Zip's Auto Body, Inc.
| 1033 S. 7th St. Rochelle, IL 815.562.5133 |
| DO I NEED TO GET MORE THAN ONE ESTIMATE? No one can tell you to get more than one estimate. It is your right as the vehicle owner to obtain an estimate wherever you choose. You are only required to notify your insurance company of the vehicle’s location so that it may be examined by the claims adjuster. DO I HAVE TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO AN INSURANCE COMPANY DRIVE-IN CLAIMS FACILITY FOR AN ESTIMATE? You are not required to take your vehicle to a drive-in claims facility. Notify your insurance company of the vehicle’s location to be examined. However, if you have already gone to a drive-in claims facility, make sure you take a copy of the insurance adjuster’s estimate with you to your preferred repair shop and present it to them. DO I HAVE TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO ONE OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES PREFERRED SHOPS FOR REPAIR OR SHOPS ON “THE LIST.” There are no laws or regulations requiring you to go to any specific repair shop. You have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the facility of your choice. No insurance company can insist or require that you use a particular repair facility. Some insurance companies may inform you that they will only pay for vehicle damages equal to that of their preferred shop and any additional cost may be your responsibility. This is not completely true. We will work with your insurance company to get an agreed figure. Don’t let the insurance company take away your freedom of choice! AM I REQUIRED TO NOTIFY MY INSURANCE COMPANY BEFORE REPAIRS ARE TO BEGIN ON MY VEHICLE? YES. Your insurance policy requires you to notify your insurance company and make a claim report. Once a claim has been made, you may leave your vehicle at the repair facility of your choice and notify the insurance company where your damaged vehicle may be inspected. Once a claims adjuster has had an opportunity to inspect your vehicle, you may authorize repairs to begin. Only you can authorize the repairs on your vehicle. WHAT IF ADDITIONAL DAMAGE IS FOUND? We will notify your insurance company of the additional damage and have available the vehicle, torn down and ready for inspection by your insurance companies claims adjuster. They then will pay the shop direct or send you a check for the additional damage found after a final bill is submitted. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT TO THE REPAIR SHOP? You are. Your insurance policy contract states that your insurance company will pay for the damages to your vehicle, less the deductible amount. You may instruct your insurance company to pay directly to the repair shop of your choice, however, full payment must be arranged prior to your vehicle being picked up. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GUARANTEE OF WORKMANSHIP AND SAFETY OF MY AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS….THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR THE REPAIR SHOP? The repair shop and in limited circumstances your insurance company. Your insurance company is not accepting the liability for the quality and safety of your vehicle’s repair. Therefore, you and you alone must control the fate of your vehicle’s repair by choosing a proper facility that is adequately trained and equipped to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. You have the legal right and authority to do so. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A REPAIR FACILITY? Referrals from other satisfied customers. Ask for evidence of employee training and certification. For most people their vehicle is an important investment so be sure to choose a highly recommended collision repair facility with technicians certified by I-CAR, ASE or ATEG. Ask if the repair facility offers a written warranty on the repairs. Ask about the proper equipment and procedures being used to repair your vehicle. Also, note that all motor vehicle repairers in the State are required by the Secretary of State to have a state repairers license posted as per Section 5-301 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Illinois law requires that insurance companies may not do business with any automotive repair facility not licensed by the Secretary of State. Know that it is against Illinois State law for any repair facility to bury or absorb a deductable of an insurance policy for a covered automobile. Beware of a repair facility that would agree or offer to bury or absorb or give a discount on a deductible. They can only do so by defrauding both you and the insurance company by not repairing the vehicle as indicated on the insurance estimate. This could jeopardize the quality of the repair. Estimates may vary in cost from one facility to another, or even from different insurance companies. This is usually due to an inability to see all the hidden damage. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this. |
| Zip's Auto Body, Inc. Richard Zimmerman-Owner 1033 S. 7th St. Rochelle, IL 61068 815.562.5133 www.ZipsAutoBody.com All Rights Reserved zipsautobody@comcast.net Contact our webmaster at Webmaster@zipsautobody.com |
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| Frequently Asked Questions-FAQ's |