From the moment you contact us until you drive away with your car repaired and restored, our goal is complete customer satisfaction. We believe good communication is the first step in that process. In this brochure, we have collected many common questions we have heard over our more than 50 years in this industry. However, we want you to know that our customer service team is always available to personally answer any question you may have at any time in this process. Please don’t hesitate to ask.

Choosing an auto repair facility and working with insurance companies.

1. How do I choose the right auto facility for me?
Auto repair facilities are not all alike. There has been a technology revolution in the auto repair industry in the last few years and we have been at the forefront of it. Today’s vehicles are more complex and technologically challenging and so auto repair has become more complex. We are committed to offering our customers an unparalleled standard of service because we know our people will do the job right. We back up every one of our technicians with the latest technology and continual training to meet the highest factory standards.

2. My insurance company is steering me to a certain body shop; do I have to go there?
You don’t have to settle for less. Collision Plus works with all major insurance companies. The bottom line is that most agents want the same thing we all do - quality repairs at a fair price. They want you to be satisfied with the job you receive.

3. I was told you are a “preferred shop” for my insurance company. How can I be sure you’re not working in their best interest and not mine?
Because of our size and volume, we can provide quality repairs and additional
claims services that makes us a preferred shop for many insurance companies. We believe that our good relationship with insurance companies is an asset for our customers. But, ultimately, our first responsibility is always to our customers and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly. We know our customers are entrusting their vehicle investment and, more importantly, their family’s safety with us. As auto repair professionals, we are strong advocates for value, quality and safety and we never compromise our principles for any reason.

4. Do I have to get two or three estimates for my insurance company?
No law requires you to get more than one estimate. We work with all major insurance companies and, in our experience, it is usually unnecessary to get multiple estimates once a claim representative from the insurance company is involved. In fact, it can be the case that a car may be unsafe to drive to the next shop or additional driving may cause more damage. It’s usually best to pick a reputable repair facility and have your insurer deal directly with that facility.

Cost and Value

1. How much will this repair cost?
Today’s complex vehicles make it difficult to give customers an immediate estimate. To properly complete an accurate, itemized estimate, a thorough disassembly is required. A guesstimate may be helpful to get the claim rolling, but a complete estimate nearly always requires disassembly.

2. Is there any way I can get away without paying for my insurance deductible?
No. Since 1992, Illinois law prohibits auto repair facilities from not charging customers the deductible.

3. If I turn this claim in to my insurance company, won’t my premiums increase?
This is a concern for all of us. Talking to insurance agent may be a wise choice. The question you must ask yourself is whether your premium will increase by an amount greater than the cost of repairs in the next one, two or three years. In our experience, the answer is usually no - and usually not even close.

4. I want to pay for the damage myself because I think it may be less than my deductible?
The fact of the matter is that quality collision repair on modern vehicles is expensive. It is rare for damage to be less than the deductible. Quality parts, paint, materials, new technology and skilled labor can make even small fender benders quite costly. Remember, you have a major investment in your vehicle. The bottom line is that quality repair doesn't cost, it pays. Sooner or later, you will sell, trade-in or turn back your car. If a repair is of poor quality, you may have to pay the lease company or discount your car at the time of sale or trade-in.

5. The person who ran into me wants to pay for it himself. Is this a good idea?
Just as we urge customers to file a claim for their own repairs, we would urge our
customers to protect themselves by making a full accident report and insurance
claim when the damage is someone else’s fault. Too often, people are quick to offer to pay at first until a full assessment of damage - including hidden damage - is made. Should additional damage be found or if the repair estimate is higher than expected, you may be left holding the bag for repair costs. Many insurance policies won’t cover damage unless policyholders file an accident report and notify them immediately. We urge you not to take this risk.

6. My insurance company has issued a check for less than your estimate. Will I have to pay the difference?
NO. Insurance appraisers sometimes are unable to write a thorough estimate until after the auto repair facility has evaluated the full cost to repair damage. If the appraiser has missed any items or underestimated any costs, we will work directly with the insurance company to resolve those issues. In the rare event that it cannot be worked out, you will be notified prior to incurring any charges.

Quality and Satisfaction

1. What kind of warranty does Collision Plus offer?
We offer a lifetime guarantee on our workmanship.

2. How well will the paint color match the old color?
With our computerized paint mixing system and our rigid standards and training,
our technicians will perfectly match your vehicle’s paint every time.

3. Will my car ever be the same after an accident?
In years past, before high-tech tools, equipment and facilities like Collision Plus, many cars were never the same after an accident. However, today, we can assure you that your car will be the same and - quite often - better after the repairs are completed.

Other Issues

14. I need a rental car. How do I go about arranging one?
We can provide phone numbers to the major rental car companies. They can pick you up here when you drop your car off for repairs and they can drop you back off here when your car is completed.

15. How soon after the repairs are complete may I wash my car?
We oven bake your car’s finish so you may wash your car right away. However, we ask that you wait 30 days before waxing your car to prevent any possible damage to your new finish.