When your car gets damaged, it is highly recommended to repair it right away. If paint flakes off of your vehicle, the exposed metal can corrode and rust over time. By getting auto body repair services right away, you can boost the lifespan of your car, mitigate future damages, and retain as much resale value as possible.
Before you hire our team, you may naturally have some auto repair questions you would like to ask. Below, we have compiled a list of the most common auto repair questions we hear all of the time. If we have forgotten any question, you can always call or email us to get more information.
How long does it take to complete the repairs?
One of the most common questions about auto repair is how long it takes. Unfortunately, we can not give an exact answer to this question. Each repair assignment is different, so the amount of time it takes can vary.
We will work to give you an initial estimate of how long everything will take. First, we will look at the extent of the damage, the availability of the parts and materials, and the overall scope of the repair job. While our goal is to complete each repair job as quickly as we can, our greatest priority is perform the repairs right the first time and not to rust the repairs.
How long until I can wash my vehicle after a paint job?
If you have recently gotten your vehicle painted, you can hand wash your car as soon as you want. As a general rule, we recommend waiting at least 30 days until you take your vehicle to an automatic car wash. The same 30-day rule is true for any kind of high-pressure water. Again, during the winter season we recommend at least 60 days.
Proper vehicle maintenance and care will be crucial to protecting your car’s new paint job.
Do you really have to replace the entire panel?
Unfortunately, yes. Sometimes we really do have to replace an entire panel despite the fact the damage itself may be limited to a smaller area. Depending on the material of the panel we are working with, there are some materials that you cannot alter in part while maintaining the integrity of the body panel itself. This goes back to not only workability of the materials, but to your own safety. In any circumstance where providing a patch repair would lower the safety of that vehicle, we will choose your safety.
What is a deductible? How do I pay it?
If you have been in an accident, your insurance company may be willing to pay the cost of your repairs. The deductible is the amount you need to pay the auto body shop after the repairs are complete. The insurance company in most cases, will pay the rest of the cost. While some deductibles are as low as zero, most deductibles range from $100, $250, $500 to even $1,000. The deductible is set when you first signed up for your auto insurance policy. If you are unaware of your deductible for comprehensive or collision claims, please call your insurance provider today.
How long does an estimate take?
As a general rule, we can complete your initial estimate in just 10 to 20 minutes. If you have a busy schedule, you can always leave your car with us and get the results by phone call or email later on. We also have a convenient Online Estimator Tool on our website. You can quickly and easily upload pictures of your vehicle damage and our team of highly trained damage analysis experts will review your request and get right back to you quickly.
How long will my auto body repair warranty last?
This is one of the most important auto repair questions you can ask your repair company. After investing in the cost of repairing your vehicle, you need to be confident in the longevity of the repair work and refinish.
Our warranty covers the paint and craftsmanship for as long as you own the vehicle. It does not cover rust, rock chips, damage from wild shopping carts, or similar wear-and-tear from future driving. As long as the problem is related to our craftsmanship, we are more than happy to fix it at any point in the future.
Do you work with insurance companies?
We get asked a lot of auto repair questions like this one. Many of our clients need repair work because they were in an accident or a fender bender. Auto body repairs can add up quickly, especially with the new sensors and technology used in today’s vehicles. Oftentimes, the first initial estimate is too costly to absorb and leaves insurers no choice but to file a repair claim through their insurance carrier.
Fortunately, many insurance companies are willing to cover the cost of your repairs. Our company works with insurance companies, so you do not have to pay as much for your repairs. The final result will often depend on whether your car has comprehensive insurance, collision coverage, or both.
What happens if you notice additional damage after the initial estimate?
This is another one of the most popular auto body repair questions we get. Sometimes, it is impossible for us to see the full extent of the damage until we start working on your car and disassembling it. As we begin repairing your vehicle, we may realize additional parts were damaged.
If this happens, we will always talk to you and your insurance company before we take care of the additional damage. We do not believe in giving our clients a surprise bill, so we will always inform you about the repair progress.
Why auto body shop cannot do a small touch up or match my paint color exactly?
As car manufacturers create their own standard paint colors for which they provide the formulation, the manufacturers of auto body paint must first attempt to make their own paints match the car manufacturers standard. As there are multiple paint manufacturers, finding an absolute match across them is not always entirely possible and you will always find subtle variations depending on the paint you use. That is why in some instances your auto body repair shop will paint a larger section of your car than they are repairing. This is often known as blending the paint color into adjacent panels. By doing this, they minimize the subtle color variations in paint across the car.
How long do I have to wait before I can wax or apply ceramic coat finish?
This is one of the most common auto repair questions we get. After you have had your auto body repaired, you will need to wait a little while before you can wax your vehicle again. In general, we recommend waiting 30 days until you wax after you have picked up your car or truck. Now if it is in the middle of winter season, then we recommend at least 60 days.
Can you repair my car if the frame is damaged?
While frame damage is rarely good news, it is not devastating as it sounds. Thanks to modern equipment, intuitive parts, and new techniques, we can frequently repair damaged frames. Vivid Auto Body Shop handles both minor accident damage with cosmetic repairs and major accident damage that involve frame repair. We have professional frame repair machines and laser measuring systems to ensure best practice repairs.
Are repairs near rust really not guaranteed?
As rust damages the underlying strength of your car’s body panel and can be more widespread than you see or realize. We cannot always ensure that a repair to a rusted area will last. It may expand and in doing so, it will make your car’s exterior weaker and less protective.
Should I make an appointment for a repair estimate?
Most auto body shops are available for free estimates and accept walk-in estimates. This means you are able to walk in during business hours and receive an estimated cost of repairs for your vehicle. We have a convenient Online Estimator Tool to quickly and easily upload pictures of your vehicle damage. One of our trained staff members will get back to you quickly with an estimate.
Why do you have to replace the entire windshield? Can’t you just repair it?
For small windshield cracks we will try our best to provide a repair as opposed to full replacement. However, when a windshield crack reaches more than about 3 inches in length, or has splintered out in numerous directions, it is in the interest of safety that a windshield must be replaced. These larger or oddly shaped cracks compromise the strength of the entire windshield, and if you were to happen to have another object come in contact with your windshield while driving, your entire windshield could give way.
Get Your Auto Repair Questions Answered Today
We know you may have many auto body repair questions that are not on this list, so we are ready to help. Our team is here to answer your questions via our online contact form, in person, or on the phone at 972-737-3288. Whether you have an insurance problem, an auto body repair estimate request, or want to know more about our warranties, our staff members can provide the information you need.
Our team members have years of experience in helping people get the auto body repair services they require. If you are looking for repairs, our team is available to help. Request a free quote today if you need minor auto body repair or collision repair around Collin County, Texas!
Thank you very much for stopping by and visiting us today!
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