FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT?
Try to stay as calm as possible. Auto accidents are stressful and they happen to even the best of drivers. If there are no serious injuries, you should attempt to move your vehicle out of the way of moving traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and set emergency flares for safety. Call the police, even if the accident is minor. Once on the scene, talk with the officer and advise him or her that you would like your car to be towed to an L& H Auto Body location. Since it is your vehicle, and if it is out of harms way, many times the police will let you dictate where the vehicle goes. In the event the police department mandates that their contractor tows your vehicle, find out who is towing the vehicle and the lot your car will be brought to. An L& H Auto Body tow truck will then go directly to that tow yard on the next business day to redeem your vehicle and move it to our facility for repairs (most private tow companies will not release vehicles after hours). Report the accident to your insurance company immediately.
WHERE DO I GET A CLAIM NUMBER?
Claim numbers are issued by your insurance company at the time you report your auto accident. After reporting the accident to your insurance company, bring your claim number in to L & H Auto Body to begin the repair process, we will do the rest.
WHAT ARE L& H AUTO BODY’S BUSINESS HOURS?
We are open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for your convenience.
WILL THE PARTS BE ORDERED BEFORE MY VEHICLE IS SCHEDULED FOR REPAIR?
Absolutely! We generally order your vehicle’s parts at the time that we write your estimate. We schedule your vehicle for drop-off a couple of days later. If your vehicle is found unsafe to drive, we will help you arrange for a rental vehicle as soon as possible. Ordering your parts before your vehicle is brought in for repair enables us to provide quicker turnaround time.
IS IT A TOTAL LOSS IF MY VEHICLE’S FRAME IS DAMAGED?
No. A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company’s determined value of your vehicle. These days, most cars are built using unibody construction in which the frame and body are one. At L&H Auto Body, our highly skilled technicians, with the aid of our state-of the-art computer measuring system, can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame section on your vehicle is bent beyond repair, that section can simply be replaced.
CAN YOU MATCH THE PAINT COLOR?
Today’s modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paints. We have made a major investment in the finest paint system available and constantly upgrade its technology and equipment to ensure that your vehicle’s original factory finish is matched perfectly. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the final step in the auto restoration process.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO REPAIR MY CAR?
Repair time depends on the extent of the damage to your vehicle. Your Customer Service Rep can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle.
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.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY CAR IS DONE?
Our friendly staff at L & H Auto Body will notify you when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. Feel free to call or e-mail your Customer Service Rep during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.
IS THERE A WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE?
Yes. We guarantee all repairs with a Lifetime Warranty.
DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE?
The amount of deductible that you will be responsible for is determined by your insurance policy. If you carry broad collision insurance, and you were not at fault, your insurance company will most likely waive your deductible. Insurance companies determine fault by analyzing your account of the accident when you made the insurance claim, and by reviewing the accident report filed with the police department. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, you can call your insurance agent and he or she can tell you whether your insurance company has waived your deductible or whether you will be responsible to pay this when you pick up your vehicle.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your portion of the repairs to your vehicle is with a major credit card. We accept Visa and MasterCard. Of course cash is always welcome.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 30 DAYS AFTER AUTO REPAIR
DO:
- Wash your vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge. Always use clean fresh water and wash your vehicle in the shade.
DO NOT:
- Do not use a commercial car wash or stiff brushes or sponges which could mar the finish and damage the surface.
- Do not “dry wipe” your vehicle. Dry wiping can scratch the finish.
- 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.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS
DO NOT:
- Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.
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