Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Do I need an appointment for an estimate?
   A: No appointment needed, just drop in anytime, Monday thru Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
2. Q: How long do estimates take?
   A: Allow approximately 15 minutes for the estimate to be written. If there is a substantial amount of damage, or you have an unusual vehicle (such as a specialty sports car), it may take up to 30 minutes to inspect your vehicle and write the estimate.
3. Q: How do I get to your location?
   A: You can click here for a link to a printable map and directions to our facility.
4. Q: What are your hours?
   A: Monday thru Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
5. Q: Will you work off my insurance estimate?
   A: Yes, we work with all insurance companies. Bring us their estimate and we will repair the vehicle according to it, or contact the insurance company for you if the estimate doesn't cover all the related damage.
6. Q: Do you charge for estimates?
   A: There's no charge for estimates at our shops.
7. Q: Can you write an estimate over the phone?
   A: There really isn't a way to give a complete estimate over the phone.  We prefer to do it right the first time.
8. Q: Why do I have to come in for an estimate?
   A: So we can pre-order any needed parts, provide an estimate as needed for your insurance company, etc. The process goes faster and you get your vehicle back sooner if we prepare in advance for your appointment.
9. Q: Can you write an estimate on any vehicle?
   A: Our estimate database accommodates most vehicles on the road. If you have, for example, a specialty sports car, collector/antique vehicle, etc. it may not be in our database.
10. Q: Do you have mobile estimates even if the car is drivable?
    A: Please talk to one of our estimators. We may be able to do this for a fee that is refundable when repairs are done.
11. Q: Does my car need to be clean for an estimate?
    A: Ideally yes, but it isn't required.
12. Q: Do we use only original manufacturer parts?
    A: We use O.E.M. parts.  We will use alternate parts if you request/approve them.
13. Q: Can we hide the deductible?
    A: It is insurance fraud to "hide" the deductible. Some insurance companies recognize the value in not doing some of the accident related repairs and will offer to adjust the deductible to allow a savings to you.
14. Q: Is my estimate final and binding?
    A: An estimate is only an estimate. Vehicles are designed (e.g. bumpers) to cover support systems, brackets, impact absorbers, steel reinforcements, intrusion bars, etc. in a manner that makes it impossible to see all the damage. We need to tear down the damaged areas to be certain complete repairs are made. With this in mind, it is likely that there could be additional damage to repair, or additional parts ordered. Your insurance company is very aware of this. When they write an estimate they will advise you to take their estimate to a body shop and have the shop call them if additional damage is noticed.
15. Q: Where do I park?
    A: Please park in any open stall near our office front door.
16. Q: Who reports the accident to my insurance company?
    A: You need to provide details of the accident. please contact your Insurance Agent, Insurance Company, Fleet Manager or Fleet Management Company. 
17. Q: What is an Insurance Agent?
    A: The person who sells you your insurance policy. For most Insurance companies, the agent is the person to whom you report the accident. This initiates the process of the claim being paid by your Insurance company. Your agent can provide answers to what coverage you have, etc.
18. Q: What is an Insurance Adjuster, Appraiser or Claims Representative?
    A: The person who reviews the damage to your vehicle, and carries forward the repair process.
19. Q: How does a total loss work?
    A: If the damage on your vehicle is extensive enough to declare it a "Total Loss", you and your Insurance Company will calculate the value of your vehicle and settle the claim.
20. Q: Can you tow my car?
    A: We have towing services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you call after hours, the towing company will bill Quality Body Works.
21. Q: When are you scheduling for?
    A: Our estimators can advise you when our next opening is. After writing the estimate, seeing the damage, or reviewing the Insurance Company's estimate we can advise you on approximately how long the repairs will take. We will try to get you booked as soon as possible.
22. Q: Can I fax my insurance estimate to you?
    A: Yes! We will order parts in advance of your appointment directly from your insurance estimate...no need to stop in.
23. Q: Can I just schedule an appointment and drop off my car, then have you write the estimate?
    A: Yes you can, however, the repair process will go faster if we can write the estimate in advance, pre-order your parts and have Insurance authorization in place.
24. Q: Do you have a drop box for keys?
    A: We have an after hours drop box available. Please be sure to lock your vehicle and take all personal valuables out of your vehicle including your parking permit and/or garage door opener.
25. Q: How long will repairs take?
    A: A general guideline is to look at the total number of hours on your estimate and add preliminary inspection time, paint and/or glass urethane drying time, final inspection and clean-up time. Your estimator can advise you when the estimate is written, how long it will take.
26. Q: Can you give me a ride?
    A: We would be happy to give you a ride, in the general vicinity - approximately a 10 mile radius from our shop. Please arrange in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
27. Q: Do you have loaner cars?
    A: Loaner cars are available in a limited number.
28. Q: Do you have rental cars?
    A: Rental cars are available through Enterprise Car Rentals.   Cost varies by the size of the vehicle. Enterprise Car Rentals will meet you at our shop to deliver a car to you. (Other companies pick you up and take you to their facilities to handle the paperwork.)
29. Q: Who pays for the rental car?
    A: If you carry rental car coverage, your Insurance Company covers the rental car per the policy provisions. If another company is paying for the damage on your vehicle they may pay for the rental car. If you do not have rental coverage, the cost is approximately $25.00 per day varying by the type of vehicle and the number of days you have it. Quality Body Works does not pay for rental cars.
30. Q: What does the repair process look like?
    A: The flow chart below will give you the basic idea on how the average repair process works.  You may need to scroll right a bit to see the entire chart.