| Quality
Questions |
Do you use all factory parts?
It depends upon your agreement with your insurance
company (your policy). Some insurance policies specify
that we are to use only factory parts … others specify
that we can only use aftermarket or used parts. We always
follow your insurance company’s guidelines. If you
instruct us to use only factory parts, but your policy dictates
that the insurance company will only pay for aftermarket
parts, we will use factory parts, but you will have to pay
the difference. Whatever parts we use, we guarantee all
our work for as long as you own the vehicle. We will always
do a top quality repair!
What are aftermarket parts?
The best way to answer that is to explain all the part types
there are. Factory parts are called OEM for original equipment
manufacturer. Used parts are often called LKQ for like kind
& quality. LKQ parts are factory parts that come from
salvaged vehicles and resold.
LKQ parts usually save about 30% from
the factory new list price. There is usually “clean
up” labor involved to make a painted part look like
a new one. A reconditioned part is usually a worn or damaged
factory part that has been repaired or rebuilt. Rebuilt
parts are usually mechanical in nature like alternators
and steering gears. Reconditioned parts are usually plastic
bumper covers or wheels. Aftermarket parts are parts not
made by the OEM. Most people have heard of Sears Diehard
batteries and Monroe shocks, which are aftermarket parts.
But in the world of collision repair they can be sheet metal,
lamps, and bumpers. These parts are usually made in Asia,
and cost about half as much as OEM list.
They are not quite the same quality as
an OEM part, and we have to watch them closely to make sure
that we can still provide a quality repair when your policy
requires their use. You will always be informed in advance
if your insurance company requires the use of aftermarket
parts. It is very common for us to order aftermarket parts
as a part of the original order, but then to reject them
if they do not meet our quality standards. We then can get
permission to order new oem parts, but only after we have
tried to use the aftermarket parts. So it is often a process
that we must go through.
The quality of aftermarket parts has increased
significantly over the last 5 years, and they do not have
near the problems as in the past. These parts also help
to keep competitive price pressure on the OEM,s which in
turn help to keep insurance premiums lower.
Do you clean the vehicle?
Yes. We clean every vehicle that is on our lot for more
than a day. You can expect the vehicle to look great inside
and out when you pick it up.
What type of warranty do you offer?
We offer a Lifetime Warranty on most repairs for as long
as you own the vehicle. Also, most insurance companies offer
an additional warranty as well, for your protection if you
move out of the local area. Read
more about our lifetime warranty here.
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| Scheduling
Questions |
How long will my repair take?
That depends upon a number of factors such as the type and
extent of the damage, the amount of unseen damage (not seen
until outer parts are removed), the availability of the parts
needed, and the amount of current work in our shop. Be assured
that we will make every effort to repair your vehicle and
get it back to you as quickly as possible, but our primary
focus is to do a top quality repair. Read
more about the process. |
| Pricing
Questions |
Do you help with deductibles?
We’re sorry, but we do not help with deductibles. The
deductibles are an agreement between you and your insurance
company. |
| Service
Questions |
Do you have free rentals or loaners?
Check your insurance policy … you may have rentals
included as a part of your insurance coverage. Although
we do not have free rentals or loaners, we may be able to
provide a vehicle at a discounted rate through our partnership
with Hertz
Rental Company.
Do
you offer customer rides?
Absolutely. Please call
us to schedule an appropriate time and place.
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| Insurance
Questions |
Do you work with my insurance company?
Probably … we work with almost all major insurance companies.
If perhaps we do not have an existing partnership with your
particular company, we still know the ropes … we can
deal with the insurance company and coordinate getting the
repair done as easily as possible. Read
more about insurance information. |
| Accident
Questions |
What are my responsibilities after an accident occurs?
The Oregon DMV website has details on what your responsibilities
are given different accident situations. Please click
here for full details about what to do after an accident
occurs.
What forms do I need to fill out after an accident?
You must report the accident to DMV in certain
situations (see details) by submitting an Accident
and Insurance Report Form (pdf file) within 72 hours.
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| Contact
Questions |
Can you contact me via email?
Yes … just let us know your preferred method of contact
… phone, cell, email, pager, fax … we will keep
you informed as to the progress of your repairs.
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