Questions & Answers
-Where
do I get a claim number?
-Are you open on Saturday?
-Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my car
for repair?
-If
my vehicle's frame is damaged is the car a total loss?
-Can you match my car paint color?
-Can I get other service work done on my car while
it in the body shop?
-How long will the repairs take?
-Can I get a ride
home when I drop off my car?
-How can I get a rental car?
-How will I know when my car is done?
-Is there a warranty on the repairs to my vehicle?
-Do I have to pay a deductible?
-Who do I pay a deductible to?
-What forms of payment do you accept?
-What are Betterment Charges?
-Can I wash My car?
WHERE DO I GET A CLAIM
NUMBER?
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, Golden West Collision Centers will do the rest.
ARE YOU OPEN SATURDAY?
Yes, we are open from 9:00am to 1:00pm
WILL THE PARTS BE ORDERED BEFORE I DROP OFF MY VEHICLE
FOR REPAIR?
Absolutely. We generally order your vehicle's parts at the time that we
write the estimate and schedule your vehicle for drop-off a couple of
days later unless your vehicle is found unsafe to drive, then we would
help you arrange for a rental vehicle as soon as possible. This enables
us to provide quicker turnaround time.
IF MY VEHICLE'S FRAME IS DAMAGED IS IT A TOTAL LOSS?
No. A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs exceeds the
insurance company's determined value of your vehicle. Nowadays, most
cars are built using unibody (frame and body as one) construction. Our
highly skilled technicians, with the aid of our state-of the-art
computer 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.
CAN YOU MATCH THE PAINT COLOR?
Today's modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly
specialized paints. Golden West Collision Centers 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.
CAN I GET OTHER SERVICE WORK DONE ON MY VEHICLE WHILE
IT IS IN THE BODY SHOP?
Yes. Just let your advisor know what other work you would like done so
that he or she can make the necessary arrangements.
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE TAKE?
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.
CAN I GET A RIDE HOME WHEN I DROP OFF MY CAR?
Yes, we would be happy to provide this service to you. We want each
customer's visit to be a positive experience and will work diligently
towards that goal. We provide a pickup and delivery service.
HOW CAN I GET A RENTAL CAR?
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.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY CAR IS DONE?
You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. You can
also check this website. You will see a message next to the last picture
of your vehicle telling you that your vehicle is ready to be picked up.
Feel free to call or e-mail your advisor during the repair process if
you have questions or concerns.
IS THERE A WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE?
Yes. Golden West Collision Centers guarantees all repairs with a
limited Lifetime Warranty.
DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE?
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.
WHO DO I PAY MY DEDUCTIBLE TO?
If your deductible is not waived, it will be your responsibility to pay
Golden West Collision Centers
when you pick up your vehicle. 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 it will be your
responsibility.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your portion of the
repairs to your vehicle is with a major credit card. We accept Visa,
MasterCard, American Express & Discover. Of course, cash and checks are always
welcome.
WHAT ARE BETTERMENT CHARGES?
Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (i.e., tires,
batteries, and suspension parts) are commonly subject to betterment
charges when they are replaced during the repair process. These
betterment charges are determined by your insurance company and are
pro-rated based on actual miles on your vehicle.
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.
