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## (303) 795-7014

## 8101 Southpark Way Littleton, CO 80120

# Frequently Asked Questions

## Click a question to reveal the answer

Categories:

- Towing
- Rental Cars
- Estimates
- Repair Process
- Insurance
- Payments
- Post Repair Care

#### Towing

My car isn't driveable, can I get it towed to your auto body shop in Littleton, CO?

Yes! We have service arrangements with local towing companies and rental car agencies, so we can make the arrangements for you. Call us at (720) 798-1250 and let us know you’re in need of a tow to the shop.

Who do I pay for the vehicle being towed?
If you are going through insurance, the tow bill will be billed directly to them. If you decide to pay out of pocket, the tow bill will be added to the final bill and due at the time the repair is complete.

#### Rental Cars

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.
Do you offer loaner cars?
We do not offer loaner cars.

#### Estimates

Do I always need a shop-written estimate?
A shop-written estimate is not necessary if you have filed a claim with your insurance. In those instances, you need to provide the initial insurance-written estimate and then we will begin the repairs and correct the estimate with the insurance company if need be.
How do I get an estimate?

You can get an estimate online, or you can call our service center. We offer all estimates free of charge and appreciate you making an appointment so we can guarantee the time it requires to make you feel comfortable in your decision to let us repair your vehicle.

• Click Here To Start Your Online Collision Repair Estimate

Do I need more than one estimate?

No! By law, if someone is responsible for paying for damages to your vehicle, they must pay all reasonable costs based upon market pricing in your area. You have the right to select who repairs your vehicle and they must provide a written estimate to the payer. It is the responsibility of the payer of damages, not you, to monitor the costs. If the payer wants to compare pricing for auto body repairs they must do so on their own time and expense to have other shops give additional estimates. Your only responsibility is selecting a quality shop that uses quality parts to fix your vehicle.

How long does an estimate take?

An estimate written by a qualified estimator should take an average of twenty minutes or less. It is important to make sure that all estimates are itemized and computer-based- a non-itemized, hand-written estimate is not acceptable documentation of necessary repairs. Make sure that the shop uses a computer-based estimating system and provides you with an itemized copy of their estimate.

I already have an estimate from my insurance company, what do I do next?

If your insurance adjuster already came to look at your vehicle you are able to call and schedule the repairs, you can fax or email us a copy, drop it off, or give us your insurance information and we can attain our own copy of the estimate. We must start the repair process from their original estimate.

Will my estimate include all new OEM factory replacement parts?
Each insurance company has different parts guidelines. Many insurance companies only allow for aftermarket (copied and made by another company), remanufactured (previously damaged) or used (LKQ) parts to be used during the repair. You always have the choice to pay any difference in part price if you would like to use all factory parts in your repair.

#### Repair Process

I’ve just been in a car accident- what are my rights regarding the insurance company?
Regardless of who is at fault in an accident, you have the right to select the Littleton collision repair shop of your choice to repair your vehicle. By law, the insurance company or the person responsible for payment cannot determine where your vehicle is repaired and they are required to pay the “prevailing market rates” for repairs to you or the shop of your choosing. Select a reputable shop, ask for references, and make sure they see you as the customer- not the insurance company.
Can I have my vehicle repaired at the shop of my choice?

Yes, it is your responsibility, and your right, to choose who will repair your vehicle.

The insurance company said I had to use their “preferred” shop for repairs otherwise I would not have a warranty and may have to pay some of the repair costs. Is that true?

Absolutely Not. This is a practice known as “steering”- when the insurance company tries to convince you to use one of their program shops and can often cross a gray area of legality in most states. Most states have legislation outlawing this practice although in many cases the insurance companies ignore it. “Steering” is prevalent because in some cases the insurance companies have negotiated with certain shops for discounts and price guarantees. In this circumstance, an effort to control costs may compromise the safety and quality of your repair! Ultimately, it is your decision who repairs your vehicle. As for additional costs, the insurance company paying for repairs is required by law to pay the “market rates” based upon your location. As long as the shop follows industry repair guidelines and pricing, the insurance company will pay all costs relating to damages, less your deductible.

