What can I expect when I bring my automobile for an estimate?
The average estimate will take approximately 20 minutes.
Do I have the right to select the shop that will repair my vehicle?
We recommend that you select a repair shop that will be an advocate for you, the vehicle owner. One who uses manufacturer recommended repair procedures and parts. This assures the repairs are done based on approved repair methodology of your vehicle manufacturer.
If you have felt pressured from your insurance agent to take your car to another repairs facility, click HERE for more information..
Is there a law that requires me to get more than one estimate for my repairs?
What are OEM, Aftermarket, and Recycled Parts?
- OEM – (Original Equipment Manufactured) by your vehicle’s factory supplier.
- Aftemarket – Copied from the original factory part and manufactured by a 3rd party supplier. Mainly manufactured overseas and imported into the US.
- Recycled Part – An original factory part taken off of a vehicle that has been retired from service.
Do I have to accept used parts?
The insurance company’s obligation is to restore your vehicle to “pre-loss” condition – not better than it was and no worse.
What happens if more damage is found?
Auto Body Hawaii is the exception; our DFR process (Disassembly for Repair) almost always assures no surprise damage. [Back to Top] If additional damage is found, it is documented and discussed with you and the insurance company. The insurance company may, or may not, want to come see the damage. These supplemental charges are itemized, authorized and billed along with the rest of the repairs. If the insurance representative wants to come see the additional damage, the repair process could be delayed from 2 – 5 business days.
Be mindful that any additional parts found to be damaged will have to be ordered and that can lead to another delay (based on availability.)
What are betterment charges?
These betterment charges are determined by your insurance company and are pro-rated based on actual miles on your vehicle.
What is a Supplement?
If a shop finds additional damage, it writes a supplement and notifies the insurance company or customer for approval to continue with repairs.
If my vehicle frame is damaged is it a total loss? Can frame damage be properly repaired?
Today’s light cars are designed with a uni-body frame, meaning most of the vehicle core is part of the frame structure. It is very common and safe for a competent shop to correctly repair a vehicle frame.
Is it hard to match the color of my paint?
- Your vehicle has an information label that includes a paint code. This code identifies the color of your car.
- Our computerized paint-mixing system includes the standard color for your car and known variants. The database of known variants is important because in the vehicle manufacturing process there is some variability (such variations typically occur between paint lots or between factories). We check for the best match among these base colors and their variants.
- A perfect match usually cannot be obtained by tinting alone.
- Blending is used to fade the freshly painted finish into the original.
Between tinting and blending, the color match area becomes completely invisible.
What about my personal belongings?
Even though our team is comprised of very honest people, they often remove interior parts to gain access to the damaged area or to protect the interior from damage. One misplaced item can cause a lot of hard feelings and we value your good opinion.