FAQs

faqWhatever questions you have, you should never hesitate to call one of the Professional Claims Handlers at either of our locations. We’ll be pleased to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your vehicle or dealing with your insurance company. In short, we’ll do everything we can to help you or your family.

Who will pay for the damages to my vehicle?

If the accident was minor, you and the other drivers may decide to handle the damages yourselves without the involvement of an insurance company. But this isn’t always the best idea, for several reasons. While the other driver may agree to pay for the damage to your car on the day of the accident, he may see the repair bills and decide it’s too high. At this point, time has passed and your insurance company will have more difficulty piecing together the evidence if you file a claim.

Also, keep in mind that you have no way of knowing whether another driver will change his mind and report the accident to his insurance company. He may even claim injuries that weren’t apparent at the scene of the accident. This means that your insurance company may end up paying him a hefty settlement or worse yet, you could be dragged into a lawsuit. So make sure that your company has your version of what happened and check your policy — if the damages paid out by your insurance company are below a certain amount, the accident may not be considered chargeable. And you will avoid the penalty of a premium hike.

Do I have the right to take my car to the repair shop of my choice?

ABSOLUTELY YES – Only you may select the repair facility. You have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice. Your insurance company cannot require that you go to a particular shop.  A good source of information about this can also be found on the California Department of Insurance website.

Do I need to contact more than one shop for an estimate?

NO – Only one estimate from the shop of your choice is required of you. Obtaining any additional estimates is the obligation of the insurance company. Again, you have the right to choose which shop will repair your vehicle and at no additional cost to you. Some insurance companies may want you to visit their drive-in claims center before having your car repaired. You can do this, or you may simply leave your car at our shop and we’ll ask your insurance company to inspect your car here.

If my insurance company doesn’t agree with the amount of the loss, do I have any recourse?

YES – When the insured and the insurer fail to agree on the amount of the loss, both parties are entitled to arbitration. A typical arbitration clause would explain that when the insured and the insurer fail to agree on the amount of the loss, either party may demand an independent appraisal within 60 days of the date of loss. The insured and the insurer must each select a competent appraiser, and the appraisers in turn must select a competent and disinterested umpire. Should there be a disagreement as to the amount between the appraisers, they must submit their differences to the umpire.

How can I handle the insurance process with the least amount of hassle?

Your best bet is to select the shop of your choice to do the repairs and assign them the right to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. A reputable shop like Autosquare Collision Center will put your best interests first and will improve your chances of negotiating a fair settlement. Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all the necessary work. If you’re not sure why one estimate is different from another you’ve received, please ask us.

Where can I turn if I am unhappy with the repairs done by the shop?

Your first effort should be to resolve any problems directly with the shop that did the repairs. Involving the insurance company or another shop may only escalate the problem and increase the difficulty in getting it resolved.

Where do I get a claim number?

A claim number is issued by your insurance company at the time you report your accident. Just write it down and bring it in with you when you come in to begin the repair process. Our friendly staff will do the rest.

Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my vehicle for repair?

We can order most of your vehicle’s parts at the time that we write the estimate and then schedule your vehicle for drop-off a couple of days later. However, we will not know all the parts that will be needed until we are able to complete the disassembly process and carefully inspect your vehicle for any hidden damage. On modern vehicles, hidden damage is almost inevitable. If your vehicle is found to be unsafe to drive, we can immediately help you arrange for a rental vehicle or give you a ride home.

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. Autosquare Collision Center 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 perfectly. 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 us know what other work you’d like done so we can make the necessary arrangements.

How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?

Your personal contact person here at Autosquare Collision Center can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Also, you can be sure we’ll stay in touch with you throughout the course of the repairs so you’ll never be left in the dark.

Can I get a ride home when I drop off my car?

Yes! We want each customer’s visit to be a positive experience and will work diligently towards that goal. We provide a valet pickup and delivery service.

How can I get a rental car?

We have a rental car office within our facility so if you need a rental car, we can make the necessary arrangements for you to pick one up when you drop your car off. However, your insurance company 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?

We will keep you informed about how your vehicle is doing throughout the repair process and notify you when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call or e-mail your personal contact during the repair process if you have questions or concerns. You can also use the “Check On Your Vehicle” page of this website for the most up-to-date information about your car.

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 it or whether you’ll 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 Autosquare Collision Center when you pick up your vehicle.

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 after I pick it up?

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. During the first 60 days do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.

Is there a warranty on the repairs to my vehicle?

Yes. Autosquare Collision Center guarantees all repairs with a Lifetime Warranty.

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