Do I have to get more than one estimate?

No, you do not need to get more than one estimate. There is so much technology and advanced safety features built into modern vehicles that there is no way to know the extent of the damage on many vehicles until there has been some disassembly done and then research the manufacturer’s repair procedures. For this reason, upfront estimates can be very inaccurate and there are body shops out there that intentionally leave things off of an initial estimate to get the job and then later add them back on. Most insurance companies do not ask you to get multiple estimates anymore as they also realize they are inaccurate.  

You ultimately have the decision on where your vehicle is going to be repaired. Your insurance company will often try to persuade you to go to one of their recommended or direct repair shops. These shops have contracts with the insurance companies to do cheaper repairs in turn for more work. These shops view the insurance company as their customer and not the vehicle owner, they are not looking out for your best interest. Do your research, read reviews, and choose a shop wisely! Your family’s safety depends on it! 

No, it is ultimately your choice to use Aftermarket or recycled parts. Many insurance companies request that these parts be used in repairs and it may be in your insurance policy but it typically also says that they must be of like, kind, and quality. We have found that they seldom are the same.  We try to get new OEM parts for all of our customers. We do not like to use aftermarket or salvaged parts for several reasons. They are not crash tested and even though they may appear to be similar we do not know how they will perform in a subsequent collision and can be very unsafe and potentially life-threatening. Aftermarket parts rarely fit well without modification of some degree and they often times come damaged or fit so poorly that they must be returned which further delays the repair. We have also seen that the life expectancy of many aftermarket parts is not nearly as long as OEM parts. There are some instances where aftermarket parts make sense but not many.

This is a very difficult question because every repair is different. With the advanced technology built into vehicles today, the repairs are much more extensive than they used to be. We often must disassemble some of the vehicle before we know the extent of the damage. There are several factors that are out of our hands like insurance approval and parts. Once we have the vehicle disassembled and a complete repair plan written we will have a much better idea of when your vehicle might be done. 

Your deductible is the amount of the repair bill that you will be responsible for. This amount is determined in your policy. The deductible gets paid directly to Precision Collision. If you have sustained damage by another person and their insurance is covering the claim there is no deductible.

Your vehicle’s paint can take 30-90 days to fully cure depending on temperature. We recommend washing your vehicle by hand with a mild car wash soap using a soft microfiber or sponge for the first 30 days. Always use clean, freshwater and we recommend avoiding any automated car washes. Stiff brushes or sponges could damage your paint finish. Never “dry wipe” your vehicle and avoid gravel roads whenever possible as your vehicle is prone to rock chipping the first 30 days. Also, try to avoid parking under trees and utility lines that attract birds. Bird droppings have a high acid content and can damage a freshly painted surface. If you ever have a question on how to properly care for the new paint on your vehicle we are always just a phone call away!