Question 1

Where do I get a claim number?

Accepted Answer

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, we will do the rest.

Question 2

Do I need more than one estimate

Accepted Answer

No, it is up to you to decide how many estimates you would like and if you want to discuss the repairs with more than one shop. If you have selected a shop, have your insurance company deal directly with them.

Question 3

Who do I pay my deductible to?

Accepted Answer

It will be your responsibility to pay Collision Leaders when you pick up your vehicle.

Question 4

Can the shop help bury my deductible?

Accepted Answer

No. When you purchased your insurance policy, you signed a contract saying you will pay the first amount of the claim up to your deductible. Repairers should not be asked to hide the deductible. That practice would constitute fraud by both the shop and consumer. The penalties for insurance fraud are severe. If a shop offers to save your deductible, they are absorbing that at your cost. They are not doing the said repairs in order to make up for your deductible. This could lead to unsafe and unsatisfactory repairs which will ultimately cost you at some point.

Question 5

What is Subrogation?

Accepted Answer

Subrogation is the process by which your insurance company pays for the repairs to your vehicle, and is obligated to collect from another insurer or party. Your collision coverage will require you to pay your deductible, which may be refunded once the other party pays.

Question 6

The other insurance company says my car is a total loss. What does that mean?

Accepted Answer

The cost of repairs plus the value of the vehicle in damaged condition (salvage value) is greater than the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle prior to the accident.

Question 7

How is Actual Cash Value (ACV) determined?

Accepted Answer

The insurance company will assign an appraiser to inspect the vehicle to determine its condition prior to the accident, or in some instances allow the repairer to make the determination. They may use a vehicle evaluation service or the newspaper to determine pre-accident value. The owner should also determine the value independently.

Question 8

Is the ACV negotiable?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. If you feel the ACV offered by the insurance company is too low, then you are obligated to prove this either through documented receipts of vehicle enhancement or written statements by qualified experts to determine the proper value.

Question 9

Will my insurance company pay for a rental?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have rental coverage. Also check with your agent or insurance company to see how much of the rental is covered; some policies pay the full amount, some will only pay a percentage. If the claim is a liability claim (the accident was not your fault), the full amount will be covered.

Question 10

Can I have my vehicle repaired at the shop of my choice?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is your responsibility, and your right, to choose who will repair your vehicle. Also, if you cannot decide on a repair facility, your insurance company can recommend a repair shop. Many insurance companies offer direct repair programs that take the hassle out of the claim process and provide for quicker repairs.

Question 11

How will I know when my repair is complete?

Accepted Answer

You will be notified by phone when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Please call or e-mail your advisor during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.

Question 12

Is there a warranty on the repair to my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We guarantee all of our repairs with a written limited lifetime warranty.

Question 13

When can I wash my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

You can wash the vehicle immediately. Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth, sponge, or mitt.

Always use clean fresh water.
Wash your vehicle in the shade.
Do not use a commercial brush car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface.

Question 14

When can I wax my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Do not wax or polish the vehicle in the first 90 days. This will allow the finish to cure completely. After the first 90 days keep a coat of polish or wax on the vehicle. This will help keep your finish looking new.

Question 15

How do I care for my newly painted vehicle?

Accepted Answer

1. Do not “dry wipe” your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish.
2. Avoid parking under trees and utility lines which are likely to attract birds.
2.1. Bird droppings have a high acid content and will damage a freshly painted surface.
2.2. Also, tree sap can mar or spot a freshly painted surface.
3. Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish.
4. Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface. Scrapers can act like a paint scraper on a newly painted finish.

Question 16

What if I want to keep my vehicle after it is totaled?

Accepted Answer

You have the right to retain ownership of the vehicle, but the amount of the settlement may be reduced by the salvage value.

Question 17

How can I get a rental car?

Accepted Answer

If you need a rental car, we can help you make the necessary arrangements.

Collision Leaders of Jefferson City

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