John
Hinkle
Bavarian
Collision
602 W Cypress
St
Kennett Square, PA
19348
V:
610.444.3600
F:
610.444.8217
or
Chris
Laughlin
Bavarian
Collision
of New
Garden
9020 Gap Newport
Pike
Avondale, PA
19311
V:
610.268.8950
F:
610.268.8955
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You
may have some questions concerning the estimating/repair process. After
all, having your vehicle at a shop for painting and repairs is not a
routine that most of us have to go through with our vehicles.
Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and it can be stressful experience.
Here at Bavarian Collision we understand that the questions and concerns
you will have.
The Investment:
Your car is the
second largest investment you're likely to make. Preserve its value and
your safety by having it repaired professionally. Collision Repair shops
that are I-Car and ASE certified have the training and experience to
insure that your vehicle is returned to you in pre-loss condition.
Safety Concerns:
Never drive a car that could be
unsafe because of damages. Driving an unsafe car could place you at risk
for another accident, or in instances where bumpers or other vehicles
parts are loose and in danger of dragging or falling off, could cause
vehicles around you to become damaged. If by chance you are involved in
a front-end collision, never attempt to open your hood. Securing a hood
that may not close properly after opening, with twine, bungie cords or
straps, may not lessen the chance the hood may fly open during
driving.
Getting a Estimate:
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 leave your car at
our shop and ask that the insurance company to inspect the car here. If
your vehicle is towed to our facilities after an accident, we will work
with your Insurance company to schedule when an appraiser can look at
your vehicle, and keep you informed of the progress. You may also drive
in at any time to have one of our licensed appraisers inspect your car
at no cost to you. If you are on a tight schedule, call first to
schedule the date and time for a
appraisal.
There is no law requiring you to
obtain more than one estimate or appraisal.
Choosing a Repair Facility:
You have
the right to go to the repair shop of your choice. Your insurance
company cannot require you to go to a particular shop. Insurance
companies will often recommend up to three repair facilities that they
have determined to be within a certain radius of your home. Sometimes,
your preferred repair shop (if you have one) may not actually be listed
becuase it was not randomly pulled up on the computer as one of the
three choices or may be outside the radius. You can insist on having
your vehicle repaired at the repair shop of your choice. The choice is
totally up to you.
Why Repair Costs Vary from Estimate to
Estimate:
Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower
estimate may not include all necessary work. If you're not sure why one
estimate is different from another you've received, please ask us about
it. When a appraiser inspects your car, several factors may influence
their final estimate. The type of estimating system they use, type of
replacement parts (OEM, After-market, or salavaged parts), and overall
experience will effect and sometimes explain the differences between the
estimates. Contrary to popular belief, most insurance companies and
repair shops have established rates and agreed upon pricing for parts.
The Repair Facility:
Choose a shop that
has uni-body repair equipment and certified (by I-CAR or ASE, for
example) technicians. Today's vehicles require technicians skilled in
the technologies to repir the damage to pre-loss condition to perform
the work. Uni-body constructed vehicles for example, do not contain body
parts that can be simply unbolted and replaced. It will take a highly
skilled technician to perform the surgery required to cut out damged
sections and replace the damaged section.
Replacement Parts
Used in the Repair Process:
Ask if the shop will be using
genuine manufacturer replacement parts. You will need to be aware of the
parts replacement guidelines in your Insurance policy. Some Insurance
companies write policies that stipulate aftermarket or salvaged parts to
be used in the repair of your vehicle. You can inist on the use of
original factory replacement parts (OEM); however, you may have to pay
the difference between aftermarket and OEM prices, if any.
Ask
about the Warranty:
Ask if the shop offers a repair
warranty in writing. Repair warranties are just like any other warranty
you may purchase for other goods. Every repair facility may differ on
the warranty they provide. Bavarian Collision offers a limited Lifetime
Warranty that can be read by clicking this hyperlink.
Let
Bavarian Collision Help:
Let us help you negotiate your claim
with the insurance company. We deal with insurance companies on a daily
basis and understand the issues that arise between the insurance company
and your repair needs. Bavarian Collision will provide those services
absolutely free of charge as part of our Collision Care
Program.
We also have 24/7 Towing, if your car is not
driveable.
If you elect to have Bavarian Collision perform the
repairs, we can assist you by having a Rental car ready for you, when
you drop your car off.
If you have any questions, please ask us.
Our trained professionals are ready and willing to help you in any way
they can.
For us, satisfying our customers is the most important
goal we have.
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