair process and use this consumer guide as your guide to getting the best repair possible. Call our shop if you have any questions.

With the number of options to choose from, it is difficult to know who you can trust. Click here for a list of questions that you should ask any shop before they service your vehicle.

1. Ask if the shop will be writing you a detailed Damage Report or just an estimate?

Most repair shops don’t write damage reports. Instead, they write an estimate. An estimate does not contain the detail of a damage report.  A damage report is the “blueprint” for repairing your vehicle. A damage report can only be created with an investment of time and effort by a competent collision repair professional. Be sure you ask for a damage report.

2. Ask if the facility is a member of the ASA, the BBB, or your local chamber of commerce?

When a shop is a member of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) they have agreed to uphold the association’s strict Code of Ethics. This code sets the standards for professionalism in the collision repair industry. In addition, consumers may wish to check out a shop’s affiliation with consumer organizations such as the Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce.

3. How long has your shop been in business?

The longer the length of time a shop has been in business is a good indication that they may be around in the future to take care of any problems you may have. Ask how many years experience their technicians have. Remember too, that some shops specialize in repairs of certain vehicle makes and models, and some specialize in only late model vehicles.

4. Ask if the shop is State Licensed?

This may sound like a given, but you would be surprised how many shops don’t have a legal repair license or haven’t renewed theirs. They should have their license displayed in the lobby, they should also have the phone number for the attorney generals office for you to call if you have a major problem.

5. Do you have a lifetime guarantee on all your repairs?

The good shops all have a warranty or guarantee on all their parts, workmanship and paint. Request a copy of their “Written Warranty” including labor, materials, parts and paint. Remember this, if your shop tries to install aftermarket parts on your vehicle, the factory warranty will be void, and you will have to chase down the aftermarket parts company if you have a problem. Do not accept less than one year on workmanship and in most cases three to five years on the paint.

6. What kind of parts will be used to repair my vehicle?

Some insurers parts replacement policies vary, parts that will be used will be consistent with the policy that you have signed. All parts will accompany a warranty consistent with the repair performed to your vehicle.

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
• Aftermarket
• Recycled, used, LKQ (Like Kind and Quality)
• Reconditioned (Previously repaired OEM part.)

7. Do you have a book of testimonials or referrals I can look through to call a few of them?

Many people may ask for referrals or testimonials, but feel embarrassed to call any of these people. Think about this, if you had exceptional service from a business, and one of their prospective customers called you to ask your opinion, you would talk to them wouldn’t you? Don’t be afraid to call anybody, you are protecting a major investment and should investigate the shop thoroughly.

8. Do you use a complete paint system all the way through?

You would be amazed of all the different primers, sealers, paints, and clearcoats there are. The top shops use one complete system throughout out the entire repair. If they don’t use a complete system, then none of the companies will warranty any of the system if they
have a problem. Make sure the shop you use has a complete paint system they use, this will assure that there will be no compatibility problems. Most all of the top paint companies will have at least a three year guarantee on their finishes, some have a five year and some
will stand behind their paint for as long as you own your vehicle. Make sure you ask, because many shops will use cheap paint materials to try to save money.

9. Will you have a rental car waiting for me when I drop my vehicle off for repairs?

If you will need a rental car for you to drive when your vehicle is in the shop, make sure that the shop can reserve one for you ahead of time. All the top shops will have agreements with the rental companies and will always have rental cars available. Reserve yours when you make your appointment, tell them you want one at least comparable to the one you are driving, don’t let them cram you into a little econobox. Make sure it’s a late model from a reputable company you can trust, no junkers allowed.

10. Will you handle all the paperwork with the insurance company?

This is a part of all repairs that can be a pain in the you-know-what. Some shops will submit the estimate and repair bill to your insurance company for you, but you are still responsible for the payment to the shop. Most shops will not release a vehicle until the bill
is paid in full. This is a part of the process you may have to oversee to be sure it gets done. Some insurance companies will want you to go to their DRP shops and will tell you there is no paperwork for you to do, just drop it off and it will be taken care of for you.

11. How will any repair supplements be handled?

Many times when a shop starts repairs they find items that were either missed on the original damage quote or they could not see until the vehicle was disassembled. This is when a repair supplement will need to be added to the original order. Ask if the shop will be approving this directly with the insurance company or will you need to be notified. Almost all estimates that are originally written by the insurance claims people will need a supplement. Insurance claims people try to leave items off estimates on purpose to see if shops will do the repairs missed for free, this process saves the insurance companies millions every year. See the Q and A section for more.

12. Who will be my contact person throughout the entire repair process?

You will want one contact person who will keep you informed on the progress of your repair. Even if your vehicle is in the shop for only a few days you will want one person who you can talk to, who will know your situation. There is nothing more frustrating than calling to check on your vehicle and nobody knows anything about it. All the top shops assign a representative to each repair and client, this will help you to build a relationship with a quality shop and have some one to call for all your questions you may have.

13. Can you give me a tour of your shop?

Some shops will take you on a tour of the facility and you should ask for one. They may tell you they can’t, but tell them you have never seen inside a real body shop and think it’s interesting and fascinating on how they can take a wreck and make it like new. This will let
you see how clean and neat they keep the shop and give you a chance to see the technicians that will be working on your vehicle to see how careful they are with other customers vehicles. You can learn a lot from this.

PUBLIC AWARENESS NOTICE | AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

Motorists Bill of Rights

Choosing an Auto Repair Facility

As the owner of a motor vehicle in need of repair, YOU have the right to choose the shop where you wish to have those repairs made.  This is the law!

Do I Need More Than One Estimate?

No.  Select a repair facility you are comfortable with and have them write your estimate.

Notify Your Insurance Carrier

If the repairs needed are the result of an accident, prior to authorizing the repairs, notify your insurance agent or carrier.  Your insurance carrier may require an adjuster to inspect your vehicle and the damage.  This can be accomplished at the insurance claim
center or at the repair shop you have chosen.  This notification is required by most insurance policies.

Is the Work Guaranteed?

Most shops guarantee their repairs to some degree.  Prior to authorizing the repairs, ask to see a copy of the shop’s guarantee, and have any information you do not understand clarified.

Qualified Repair Centers

If collision, glass or airbag repairs are needed, verify your shop of choice is registered with our Board.  Check our e-Licensing system at www.collisionboard.ohio.gov.  Also, look for certificates of technical training.  Memberships in professional associations, such as the Better Business Bureau, can indicate the shop is current with the latest repair techniques and they are serious about maintaining a positive reputation.

Know Your Shop

Make certain the shop you choose has a reliable and professional reputation.  Ask for references.  Look at the appearance of the facility.  Look at the cleanliness, organization, equipment, employees, and their demeanors.  Chances are if you are satisfied with your first impressions, you will be satisfied with their work.

Inspect the Repairs

Before driving away from the shop, examine the repairs that you can see.  Take a testdrive to check the mechanical repairs.  Look at the appearance of your vehicle.  Have they presented the vehicle to you clean?  Make sure everything operates properly.  If you are not satisfied with the repairs, mention your concerns immediately.