How long will the repair take?
There are many factors to consider when estimating length of time for the repairs like part availability, paint and material dry times and availability of specific equipment within our facility. We understand that you depend on your transportation and we work very hard to complete the repair in a timely manner.
Will my vehicle drive the same?
Vehicles with frame or suspension damage will require a two or four-wheel alignment. We have specifications on every vehicle to ensure that the frame or unibody is returned to its pre-accident condition.
Will my vehicle be as safe as it was before?
Yes, if repaired correctly. A modern repair facility should have the specialized training and equipment to restore your vehicle’s original safety and appearance. Interview the car body shop in Littleton that you are considering. Take a tour of their facility. A qualified representative of their shop should be able to adequately demonstrate their ability to repair your vehicle and be able to show examples of their finished quality.
Will my color match?
With our highly skilled professionals and paint matching technology, we are able to reproduce the finish on your vehicle. We only use the highest of quality paint.
What if I want to keep my vehicle after it is totaled?
You have the right to retain ownership of the vehicle, however the amount of the settlement may be reduced by the salvage value.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. We have a limited lifetime warranty on all of our work for as long as you own the vehicle. It is important to know that your body shop is the only party responsible for a warranty on your repair, NOT your insurance company.
I picked up my vehicle but noticed something wrong after I got home, what should I do?
We do everything in our power to ensure your vehicle is back to pre-accident condition as your vehicle leaves our certified repair center. If you notice anything that doesn’t seem right or experience any problems, please do not hesitate to give us a call or stop back in.

#### Insurance

Where do I get a claim number?
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your car accident. Make sure to write it down and bring it with you when you come in to begin the repair process; we’ll do the rest.
What is a deductible and how do I know if I have to pay one?
If you were not at fault and the repair is going through the other party’s insurance, then you will not have a deductible. A deductible is determined at the purchase of your insurance premium and can range anywhere between $50 and $3,000. If the repair is going through your insurance policy, then the cause of the accident will determine the deductible amount. Ask your insurance company or go through your policy to find out.
The insurance company said that my vehicle is a “total loss”. What do I do now?
One of the most difficult situations regarding a collision occurs when your vehicle is deemed a “total loss”. You need someone in your corner to explain the process and help you to receive the maximum settlement for your vehicle. You must research the “market value” of your vehicle and understand what it will truly cost to replace it before you negotiate a settlement. Call us, we can help!
What are OEM parts?
Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) is a term for parts made by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
What are Aftermarket Parts?
These are parts not made by your vehicle manufacturer. They are also known as Quality Replacement Parts (QRP). Aftermarket parts are much cheaper than OEM parts and might not have the same fit and function as OEM parts.
What are LKQ Parts?
LKQ – (Like Kind & Quality). These parts are more commonly referred to as used parts. These parts generally come from automotive salvage yards. Salvage yards purchase damaged or totaled vehicles, remove the good parts and sell them as LKQ parts. All LKQ parts are inspected for prior damage, rust, and to make sure they are OEM and not Aftermarket.
How is the Actual Cash Value (AVC) determined?
The insurance company will assign an appraiser to inspect the vehicle to determine its condition prior to the accident.
What is subrogation?
Subrogation is the process by which your insurance company pays for the repairs to your vehicle, and is obligated to collect from another insurer or party. Your collision coverage will require you to pay your deductible, which may be refunded once the other party pays.

#### Payments

When do I pay my deductible?
When the repairs are complete and you are satisfied with the repairs. The insurance check issued will be minus your deductible amount, if you have one. At the time you pick up your vehicle you will pay the deductible amount to the McDonald Collision.
When is my final payment due?
Payment is due at the time the repair is complete. Please bring any insurance checks with you and your deductible – if you are going through insurance. If you want, you are able to simply sign the check over to us and do not need to deposit it into your account.
Can you help bury my deductible?
No. When you purchased your insurance policy, you signed a contract saying you will pay the first amount of the claim up to your deductible. Repairers should not be asked to hide the deductible. That practice would constitute fraud by both the shop and consumer. The penalties for insurance fraud are severe. If a shop offers to save your deductible, they are absorbing that at your cost. They are not doing the said repairs in order to make up for your deductible. This could lead to unsafe and unsatisfactory repairs which will ultimately cost you at some point.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, and major credit cards.

#### Post Repair Care

When can I wash or wax the exterior of my vehicle?

You are able to wash your vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge as soon as you get it back.

For the first 30 days we suggest that you:

- Do NOT use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes/sponges can mar the finish and damage the surface.
- 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.

For the first 90 days we suggest that you:

- Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.

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## Has your vehicle been damaged due to the recent storms? We're here to help!

At McDonald Collision, we specialize in getting your car back to its pre-storm condition as quickly as possible. Click below to learn how to start your hail repairs.

Learn More About Hail Repair Services