Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need more than one estimate?
No. You are free to use just one or get as many estimates as you want, but it is not necessary. You can choose any shop of your choice and inform the insurance company.

Q. Do I need to notify my insurance company before repairs begin on my vehicle?
Yes, only the vehicle owner can authorize repairs.

Q. What should I be concerned with when choosing a repair facility?
Referrals from satisfied customers or insurance companies. Evidence of employee training and certification through accredited industry standards, such as I-CAR. Repair shops who guarantee their work with a lifetime warranty.

Q. Who is responsible for the guarantee of workmanship and safety of my vehicle repairs?
The collision repair facility is responsible. Choose a facility that offers a lifetime warranty on all work performed.

Q. Am I responsible for payment to the repair facility?
Yes, you are responsible. Your insurance policy contract states that your insurance company will pay for damages to your vehicle, less any deductible amount. You can instruct your insurance company to pay directly the repair shop of your choice. But, full payment must be arranged before your vehicle is picked up.

Q. When is my deductible due and how do I know how much it is?
Your deductible amount is due at completion of work. Your insurance adjuster should tell you how much you owe if you do not already know.

Q. Who pays for a rental car?
If you have rental coverage in your insurance policy, you must specify to your agent when getting coverage. Often claimants will have rental coverage through the other parties insurance. A representative at Fuller Auto Body will completely facilitate all of your rental needs. Often times, a deposit or hold on your credit card is not needed.

Q. Why would an insurance company say "we cannot guarantee the repairs if you use that shop?"
It may want to steer you to one of their network shops. Insurance companies do not perform repairs, thus they do not warranty the work. It may only coordinate with the original repair shop or another shop on your behalf.

Q. Will I be forced to use the lowest estimate?
The repair facility that writes the lowest estimate is not necessarily the best place to have your car repaired. In fact, obtaining repairs from the lowest bidder is not usually in the best interest of the customer. Considering the safety issues involved in collision repair, as well as the considerable investment in the vehicle, the value of quality repair becomes clear. A modern, well-equipped collision repair center makes an enormous investment in equipment, training and people. As is often the case with goods and services, you get what you pay for. Remember, the choice is entirely up to you!

Q. Can you save me (some of) my deductible?
An honest repair shop will always say "no". Here's why: Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance carrier. It basically says that if you have a collision loss, you are responsible for the first portion of repairs (your deductible) and the insurance company will pay all the rest. If we do fewer repairs than agreed upon with the insurance company, you're still responsible for the initial amount, your deductible. Any reduction should correctly go back to the insurance company. There are legitimate ways to reduce your cost, like appearance allowances. Consult your insurance company.

Q. Will the shop refund money if the parts specified on the estimate are not used?
Yes. It is unacceptable for a shop to charge for parts not actually installed on the vehicle. The final repair order must be corrected to detail all of the parts actually used and labor operations actually performed.

Q. If my vehicle's frame is damaged is it a total loss?
Not necessarily. The vehicle is considered a total loss if the value exceeds the threshold set by the insurance company based on the actual cash value before the accident. Most vehicles are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction. Our highly trained and skilled technicians can return the vehicle back the manufacturer's specifications using state-of-the-art computerized measuring and straightening equipment. If any section is deemed not repairable, it will replaced. If we believe that the unibody and/or frame should not be repaired, we will notify you directly.

Q. The insurance company says my car is a total loss. What does that mean?
The cost of repairs plus the value of the vehicle in damaged condition (salvage value) exceeds the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle prior to the accident.

Q. How is the actual cash value (ACV) determined?
The insurance company will assign an appraiser to inspect the vehicle to determine its condition prior to the accident, or in some instances allow the repairer to make the determination. They may use a car evaluation service to determine pre-accident value. The owner should also determine the value independently.

Q. Is the ACV negotiable?
Sometimes. If you feel the dollar amount offered by the insurance company is too low, then you are obligated to prove either through documented receipts of vehicle enhancement or written statements by a qualified expert to determine the proper value.

Q. What will happen to the vehicle if it is totaled?
The insurance company will take procession and auction it to a salvage retailer.

Q. What if I want to keep the vehicle?
You have the right to retain ownership of the vehicle, but the amount of the settlement may be reduced by the salvage value.

Q. How long will it take to repair my vehicle?
We make every effort to make sure your damaged vehicle is repaired quickly, but the length of time in the shop is determined by the amount and severity of the damage. Fuller Auto Body will make the repair as quickly as possible, however, we will not sacrifice quality for the sake of time. Repair time also depends on the type of vehicle and availability of the parts for it. Often times after we disassemble the vehicle hidden damaged is found. If this is the case, a supplemental estimate must be written and the additional repairs and parts needed have to be approved by your insurance company. The truth is, no matter what any body shop tells you, we can only offer our educated opinion as to when the vehicle will be completed. What we tell you may not always be what you want to hear, but at Fuller Auto Body, we feel it is responsibility to be honest and forthright as possible.

Q. Can I wash my car?

DO: Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and very mild car wash solution using a clean/soft cloth or sponge. Always use clean fresh water. Wash your vehicle in the shade if possible for best results.

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 if possible. Always 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 permanently mar the finish if not removed promptly. Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, windshield wash, and/or any petroleum based products on the finish.

Q. When can I wax my car?

DON'T: Do not wax or polish the vehicle for 90 days. This will allow the finish to breath and cure.

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