Q: What are some of the things you should look for when selecting a collision repair facility?

A: Look for a collision repair facility that is well equipped to handle high tech collision repairs. Drive on Unibody Frame Equipment capable of making multiple pulls in multiple directions with a four point anchoring system is mandatory equipment.

Also look for indications of technical training and certification. Usually these certificates are proudly displayed in the customer office areas. ASE and I-Car certifications are important for collision repairers. Specialized training in refinishing, finish matching, unibody repairs, electronics, welding, suspension and wheel alignment are mandatory for a properly prepared technician.

AT COLLISION SPECIALISTS SSE
WE HAVE ALL THE ABOVE MENTIONED EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

Q: How will I know if original equipment manufactured (OEM), non original parts (aftermarket), or used parts will be used to repair my vehicle?

A: All parts to be used in the collision repair process are required to be identified on the estimate. Original equipment parts will be designated OEM. Non original parts or aftermarket parts will be designated economy parts. Used parts will be designated as quality replacement parts.

ALL PARTS INSTALLED AT COLLISION SPECIALSTS SSE COME WITH A LIFETIME WRITTEN WARRANTY!

Q: Do I need more then one collision repair estimate?

A: No. Only one estimate of damage is required. However, your insurer may want to have their own adjuster inspect the damage. If your vehicle is unsafe to drive, have it towed to the collision repair shop of your choice and inform your insurer where it may be inspected.

AT COLLISION SPECIALISTS SSE
WE OFFER FREE 24 HOUR TOWING & FREE LOANER VEHICLES

Q: I obtained two estimates to repair my vehicle but there is a substantial difference between them in the total dollar amount. Why is this and what should I do?

A: Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include everything necessary to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. If you're not sure why one estimate is different from another, please ask us.

AT COLLISION SPECIALISTS SSE WE WILL FURNISH YOU WITH ADP COMPUTER GENERATED ESTIMATE

Q: I'm at the accident scene and my vehicle needs to be towed. What should I do?

A: Under normal circumstances the investigating police officer at the accident scene should ask you where you prefer to have your vehicle towed and who you prefer to do the towing. If you do not make a request your vehicle could end up being towed to a business that is unable to perform collision repairs or one you wouldn't normally select for collision repair. Request that your undriveable, collision-damaged vehicle be towed to the collision repair shop of your choice.

AT COLLISION SPECIALISTS SSE
WE OFFER 24 HOUR TOWING

Q: I have to lay my vehicle up for several days to have some collision repairs performed and I need a vehicle to drive while mine is laid up. What should I do?

A: Check with your insurance agent to see if you have coverage for a rental vehicle. If you are a claimant (the insurer of the other person involved in your accident is paying the claim) you are entitled to a rental vehicle while yours is being repaired. If you do not have rental coverage or are not a claimant, look for a collision repairer who offers free loaner cars.

AT COLLISION SPECIALISTS SSE WE CAN FURNISH YOU WITH A RENTAL OR LOANER VEHICLE WHILE YOURS IS BEING REPAIRED.

Q: Will the panels that have to be painted on my vehicle during the collision repair process match the existing painted panels?

A: Yes, if applied by a skilled technician who has received proper training and follows the proper procedures for color matching. I-Car offers classes in color matching, color tinting, and proper refinishing procedures. Some paint manufacturers also require specialized refinishing training and certification Look for evidence of this specialized training when selecting a collision repair facility.

AT COLLISION SPECIALISTS SSE
OUR TECHNICIANS ARE PPG CERTIFIED IN REFINISHING AND I-CAR TRAINED IN COLOR TINTING AND MATCHING

Q: I had my vehicle repaired over a year ago and now the paint is peeling in the repaired area. What should I do?

A: Paint problems in collision repair are very often the result of a product failure by one or more of the products applied during the painting process. Failure to properly perform all the recommended refinishing procedures could also result in a paint failure that would be related to workmanship. Contact the shop that performed the repairs. Most reputable collision repair shops will warranty their repair work. If they don't warranty their work, look for a new collision repairer.

AT COLLISION SPECIALISTS SSE WE WILL WARRANTY ALL COLLISION REPAIRS AND REFINISHING FOR AS LONG AS YOU OWN THE VEHICLE

Q: I was involved in an accident with my vehicle and my insurer does not have a local agent to assist me with my claim. The person at the claim s department phone number I was instructed to call is demanding that I have my vehicle repaired at a collision repair facility chosen by them and not located in the community where I live. What should I do?

A: You have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the collision repair facility of your choice and only you can make this decision. If you are comfortable with a collision repairer in your home town that has a reputation for high quality collision repair, insist to your insurer that your vehicle is repaired there. Chances are this collision repair bushiness will warranty their work and will be there in the future should you have any problems. Having a local insurance agent and a local collision repairer to assist you with your claim can solve many problems.

COLLISION SPECIALISTS SSE HAS BEEN IN THE COLLISION REPAIR BUSINESS FOR 38 YEARS. WE CAN ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR COLLISION CLAIM NOW AND WE'LL BE HERE TO ASSIST YOU IN THE FUTURE.

Q: I reached an agreed price with my insurance provider for collision damage repairs to my vehicle. Someone told me I could get my vehicle repaired cheaper by a friend of his that does body work in his residential garage. Should I consider having my vehicle repaired in this manner?

A: It may be possible to have your vehicle repaired cheaper by a "back yard body shop." However when it comes to collision repair, cheaper is not always better. A professional collision repair facility will have a sales tax number, a federal I. D. number, a Federal EPA number, garage keepers legal liability insurance and will be in compliance with local zoning and fire ordinances. It's unlikely that a "back yard body shop" will comply with any of these regulations and may create health hazards if paint is being applied without the proper equipment or hazardous waste is improperly disposed of.

AT COLLSION SPECIALISTS SSE WE ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL ZONING AND FIRE ORDINANCES PLUS STATE AND FEDERAL TAX REGULATIONS. WE ARE ALSO WELL INSURED AND ARE CAREFUL NOT TO POLLUTE OUR NEIGHBORS.

Q: My vehicle was in a wreck and sustained fairly severe structural and suspension damage. Can it be fixed properly and what should I look for when selecting a collision repair facility to perform these repairs?

A: Look for a collision repair facility that has a computerized digital laser measuring system to accurately analyze the damage to your vehicle. These systems will accurately measure to within a millimeter (thickness of a dime) the frame, unibody structure, and the suspension of your vehicle. These measurements can be compared to the factory specifications for your vehicle and will determine the exact damage your vehicle has sustained. A computerized printout detailing collision damage to your vehicle can also be generated. If a collision repair shop does not have this type of equipment to analyze collision damage, look for one that does.

AT COLLISION SPECIALISTS SSE WE ARE EQUIPPED WITH A STATE OF THE ART COMPUTERIZED DIGITAL LAZER MEASURING SYSTEM THAT WILL MEASURE COLLISION DAMAGE TO WITHIN ONE MILLIMETER AND COMPARE THE DAMAGE TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS.