WHAT DO I DO AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT?
1. Stay as calm as possible.
2. Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance.
3. If the accident is minor and there are no injuries, move the vehicles to a safe place out of traffic. Many insurance companies recommend calling the police.
4. Notify your insurance company immediately.
5. Make notes about the accident, including specific damages to all vehicles involved. Write down the names, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers for all involved. Get witness information if possible.
6. Be polite. Allow law enforcement officials and insurance companies to determine who is at fault in the accident. Always be honest.
7. If you have a camera or camera-phone, take pictures if it can be done safely. Smart-phone users: many insurance companies now have smart-phone apps!
8. Contact Allied Auto Body to schedule your vehicle for repairs or assistance to have your vehicle transported from the scene of the accident. Let the collision repair center staff help you. They can make the arrangements to make things easier for you.
9. Call or visit our shop once you have claim information. You will need to sign a work authorization to begin the repair process.
DO I NEED THREE ESTIMATES?
No, you do not need to get three estimates.
Many repair centers offer free estimates. However, there are specific requirements– based on the insurance company involved and the type of coverage you have– that require certain types of parts and labor-rates to be considered for providing an accurate repair estimate. Estimates written without this information may make this process seem confusing.
The most important thing is for you to select a repair facility you trust and inform your insurance company.
AM I REQUIRED TO NOTIFY MY INSURANCE COMPANY BEFORE REPAIRS BEGIN ON MY VEHICLE?
Yes.
You should obtain approval from your insurance company before repairs begin. Your insurance company will authorize repairs, part- types used, payments, and written/digital photo documentation before and during the repair process.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT TO ALLIED AUTO BODY?
The vehicle owner is ultimately responsible for payment for all repairs.
You may instruct your insurance company to make payment directly to the repair center on your behalf. Usually an initial payment is made for the repair estimate and then during the repair process a supplemental payment will be issued for additional hidden damages or parts cost that are discovered during repairs.
We can assist you with clarification on any payments that may be issued. This can also get you back into your own vehicle in a timelier manner.
Remember to clarify any deductible amounts or questions you may have as early as possible. Your portion (if applicable) is not required until the completion of repairs and you pick up your vehicle.
DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR?
Rental car coverage is an optional coverage available from your insurance company. Verify your coverage and the amount covered per day for a rental vehicle while filing your initial claim.
If your repairs are being paid for by the other parties’ insurance company, you should be provided with a vehicle similar to your own vehicle during the time your vehicle is in for repair.
WHEN IS MY DEDUCTIBLE DUE AND HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH IT IS?
Insurance deductibles are due at the completion of the repair process to the repair center. Your insurance adjuster can answer any questions you may have regarding your policy, coverage, and applicable deductibles.
Be cautious of anyone offering to save you the cost of your deductible! Ask specific questions on how they plan to absorb this cost. Will all repairs be made per industry standard and will all the proper parts be used? This is not usually an offer with your best interest in mind or the protection of the investment you have in your vehicle.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I PICK UP MY REPAIRED VEHICLE?
Review your itemized final repair order. Complete a walk-around inspection with your Service Advisor and have him/her explain the repairs that were made to your vehicle.
Look at the paint color and finish, all exterior trim, and proper operation of items involved, such as handles, mirrors, and other moving parts.
Choose a repair center that measures customer satisfaction and satisfaction is guaranteed before any payment is made.
Paintless Dent Repair
What is PDR (Paintless Dent Repair)?
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is the process of removing minor dents, dings, and hail damage without sanding, priming, and painting. Special tools are used to massage the backside of the metal to restore the panel to it’s original condition without effecting the factory finish. PDR is the only auto body process that can return your vehicle to true factory condition.
Can all dents be fixed with PDR?
Most non-collision dents can be repaired with paintless dent repair, however there are some situations that can interfere. Dents that are on the edge of the panel may not be able to be repaired. Some panel edges are seamed together with another sheet of metal making it impossible to gain access. If the paint is cracked or damaged, a complete repair is not possible using the PDR method. Paintless Dent Repair is best on later modeled vehicles with factory paint. Vehicles before 1985 may have lacquer based paint which is not flexible as the automotive paint used today.
Will my dents come back?
Absolutely not! Paintless Dent Repair is a permanent repair for minor dents, dings, and hail damage. DentSmith guarantees our work for as long as you own your vehicle.
Will my paint be damaged?
No, Paintless Dent Repair will not damage your paint (as long as performed properly). The factory paint on today’s vehicles is very flexible and will not be damaged from the PDR process. It is important to make sure you only use a qualified PDR technician for your repairs.
How is PDR performed?
PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) is performed by accessing the backside of the panel and meticulously massaging the back of the damage with special rods and tools. A tennis ball sized dent can sometimes take over a hundred small pushes to repair the dent. Special lights are used to see the details of the damage. The dents do not just “pop” out and there is no dry ice or suction used in the repair process. PDR is a specialty trade that can take years to master.
Why should I choose PDR for my repair?
There are many reasons to choose the PDR process for your repair.
- Paintless Dent Repair is the only repair process that allows you to keep your factory finish. Repainting the damage not only has the possibility of the color not matching, it also diminishes the value of the vehicle.
- Repair time is a major plus using the PDR method. Most dents can be repaired while you wait versus 3 to 5 days in the shop.
- Cost of the repair is another reason to choose PDR. A small, coin-sized doording on your vehicle would typically cost you between $400-$750, depending on location and color. That same dent repaired with PDR will cost you between $75-$150.
Will my insurance pay for a PDR repair?
Absolutely! Paintless Dent Repair is the insurance industry’s preferred method of hail damage repair. Minor dents and doordings typically cost less than most deductibles, in those cases it may be best to not even file a claim. In the cases of larger damage where there is no paint damage, DentSmith will be glad to work with you and your insurance company on what the best option is for your repair.
I’ve got several dents, is there a discount?
Yes, we will work with you on the pricing for multiple dents. If there are more than one dent on the same panel, we will repair the rest of them for very little extra. If you have multiple dents on different panels of the vehicle, we will come up with a package discount to repair the entire car (this excludes hail damage).
Hail Damage Repair
Will claiming hail damage with my insurance company increase my rates?
No, claiming your hail damage will not increase your rates. It is technically referred to as “An Act of Nature” and will not increase your rates ever.
Will you work with my insurance company? Do you deal with insurance claims?
Yes! It is very common to go through insurance with larger claims, especially hail damage. We can help you navigate working with your insurance company to make the the claims process as pain free as possible. See below about hail insurance claims