FAQ

Things to Know Before Having Your Vehicle Repaired

1. Your car is the second largest investment you are likely to make. Preserve its value and your safety by having it repaired professionally.

2. Never drive a car that could be unsafe because of damages.

3. There is no law requiring you to obtain more than one estimate or appraisal.

4. You have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice. Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular shop.

5. Differences in estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work. If you are not sure why one estimate is different from another you’ve received, ask the shop manager.

6. Choose a shop that has uni-body repair equipment and certified technicians (by I-CAR or ASE, for example).

7. Ask if the shop will be using genuine manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts.

8. Ask if the shop offers a repair warranty.

9. Let the collision repair shop you choose help you negotiated your claim with the insurance company. This often leads to a better deal.

Arguments You May Hear From Your Insurance Company
"If you don't use one of our preferred shops, we cannot guarantee the repairs."
The truth is that the insurance company never guarantees the work. They will merely send you back to the shop that completed the initial repairs. Hi-Tech Collision Center guarantees our work for as long as you own the vehicle.

"That facility is not on our list."
Hi-Tech Collision is not on every list because we only partner with insurance companies that want quality repairs. You are the customer. We strive to exceed YOUR expectations, which in most cases are higher than the insurance company's.

"If their estimate comes in higher, you may have to pay the difference."
Hi-Tech Collision will return your vehicle to pre-accident condition (or better!) and, if needed, we will send a supplemental bill to the insurance company. By law, the insurance company must cover any additional repairs. Hi-Tech Collision will only repair your vehicle to manufacture requirements and the highest of industry standards. This is simply a tactic the insurance companies use to get you to use their direct repair shops, which saves them money and could result in improper repairs.

"If you take your vehicle to that shop, we will not be able to get the process started for at least a week."
Not true. The insurance company does not want to pay for rental cars and storage any longer than necessary. It is ALWAYS in their best interest to get your vehicle in and out as quickly as possible - wherever you take it.