10 Things to Know Before Having Your Car Repaired
- Never drive a car that could be unsafe because of damages. We will gladly arrange for your car to be towed to the PJ’s Auto Body repair facility.
- 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 location and ask that the insurance company come to inspect the car. We work closely with all insurance companies and we keep close communication with insurance companies to advise them of all work and repairs that need to be done to our customer’s vehicle.
- As a consumer, it’s nice to know that there is no law that requires you get more than one estimate or appraisal on your vehicle. You have the right to get as many comparison estimates as you’d like in order to help you make an informed decision about your collision repair options.
- You have the right to take your vehicle to the collision repair center of your choice. Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular shop. Your insurance company usually can recommend a reputable repair center in your area, including PJ’s Auto Body.
- 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, just ask a friendly service advisor.
- Security is important, you should always feel confident when leaving your vehicle. PJ’s Auto Body, a local family owned business that has proudly served the community for over 37 years.
- Make sure you choose a collision repair center that has the advanced equipment and systems used to remove and reinstall frame, suspension, engine, and drivetrain components as well as provide other essential collision repair services. PJ’s Auto Body has the latest equipment and training necessary to repair your car to its exact factory specifications.
- Make sure that the collision repair center offers a warranty. We offer every customer our industry-best warranty that protects you for as long as you own your vehicle.
- Let us help you work with your insurance company. PJ’s Auto Body has established positive business relationships with virtually every auto insurance company. Our ability to “cut through the red tape” ensures a smoother, faster repair process.
- Ask the repair center to pre-arrange a rental car. Since the average car is in the repair shop for about four days, ask if the shop can make recommendations for a rental car company and if they can arrange for a replacement rental car to be ready when you drop off your car. At PJ’s Auto Body we can arrange a rental car for you on the spot or we will take you to the nearest rental location and help set you up with a rental car.
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.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS:
DON’T—Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.
We accept properly signed insurance checks, cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard. If other private party is paying for your damage, we will not accept their personal third party check. Please note: If the check is made out to you and your finance or leasing company, it is your responsibility to have them endorse the check so there is no delay in the pickup of your vehicle.
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 your deductible or whether you will be responsible to pay this when you pick up your vehicle.
Yes. PJ’s Auto Body Shop guarantees their workmanship on all repairs with a Lifetime Warranty.
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call or e-mail your adviser during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.
If you need a rental car, we can help you make the necessary arrangements. Insurance companies 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.
Yes, we would be happy to provide this service to you. We want each customer’s visit to be a positive experience and we will work diligently towards that goal.
Your advisor can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Be sure to check with your advisor for the specifics on your vehicle.
Yes. Just let your advisor know what other work you would like to have done so that he or she can make the necessary arrangements.
Today’s modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. PJ’s Auto Body 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. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the final step in the restoration process.
No. A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company’s determined value of your vehicle. Most cars these days are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction. Our highly skilled technicians with the aid of our state-of-the-art 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.
Absolutely. We order your parts to arrive before your vehicle is dropped off unless your vehicle is found unsafe to drive. At that point, we would help you arrange for a rental vehicle as soon as possible. This enables us to provide a faster turnaround time.
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
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; PJ’s Auto Body will do the rest.
